| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-07-07 | - |
Program Overview
The Hague Summer School
Introduction
The Hague Summer School in the Netherlands is an innovative two-week modular programme, offering courses on themes related to peace, justice and human rights in the context of European Union cooperation and international relations; the impact of global migration; youth involvement in democracy; sustainable entrepreneurial thinking and sustainable development. The practical application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals serves as the foundational theme of our summer programme.
Why Choose The Hague Summer School?
- You will gain a comprehensive ‘international classroom’ experience, engaging with fellow students, lecturers, and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- You will prepare yourself for a future international career, enrich your personal growth and develop your talents through teamwork, debate and sharing knowledge.
- Learn through practical experiences, real-life cases and applying theories.
- You will make new friends for life from all over the world during your time in The Netherlands.
- Because of the location! The Hague is the United Nations City of Peace, Justice and Security, packed with 131 international institutions, 80 justice organizations, 300 international businesses and numerous NGOs.
- The Hague Summer School includes many field trips to these important international organizations.
- Accommodation and social activities included!
Duration & Language
- 2 weeks
- English
Date & Location
- 7 July – 18 July 2025
- The Hague, Main Campus
Courses
- Peace, Justice, Human Rights & European Union Cooperation
- The Local Impact of Global Migration
- Sustainable Entrepreneurial Thinking
Teaching Methods
The Hague University is a university of applied sciences. This means we employ a problem-solving approach, just like the professional world, with exercises that nurture personal and leadership skills. We include simulations, debates and group work in which you will experience an open-minded and interactive learning environment where it is important to have and debate about opinions. Our guest lecturers come from different private and public fields in The Hague and The Netherlands. Further to that, we include as many field trips as we can to make your learning as practical as possible.
Social Programme
New friendships lay the foundation for fruitful collaborations in the future. The Hague Summer School is not just about academics; it’s also about discovering the city of The Hague and having fun. Student buddies from our university will be with you throughout the programme to help you find your way around and feel comfortable in your new surroundings. In the afternoons and evenings, Summer School students can participate in a lively social and cultural programme.
A Summer to Remember!
In addition to the many educational activities, such as visits to museums and various institutions, we also think it is very important that you experience an unforgettable summer.
You will have ample time to bond and enjoy various activities together. For example, a BBQ at the beach, a boat or cycling tour in Amsterdam, experiencing The Hague nightlife, and above all, creating friendships for life.
THUAS Campus Life
THUAS is a mini United Nations with a blend of around 150 nationalities on campus. You’ll get access to our state-of-the-art facilities, like our library, onsite cafés and free Wi-Fi. You’ll get the chance to make new friends and feel part of our diverse international community.
Testimonials
Mia Livia (United States of America)
"The Hague Summer School gave me a deeper understanding of the world and broadened my perspective. Through the program, I connected with people from diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story to share. Every day brought new lessons, whether about the world or ourselves. As this was my first experience abroad, I returned home with a wealth of knowledge. I realized the value of expanding my understanding—whether through images, making a difference, immersing in different cultures, or simply absorbing new experiences. The connections I’ve made have left a lasting impact, and I highly encourage everyone to apply for this program."
Kevvin Valderrama (Aruba)
"The summer of 2024, unforgettable… Coming from a small island in the Caribbean it all seemed impossible to travel almost 8000 km to the old continent. When I first received the email about the summerschool I was filled completely with questions and doubts. With a little bit of research and assistance from my local university and the hague summer school team everything got into form and felt more comfortable with my new adventure that was about to start. I believe my biggest take-away from the summerschool was the learning of diversity and acceptance among all the staff and students. The learning of new cultures, languages, traditions, food, people and to implement this with courses given in the summerschool was just a life changing experience. In the summerschool you will not just assist to class but also participate in different site-visits, recreational activities with your classmates and visit different cities in the Netherlands. I finalize my testimonial with a very special invitation and encourage to you to don’t miss this experience as it is one you will never regret or forget."
Ali Rashid (Iraq)
"I came across THUAS when I was looking for a summer school in Europe on Human Security and Human Rights. I met wonderful mentors and classmates and each of them have taught me something I cherish until this day. I was exposed to various topics on Human Security, Human Rights, and International politics and this led to my decision to pursue a master’s in International Relations. I encourage everyone to come to THSS and learn about our world, how to become proactive in innovation and address the most critical human security issues, rights and development. Moreover, come and enjoy The Hague summer, the history, the culture, the beauty, and above all the Stroopwafel!"
Valentina Maljak (Croatia)
"One of the most important aspects when I applied for The Hague Summer School, was the multidisciplinary angle that it offered. Moreover, the price, dates and location played a significant role as well. Summer School made me aware of how the world is interconnected and how we can all make a difference if we work together. Furthermore, I have returned to The Hague to pursue a career in international law. I am currently working on articles about the South China Sea conflict together with a friend that I met at The Hague Summer School. I can honestly say that the academic path I have chosen is greatly influenced by my time at The Hague Summer School."
Rafael Moreira (Brazil)
"I have learned about THSS at the international school fair and the most important aspects of THSS was that it offers such study themes as sustainable cities and geopolitics. The most interesting thing that I have learned at THSS was during the lecture on how to make cities more sustainable while, at the same time, developing them. Moreover, THSS has a great body of professionals working to make sure that the modules you take and the time you spend in the country are moments of learning and joy. Finally, before, I only knew that the Netherlands was a beautiful and developed country, but while studying at THSS, I also learned about its art, history, architecture, culture, policies and the Dutch way of life."
Practical Information
Entry Requirements and Registration Deadlines
- Proof of current enrollment in a bachelor or master programme.
