The Hogeschool Zeeland has been named best hbo college in the country.

The college, which is also known as HZ University, was in second place last year, but has now overtaken the Avans Hogeschool in Breda. Hogeschool NHTV, also in Breda, remains in third place.

The ranking was complied by hbo rating group Keuzegids.org. HZ University topped the list with its ‘broad choice’ of 24 bachelor degree courses.

There are two types of degree courses in the Netherlands: the academic-based courses offered by universities and the more vocationally-based courses (HBO or hoger beroepsonderwijs) offered by hogescholen (colleges and academies).

The HBO council and Nuffic use the term ‘university of applied science’ to describe hogescholen.