HBO Academy
HBO Academy is a Dutch higher professional education institution (hbo) offering accredited associate degree and bachelor programs in psychology, business, ICT, culinary arts, tailoring, construction, and coaching, primarily for working adults and mbo graduates seeking flexible, part-time, or dual study across five Dutch cities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersHilversum, Netherlands
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What HBO Academy does
HBO Academy is a Dutch higher professional education institution (hbo) operating as Stichting Hoger Onderwijs Da Vinci, founded in 2013 as HBO Drechtsteden and integrated into ROC van Amsterdam - Flevoland in 2020. The institution delivers accredited associate degree and bachelor programs in Toegepaste Psychologie, Business & Innovation, ICT Engineer (Software Development, IT Service Engineer, Functioneel Beheer), Culinary Professional, Tailor Professional, Bouwkunde, Front-end Development, and Karaktercoach, alongside a portfolio of short courses and masterclasses. It targets working adults, mbo graduates seeking hbo progression, school-leavers, and niche segments such as professional footballers through the VVCS partnership.
The institution operates a platform-plus-modules architecture: core multi-year accredited degrees are supplemented by intensive courses (e.g., Intensief voortraject Culinary Professional), masterclasses (corset making, glove making, ladies tailoring), and lifelong learning modules. Programs are delivered across five cities (Amsterdam, Diemen, Dordrecht, Hilversum, Rotterdam) in full-time, part-time, dual, and fully online formats. Enrollment runs through an OSIRIS student administration system, while hybrid and online delivery is supported by Canvas LMS and virtual classroom infrastructure. Distribution leverages partner institutions (MBO College Centrum, BouwAcademie, College of MultiMedia, Postillion Hotel WTC Rotterdam), keeping capital intensity low.
Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees for accredited programs (recurring, paid per academic year in up to 4 installments, with eligibility for Dutch government studiefinanciering) and one-time fees for short courses, masterclasses, and intensive programs such as the 4-week Culinary Professional pathway. GTM is direct-to-consumer: open days, online voorlichting sessions, a program-rich website, and an active social presence drive application volume through OSIRIS. HBO Academy is government-owned through ROC van Amsterdam - Flevoland and operates as a not-for-profit foundation.
HBO Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HBO Academy
- Legal name
- Stichting Hoger Onderwijs Da Vinci
- Website
- https://hbo-academy.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- HBO Academy is a Dutch higher professional education institution (hbo) offering accredited associate degree and bachelor programs in psychology, business, ICT, culinary arts, tailoring, construction, and coaching, primarily for working adults and mbo graduates seeking flexible, part-time, or dual study across five Dutch cities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where HBO Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hilversum
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
HBO Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition fees - accredited degree programs: HBO Academy generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for its accredited Associate degree and Bachelor programs. Tuition is charged per academic year and can be paid in up to 4 installments. For accredited full-time programs, students may apply for Dutch government study financing (studiefinanciering) through DUO.
- Course and training fees: Revenue is also generated from short courses, masterclasses, and intensive programs such as the Culinary Professional intensive pathway (4 weeks), Tailor Professional intensive courses, and other Leven Lang Ontwikkelen (lifelong learning) offerings. Fees vary by program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 21+ Admission Test |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
HBO Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HBO Academy delivers accredited higher professional education (hbo) in the Netherlands, offering Bachelor and Associate degree programs in fields such as Applied Psychology, Business & Innovation, ICT Engineering, Culinary Arts, Construction, and Tailoring, along with short courses, masterclasses, and lifelong learning modules. Programs are provided full-time, part-time, dual, and online via partner campuses and the OSIRIS enrollment platform. The institution specializes in mhbo (integrated mbo-hbo) pathways that allow mbo graduates to progress to hbo qualifications while continuing work.
Product overview
HBO Academy is a higher professional education institution (hbo) offering a diverse portfolio of educational programs at bachelor and associate degree levels. The institution operates on a platform-plus-modules architecture with core degree programs (bachelors and associate degrees) complemented by intensive courses, masterclasses, and specialized programs. Main degree programs include Toegepaste Psychologie (full-time and part-time bachelor), Culinary Professional (associate degree), Business & Innovation (2-year associate degree and 4-year bachelor), Bouwkunde (associate degree), ICT Engineer with three specializations (Software Development, IT Service Engineer, Functioneel Beheer), Tailor Professional (associate degree), and Karaktercoach. The institution also offers short courses and masterclasses in areas like couture corset making, ladies tailoring, glove making, and garment construction. Programs are delivered across multiple locations (Amsterdam, Diemen, Dordrecht, Hilversum, Rotterdam) and in various formats (full-time, part-time, dual, online) to serve working professionals and students seeking vocational mastery at hbo level.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Toegepaste Psychologie (Bachelor) Four-year Bachelor program in Applied Psychology (Toegepaste Psychologie) teaching students to understand, analyze and professionally influence human behavior. Available in full-time and part-time formats, with delivery in Hilversum, Dordrecht, and Rotterdam. Designed for both school-leavers (full-time) and working professionals (part-time).
- Culinary Professional (Associate degree) Two-year dual Associate degree program for cooking professionals that focuses on high-level cooking, entrepreneurship, and developing new culinary techniques. Delivered in Amsterdam at MBO College Centrum and accredited by NVAO. Targets mbo level 4 graduates and working professionals seeking HBO-level culinary credentials.
