What do you want to know?
- What does my future look like?
- What does the location look like?
- What is the curriculum?
- What will my weekly schedule be like?
- What is it like to live in the Netherlands (The Hague)?
- Who are the teachers?
- Who are my fellow students?
- When is the Open Day?
- Can I speak to someone?
- Is there a page to help convince my parents?
- Tuition fees & financial support
Does your heart beat faster at the thought of your own business?
Your head is full of ideas and dreams. You’re eager to build your own business. Maybe you already know exactly what you’re going to do, but if you’re not quite sure yet, that’s okay too.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you probably want to talk about business ideas every day. Chances are you currently feel like you have to hide a part of yourself. In the world of Unknown, you will meet people who think entrepreneurially too, who inspire you, and who help you move forward.
Are you ready to step into the Unknown?
Founders fix the future
Let's talk about your future
Studying for 4 years feels like an eternity. Especially when there's only one thought occupying your mind: I want to be an entrepreneur.
Imagine a future where you not only have a degree, but also a rock-solid foundation for your business. Or think further: after 4 years, your business is already thriving, and it's time for the next steps in growth.
Does this future fit you?
The hague / DEN HAAG
Impression of the location
You step into a place that breathes entrepreneurship. As a student, you walk among the owners of startups and scale-ups. They are present every day, working on their businesses. You attend your classes here, have lunch with other entrepreneurs, and then head to the Incubator to work on your own business.
Our program
Over a course of four years at Unknown University of Applied Sciences, you'll attend weekly workshops, receive personalized coaching, and team mentoring for your business projects. Apply these lessons immediately to your business. Here’s an overview of your yearly courses.
Year 1
- Agile Working
- Highly Effective
- Entrepreneurship
- Impact entrepreneurship
- Trendwatching
- Anthropology
- Effectuation
- Value creation
- Design thinking
- Incubator
Year 2
- Lean startup
- Brilliance of Failure
- Business Model
- Innovation
- Finance for Entrepreneurs
- Branding
- Lean Pricing
- Preventing Legal Mistakes
- Growth Hacking
Year 3
- Intrapreneurship
- Future Tech Service
- Innovation Design
- Scaling a Startup
- Understand and Understood
- Present your Startup
- Alternative Finance
- Sales
Year 4
- Art of Leadership
- Hiring and Firing
- Predicting
- Irrationality
- Systems Thinking
- Future Proofing
- Ready to Rise
- Aptitude Test
Weekly schedule
Over a course of four years at Unknown University of Applied Sciences, you'll attend weekly workshops, receive personalized coaching, and team mentoring for your business projects. Apply these lessons immediately to your business. Here’s an overview of your yearly courses.
Academic activities
Work on your business
Get to know the city
Living in The Hague
Chances are you’re not from The Hague in the Netherlands. Borders don’t limit your ambition, and we understand that. But it’s important to have a comfortable place to live during your time at Unknown. We have various housing options available and will help wherever we can to find the right place for you to stay.
Teachers Founders / Specialists
Christiaan Maats
Founder OAT Shoes
Founder of the world’s first biodegradable shoes that bloom teaches how to create a better world, from person to brand to product.
Noor Figdor
Founder Feelou
Validation expert and founder of Feelou, an innovative pregnancy bra.
Rutger Planken
Director Europe 365RetailMarkets
A true intrapreneur as a former global director eCommerce at Unilever and currently rolling out a US-based retail concept in Europe.
Jan Saan
CTO CM.com
Jan stood at the foundation of building CM.com as CTO into europe’s largest communication and payment platforms. A true master of scaling.
Meet our students
Our students say they really appreciate meeting fellow students and entrepreneurs with whom they can connect. It’s great to work with like-minded people.
Tuition Fees & Financial Support
We aim to provide you with a clear overview of all your expected costs. Also, you have the opportunity to receive financial support for your entrepreneurial journey.
Tuition Fees
For both EU and non-EU citizens, tuition fees are €14.200 per year. (EU citizens can receive a €700 discount if paid in a single installment)
Funding through DUO
If you are unable to fund your studies with us yourself, you may be able to use loans from the Dutch government, through DUO.