- Good knowledge of English; CEFR level B2 or higher (no official certificate, such as IELTS or Cambridge, needed).
- An application letter (400 words/1 A4) explaining your ambitions and motivation to participate in The Hague Summer School and the choice of your elective.
- Final deadline to submit all required documents for your application: 16 May 2025
- Your payment has to be processed on 23 May 2025 at the latest in order to be accepted
- If you still want to join us after registration has closed, please send us a message at [insert email] and we will look into the possibilities.
- Please note that accommodation is only guaranteed if you register and complete your payment before the deadlines mentioned above.
Accommodation, Fees and Payment Options
- Two-week summer school, excluding accommodation: €1250
- Accommodation Options and Fees:
- Classic Shared Dorm: €1830
- Female Exclusive Dorm: €1930
- Shared Dorm with Breakfast and Dinner included: €2130
- Private Single Room: €2200
- The fees above include tuition fee, study materials, fieldtrips and a social programme.
- Students from THUAS partner universities, summer school alumni and early birds (those applying by the 1st of April) get a €100 discount on the tuition fee.
- N.B. Special rates apply to current students of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Please contact us to find out more.
Getting Here
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) is really easy to reach by public transport as it is situated just steps away from the train station The Hague Holland Spoor (HS).
- Always make sure to go to The Hague HS station and not to The Hague Central Station.
- The Netherlands has three airports. If you are flying into our main airport Schiphol Airport, it is very easy to reach THUAS by train and only takes about 30 minutes to get to The Hague HS station.
- Watch this video for instructions on how to get to THUAS from the main airport.
- The other two airports are Rotterdam/The Hague Airport and Eindhoven Airport.
- Rotterdam/The Hague Airport is only a 20-minute journey to THUAS by car, but if you want to travel by public transport it will take about one hour with you at least having to change type of transportation once on the way.
- Eindhoven Airport is about two hours away by public transport or car.
Location and Contact Details
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Main Campus
- Johanna Westerdijkplein 75,
- 2521 EN, The Hague, The Netherlands
Terms and Conditions
- Terms and conditions for The Hague Summer School
Special Rates
- Special rates apply for students currently registered at THUAS
- Please email us at [insert email] to find out more.
Deadline for Registration
- Deadline for registration is 1 June 2025.
About The Hague
- THUAS is located right in the heart of The Hague, so you will get an all-round cultural experience, from galleries packed with Dutch masters to idyllic beaches and parks and buzzing nightclubs.
- The Hague is known as the International City of Peace and Justice and is filled with international legal institutions.
- Since 1913, the Peace Palace has been a centre of world justice, hosting the permanent Court of Arbitrations and the International Court of Justice.
- You’ll also find the International Yugoslavia Tribunal, Europol and the International Criminal Court in The Hague, along with many other courts, tribunals and NGOs.
- You will feel at home straightaway in The Hague. The city has all the benefits of a big city – the museums, restaurants and transport links – with a welcoming village feel.
- The Hague itself has many cultural highlights, including Mauritshuis and the Municipal Museum.
- The city also boasts excellent theatres and music venues and is close to the beach!
FAQ
What are the requirements for The Hague Summer School?
- The Hague Summer School is open to anyone who has completed a first year bachelor’s degree or already has a bachelor’s degree.
- You should have a good working knowledge of the English language (level B2 or higher) before you apply.
- One of the most important entry criteria to summer school is your ambition.
How many ECTS do I get after successful completion of The Hague Summer School?
- The course is worth 4 ECTS.
Are the ECTS valid for my study programme?
- On successful completion of The Hague Summer School modules you will be assigned 4 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.
- Detailed programme descriptions and outlines will be provided to you to facilitate the credit transfer.
- You will have to check with your own study programme whether they will accepts the ECTS.
What are the criteria for the motivation letter?
- The motivation letter should be at least 400 words / 1 A4 and should answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to attend The Hague Summer School?
- What is your motivation for your elective?
- What is your ambition for the future?
Do I receive a proof of participation?
- After you have successfully completed The Hague Summer School you will, in addition to the ECTS, receive a certificate from The Hague University of Applied Sciences outlining the course, the period, and the number of credits.
Is there any IELTS/TOEFL score requirement?
- There is no requirement to have a IELTS / TOEFL score but if English is not your first language, you should have a good working knowledge of the English language (level B2 or higher) before you apply.
- You need to be able to understand your teachers, fellow students, and materials in order to complete your modules.
My passport has expired and I’m in the process of renewing, can I apply to The Hague Summer School?
- Yes, you can apply with your current passport details.
- Once your new passport has been issued, we kindly request you to provide us your new passport details as soon as possible, before travelling to the Netherlands.
I have to upload a proof of enrolment of my university for the application. I am already graduated, what do I have to upload?
- You can upload your diploma.
How can I contact you?
- [insert email]
- [insert email]
Where can I find the terms & conditions for The Hague Summer School?
- Terms and conditions for The Hague Summer School
I need a visa in order to participate in The Hague Summer School. Can you assist me during the process of acquiring one?
- It is your responsibility to obtain a visa.
- However, The Hague Summer School will send you an invitation letter upon request that will serve as a supporting document that outlines your reasons and duration of stay in The Netherlands.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Dates: 1 July – 26 July 2024
- Location: The Hague, Main Campus
- Courses: Peace, Justice, Human Rights, Migration, Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship, Global Citizenship
- Modules:
- General Module (1 ECTS): Exchange Perspectives for Local Impact in Collaboration (EXPLICO)
- Elective 1: Peace, Justice, Human Rights & European Union Cooperation
- Elective 2: The Local Impact of Global Migration
Teaching:
- Problem-solving approach
- Simulations, debates, and group work
