Wittenborg Welcomes Diverse Cohort for April 2025 Intake

Students from Over 14 Countries Begin Their Wittenborg Journey

As spring breathes new life into the Netherlands, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has welcomed more than 80 new students for its April 2025 intake. These students will be pursuing their studies at Wittenborg's Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich study locations, representing over 14 different countries, including South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Türkiye, Egypt and more.

New students have enrolled in a variety of programmes, spanning Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Management (MBM) and Pre-Master courses. Their chosen specialisations reflect Wittenborg’s commitment to academic diversity, covering fields such as Data Analytics, International Management, Hospitality, Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship.

A Week of Orientation and Connection

To ensure a smooth transition into life as an international student, Wittenborg hosted a comprehensive Introduction Week across its study locations. Students engaged in essential sessions such as 'My Study Journey', providing them with insights into academic expectations, and an Exam Orientation, which familiarised them with Wittenborg’s assessment process. Workshops on academic skills, intercultural communication and ICT services were also offered to equip students with the necessary tools for success.

A unique highlight in Apeldoorn was the introduction to Wittenborg’s TikTok profile, where students are invited to contribute content and showcase their experiences as part of the school's community. Additionally, a Q&A session on legal registration and work placements provided valuable information on part-time job opportunities in the Netherlands. To round it off, students, faculty and staff came together for a Meet & Greet Lunch, creating an opportunity for networking and building new connections.

Stephen Orme, Head of Business Development and Operations at Wittenborg, delivered a heartfelt welcome to the new students during the lunch. Reflecting on his own experiences, he shared:

“Welcome to the Netherlands! I was just three years old when I came here, and I’ve spent my whole life working in higher education. It has been great to see so many students here, and the diversity is truly inspiring. This is very much the culture of Wittenborg."

Orme encouraged students to go out and connect with the Dutch, as there are many events happening at this time of year. "It’s a great time to arrive, so explore everything around you. You’re in the heart of the Netherlands—there is so much more to this country than just Amsterdam. It’s easy to travel from Apeldoorn to other places, and some of the smaller towns are really nice."

He added that while studying hard is important, exploring the local culture also brings benefits. "I encourage you to learn Dutch—it’s fun, useful, and not as difficult as everyone makes it out to be. And don’t worry, it’s not as dark outside anymore either. Eet smakelijk!”

Student Spotlight: Jasmine Shaw

Among the new students is Jasmine Shaw, from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who is pursuing her Marketing Communication & Information (MCI) degree in Apeldoorn. Having previously lived in the Netherlands in 2019, Jasmine was eager to return—this time, as a student.

“I love Dutch people; they are very warm, friendly, and honest. That’s one of the reasons I came back. Wittenborg has been great so far—the staff have been really helpful, and I love my accommodation. The Introduction Week has been a lot to take in, but every single question I’ve had has been answered.”

With aspirations to work in digital media, Jasmine is excited about her academic journey at Wittenborg.

With six intakes per year, Wittenborg remains dedicated to offering flexibility for students to begin their studies

WUP 27/03/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press