F.A.Q.
Got questions? You’re not the only one. Here are the most common ones – answered.
Admissions what are the admission requirements?
You need a high school diploma (or equivalent) that allows entry to higher education in your country. Not sure if you qualify? Book a quick call.
Do I need a business idea to apply?
No – you’ll develop one during the program.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No – our programs are fully in English.
Study & Program How does the curriculum work?
Our Bachelor's is structured in 8 blocks per year, across 4 years. You learn by building your business while attending hands-on classes and coaching.
What kind of support will I get?
Every student gets personal coaching, access to experts, and a close peer group.
Housing & Living Can you help me find housing?
Yes – we support students in finding reliable, safe housing near the campus.
What’s the average rent?
Between €600–€950/month. See more on the Student Housing page.
Finance & DUO How much does the program cost?
€15,000 per year. Payment in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments is possible.
Can I apply for a DUO loan?
Dutch and EU students can. EU students must meet income requirements (32 hrs/month). More about DUO here.
Visa & International Students Do I need a visa to study at Unknown?
If you're from outside the EU/EEA, yes. We’ll guide you through the process with our visa partner (CEPA).
Is The Hague international student–friendly?
Very. English is widely spoken and the city actively supports student life.
Try-Out & Events Can I visit the campus before applying?
Yes – join our Try-Out Day or come to an Open Day.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes – you can also book a virtual info call.
Can I combine this study with a part-time job?
Yes, you can. Many of our students work part-time alongside their studies. In fact, we actively encourage students to find meaningful part-time roles that align with their entrepreneurial journey. Through our startup network in Titaan, some students land jobs in startups or scale-ups – gaining valuable experience while earning an income. It’s a chance to work in a dynamic environment that complements what you’re building in the program.
What’s the difference between Unknown University and a traditional university?
At a traditional university, you mostly learn from books and lectures, with the goal of passing exams. At Unknown University, you learn by doing. From day one, you build a real business. You work on real problems, get coached by entrepreneurs, and are surrounded by startups in Europe’s largest impact hub. You graduate not only with a degree, but also with a tested business and a track record.
Do I need to already know what kind of business I want to start?
No – and many students don’t. If you already have a clear idea or a business in progress, that’s great. But most of our students start with just a curiosity or interest area. In the first phase of the program, you’ll learn how to identify promising opportunities, validate ideas, and choose a direction that fits you. You’ll gain the tools and confidence to ideate and experiment, even if you don’t know your business idea yet.
How international is the student community?
Our community is truly global. Students from more than 35 countries have joined Unknown University, creating a rich and diverse environment. Approximately 70% come from Europe and 30% from outside Europe. You’ll meet peers from the US, Brazil, Nigeria, China, South Africa, Spain, the Netherlands, and many more places. The international setting adds to the learning experience – exposing you to new cultures, ideas, and business perspectives.
Is this program officially accredited?
Yes. Our Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation is accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders). This means the program meets high academic standards and is recognized across Europe and internationally. Your degree will be valid for further study and career opportunities worldwide.
What happens if my startup fails during the program?
Failure is a normal and valuable part of entrepreneurship. If your startup doesn’t work out, it’s not the end – it’s a learning moment. Throughout the program, you’ll be expected to work on a venture, but that venture can evolve. You can pivot your idea, start something new, or even join forces with others. What matters is the process: how you learn, adapt, and move forward. You’ll be supported every step of the way by coaches and mentors.
Can I start at any time of the year?
The full-time Bachelor program officially starts in September, aligning with the Dutch academic year. However, there is some flexibility: students can join during Block 1 or Block 2 (September–October) if they need a slightly later start. We also offer a Pre-Bachelor track starting in March, which prepares students to join the full cohort the following September.
How intensive is the program – how many hours per week?
You can expect 20 to 30 hours of contact time per week – this includes classes, coaching, and workshops. In addition, you’ll work independently on your own business. Because it’s your own project, many students invest more hours out of passion and ambition. The intensity is real, but so is the excitement: you’re not just learning – you’re building something that matters.
