Students from More than 14 Countries Join Wittenborg for the May 2026 Intake

15.05.2026

Wittenborg Welcomes Over 50 New Students in AI, Data Analytics and More

As the May 2025 academic block gets underway, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences is once again buzzing with international energy, welcoming more than 50 new students from across the world to its study locations in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich.

The new intake reflects Wittenborg’s continued commitment to international education, with students arriving from countries including India, Iran, Nigeria, Vietnam, Ghana, Pakistan, Tunisia, Zambia, Ukraine, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, the United States and more.

This intake also highlights the growing demand for future-focused and technology-oriented programmes. Many students have enrolled in specialisations such as Applied Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence & Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Smart Industry, Digital Marketing & Communication and FinTech. Entrepreneurship continues to be another major focus area.

Alongside these newer fields, students are also pursuing studies in International Management, Hospitality Management, Health and Social Care, Logistics & Trade, Engineering, Finance, Sport Business Management and Human Resource Management.

The May intake officially began with Wittenborg’s traditional Introduction Week, which started on 4 May. Throughout the week, students participated in sessions designed to familiarise them with staff, facilities and academic systems, while also helping them settle into life in the Netherlands.

The programme included workshops on academic writing, immigration procedures, career development and English support assessments for bachelor’s and master’s students.

During the introductory lunch in Apeldoorn, Wittenborg President Peter Birdsall welcomed the new students, saying: “You’re all on different journeys,” he said. “But in the end, you’re all aiming to get a Dutch degree, which you can be very proud of.”

Drawing from his own experience as an international student who moved from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands, Birdsall encouraged students to embrace cultural differences and make the most of their international experience. He also highlighted the importance of learning Dutch for students hoping to build careers in the Netherlands after graduation.

Birdsall noted that students are beginning their studies at a unique moment in history, with artificial intelligence increasingly shaping both education and the workplace.

“You are coming into a completely Gen-AI dominated world in a way students have never experienced before,” he said. “I’m hoping you’ll learn how to use it ethically and productively.”

He also encouraged students to enjoy the Dutch summer and fully immerse themselves in student life.

Wittenborg student Shadmaan Kottamasoola, who arrived just a week ago, is already enjoying student life and the Dutch lifestyle. Currently living in Wittenborg’s student accommodation in Apeldoorn, he described the school as “a very calm and cool place” and said he especially likes the campus and its location.

“The weather is very pleasant here, and people like cycling a lot,” he said. “People are very fit here, even 64-year-old people are cycling, which is really good to see.”

Sahar Sahebzadeh from Iran also loves the natural surroundings of the Netherlands. Having been in the country for two weeks, she says one of her favourite things so far is simply exploring the area.

“There is beautiful scenery here,” she shared. “I would love to purchase a bicycle soon and explore the forests as well.”

Apeldoorn is known for its green surroundings and cycling culture, with nearby nature areas such as Berg & Bos and the Veluwe offering popular walking and cycling routes.

James Greer, originally from the United States, has joined Wittenborg’s EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) programme in Entrepreneurship & Small Business at the Amsterdam study location.

Encouraged by his wife and close family friends living in the Netherlands, James began researching international business schools before discovering Wittenborg.

“Wittenborg stood out because of its international focus,” he said.

Now based in Amsterdam, James hopes Wittenborg can help him to combine his previous hospitality experience, entrepreneurial ambitions, and international outlook to eventually open his own restaurant in the Netherlands.