The Hague, often referred to as the “International City of Peace and Justice,” is a global hub for diplomacy, international law, and governance, hosting over 131 international institutions and 80 justice organizations, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Europol. This unique concentration of global bodies makes The Hague a critical center for addressing pressing international challenges, from human rights to global security. Complementing this role, the city’s universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) leverage The Hague’s international environment to offer programs tailored to global issues, fostering talent that shapes policy, law, and innovation worldwide. This article explores the international significance of The Hague and the pivotal role its academic institutions play in preparing students for global careers.
The Hague’s Global Significance
The Hague’s status as a global hub stems from its deep-rooted history and strategic positioning. As the seat of the Dutch government and home to the royal family, the city has long been a center of political influence. Its international prominence grew with the establishment of institutions like the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 1899 and the ICJ in 1945, cementing its reputation as a leader in international law and arbitration. Today, The Hague hosts over 115 embassies and multinational corporations like Shell and Siemens, creating a dynamic ecosystem for diplomacy, business, and governance.
The city’s focus on peace, justice, and security aligns with global priorities, such as conflict resolution, climate change, and cybersecurity. The Hague’s proximity to Rotterdam’s port and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport enhances its accessibility, making it a convenient base for international students and professionals. Additionally, its vibrant cultural scene, affordable cost of living compared to other European capitals, and 11 kilometers of coastline at Scheveningen and Kijkduin make it an attractive destination for students seeking a balance of academic rigor and quality of life.
Higher Education Institutions in The Hague
The Hague is home to nine colleges and universities, enrolling over 30,000 students, including a significant proportion of international students from more than 140 countries. These institutions capitalize on the city’s international environment to offer programs in English and Dutch, focusing on fields like international law, hospitality, and applied sciences. Below is an overview of key HEIs and their contributions to The Hague’s global academic influence.
The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)
THUAS, established in 1987 through the merger of multiple institutions, is the largest HEI in The Hague, with nearly 26,000 students from over 140 countries. The university emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through internships and industry partnerships, offering 10 English-taught bachelor’s programs, such as International and European Law, International Business, and Safety and Security Management Studies, as well as master’s programs through The Hague Graduate School.
THUAS’s programs align with The Hague’s international focus, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, law, and global business. Its seven Centres of Expertise conduct practice-oriented research on societal issues like inclusive education, AI, and safety, fostering solutions with real-world impact. The university’s collaboration with organizations like DUWO for student housing and its career services, including internship fairs and networking events, enhance its appeal for international students. Despite challenges like housing shortages, THUAS’s accreditation by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) and adherence to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) ensure global recognition of its degrees.
Leiden University – Campus The Hague
Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest research universities, has operated in The Hague for over 25 years, with a vibrant city campus hosting over 7,000 students across 26 bachelor’s and master’s programs. The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) and Leiden University College The Hague (LUC) focus on themes like international law, peace and security, globalization, and urban issues, reflecting The Hague’s role as a global justice hub.
LUC, an English-language honors college, offers a Liberal Arts and Sciences program centered on global challenges like peace, justice, sustainability, and diversity. Its small-scale, student-centered approach and residential community attract highly motivated international students. FGGA researchers contribute to global discourse, with recent publications in outlets like The Conversation addressing topics like technology for peace and fair partnerships with Africa. The campus’s strategic location near international institutions facilitates guest lectures and internships, enhancing students’ exposure to global policy-making.
Hotelschool The Hague
Founded in 1929, Hotelschool The Hague is one of the world’s leading hospitality management schools, ranked among the top globally by QS World University Rankings. With campuses in The Hague and Amsterdam, it hosts over 2,850 students and offers a four-year Bachelor in Hospitality Management, a fast-track bachelor’s, and master’s programs like the MBA in Hospitality Management.
The school’s strong industry connections and hands-on training in its own hotel and restaurants prepare graduates for leadership roles in the global hospitality sector. Its international reputation and alumni network, with graduates holding management positions worldwide, underscore its contribution to The Hague’s global influence.
Inholland University of Applied Sciences
Inholland’s The Hague campus, located on Theresiastraat, emphasizes a personal, inclusive learning environment where students are “known by name.” It offers English-taught programs in fields like business and creative industries, fostering talent development in a diverse, international setting. Inholland’s collaboration with local businesses and the municipality ensures students engage in enriching activities, from internships to cultural events, aligning with The Hague’s global outlook.
Royal Academy of Art (KABK) and Royal Conservatoire
The Royal Academy of Art, established in 1682, is one of the oldest art schools in the world, mentoring students to become independent artists and designers with global perspectives. Similarly, the Royal Conservatoire, the Netherlands’ oldest music academy, blends tradition with innovation, training students under leading international musicians and dancers. Both institutions contribute to The Hague’s cultural vibrancy, attracting creative talent worldwide and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
Part of Erasmus University Rotterdam, ISS is a global leader in development studies and international relations, hosting hundreds of students in its PhD and master’s programs. Its focus on social, political, and economic development aligns with The Hague’s mission of addressing global challenges, making it a key player in training policymakers and researchers.
Other Institutions
The Hague also hosts branch campuses of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and The Hague Academy of International Law, which offers post-academic summer courses at the Peace Palace. These institutions enhance the city’s academic diversity, covering engineering, law, and public policy, and leverage The Hague’s international networks for research and education.
International Impact of The Hague’s HEIs
The Hague’s HEIs amplify the city’s global influence by producing graduates who contribute to international law, diplomacy, hospitality, and sustainable development. Their programs, often taught in English, attract a diverse student body, with THUAS alone hosting students from over 140 countries. This diversity fosters cross-cultural collaboration, preparing students to navigate global challenges. The close proximity to international organizations allows for internships and guest lectures, bridging academia and practice.
The Hague’s universities also contribute to global research. Leiden University’s FGGA, for example, conducts cutting-edge research on AI, diversity, and peacebuilding, influencing policy worldwide. THUAS’s Centres of Expertise address societal issues like digital transformation and sustainability, aligning with UNESCO’s focus on quality higher education for economic and social change. The city’s HEIs are accredited by NVAO and adhere to the ECTS, ensuring their degrees are recognized globally, facilitating student mobility and employability.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their strengths, The Hague’s HEIs face challenges, including a housing shortage that complicates accommodation for international students. THUAS and other institutions mitigate this through partnerships with providers like DUWO, but early application is critical. Additionally, recent Dutch policies, such as the Internationalisation in Balance bill, aim to reduce English-taught programs to prioritize Dutch students, potentially impacting international enrollment. However, The Hague’s HEIs continue to offer a robust selection of English-language programs, particularly at the master’s level, maintaining their global appeal.
Opportunities abound due to The Hague’s international ecosystem. The city’s student organizations, like the Hague Model United Nations Society and cultural groups, foster global citizenship and networking. Scholarships like the Holland Scholarship and World Citizen Talent Scholarship support international students, enhancing accessibility. The Hague’s proximity to global businesses and NGOs offers unparalleled internship and career opportunities, positioning graduates to lead in fields like law, hospitality, and public policy.
The Hague’s international importance as a hub for peace, justice, and governance is amplified by its dynamic higher education institutions. Universities like THUAS, Leiden University’s Campus The Hague, Hotelschool The Hague, and others leverage the city’s global environment to offer programs that prepare students for leadership in international arenas. By fostering diverse, practical, and research-driven education, these institutions ensure The Hague remains a vital center for cultivating talent that addresses global challenges. As the city continues to balance internationalization with local priorities, its HEIs will play a critical role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future for students and the global community.