- Business & Innovation (2-year Associate degree) Two-year part-time Associate degree developing business talent who can identify market opportunities and convert innovative ideas into concrete results. Delivered one evening per week in Hilversum or fully online. Accredited by NVAO and co-developed with VVCS Academy for professional athletes.
- Business & Innovation (Bachelor) Four-year part-time Bachelor program developing entrepreneurial professionals who can sell innovative products and services domestically and internationally. Delivered one evening per week in Hilversum plus fully online. Targets working professionals and athletes (via VVCS Academy partnership).
- Bouwkunde (Associate degree) Two-year dual Associate degree program training students to organize, coordinate, and manage construction processes at operational level, from serial housing to utility construction and renovations. Delivered at BouwAcademie Amsterdam in Diemen.
- ICT Engineer (Associate degree) Two-year Associate degree program (with mhbo integrated option) for working professionals, attending one day per week. Includes three specializations: Software Development, IT Service Engineer, and Functioneel Beheer. Includes external certifications: Microsoft MS900, ICT Security Fundamentals, BISL Foundation. Located in Dordrecht and Hilversum.
- Tailor Professional (Associate degree) Two-year full-time Associate degree program for professional garment makers, focused on artisan principles for creating one-of-a-kind or first garment pieces at top level. Located in Hilversum. Development expertise integrated from Meesteropleiding Coupeur.
- Front-end Development (Associate degree) Two-year full-time Associate degree program (NVAO accreditation in process) in collaboration with College of MultiMedia. Focuses on visual aspects of websites and converting complex web designs into functional, interactive interfaces. Located at College of MultiMedia Amsterdam campus.
- Karaktercoach Coaching program combining Special Forces practical experience with coaching psychology insights. Teaches how to guide people toward ownership, mental resilience, and sustainable change. Developed in partnership with De Karakter Academie.
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework Specialist (Short course) Short course developed in partnership with ESET Nederland that teaches practical implementation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Covers identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks for network and information systems. Targeted at students and IT professionals seeking practical cybersecurity training.
- Intensief Voortraject Culinary Professional Intensive four-week preparation course providing direct access to the Culinary Professional program for prospective students who lack sufficient professional kitchen experience. Includes cooking techniques and practical experience.
- Tailoring Short Courses and Masterclasses Portfolio of lifelong learning (Leven Lang Ontwikkelen) courses and masterclasses covering couture corset making, ladies tailoring, glove making, historical millstone collars (16th-17th century inspired), worker jackets, and bespoke clothing construction. Targets hobbyists, professional development learners, and aspirants to the Tailor Professional Associate degree.
Quantifiable outcome
- NSE student satisfaction improved from 3.22 (2023) to 3.55 (2024) across all programs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use HBO Academy
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
HBO Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
HBO Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Koning Willem I CollegecoreHBO Academy and Koning Willem I College signed a cooperation agreement to enable accelerated mbo-to-hbo progression. The partnership launched the mhbo Business & Innovation program in the 2025-2026 academic year, integrating mbo and hbo courses in a single continuous pathway. Both institutions aim to expand the collaboration to other programs and locations.
- ESET NederlandminorHBO Academy and ESET Nederland co-developed the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Specialist short course. ESET provides deep cybersecurity expertise and industry knowledge; HBO Academy contributes didactic and educational design. The second edition of the course launched in October 2024, following a successful first cohort of seven participants.
- College of MultiMedia (CMM)coreHBO Academy and College of MultiMedia co-developed the two-year full-time Front-end Development associate degree program, launched in September 2024. CMM contributes artistic and multimedia expertise while HBO Academy provides theoretical and technical knowledge. The program is delivered at CMM's Amsterdam campus.
- Nationaal OnderwijsmuseumminorHBO Academy and the Nationaal Onderwijsmuseum signed a cooperation agreement for structural collaboration, including student internships, projects, and joint organization of activities. The museum provides placement opportunities for HBO Academy students, while the institution contributes latest knowledge and insights through student trainees.
- FC DordrechtminorHBO Academy and FC Dordrecht launched a joint initiative for talent development, lifelong learning, and vitality. Over 20 weeks, Toegepaste Psychologie students and FC Dordrecht players and coaches collaborate on youth player guidance, exploring topics of personal development, healthy lifestyle, and teamwork. The initiative also shares knowledge with other regional sports clubs.
- MBO College Centrum (ROC van Amsterdam)coreMBO College Centrum hosts the Culinary Professional and Intensief Voortraject programs at its Amsterdam Kookfabriek facility. The college provides physical infrastructure and practical training environments while HBO Academy provides the accredited hbo-level curriculum and certification.
- ROC van Amsterdam - FlevolandcoreHBO Academy became part of ROC van Amsterdam - Flevoland in 2020. The partnership focuses on joint development and delivery of mbo-hbo integrated programs (mhbo pathways), enabling seamless progression from mbo to hbo level. Programs such as Culinary Professional, ICT Engineer, and Tailor Professional are co-developed and delivered with ROC van Amsterdam - Flevoland's MBO colleges.
- VVCS Academy (Voetballersvakbond)coreVVCS Academy, the Dutch professional footballers' union, partners with HBO Academy to offer the Business & Innovation program specifically designed for professional footballers. The partnership enables footballers to study while active in their careers, preparing them for post-sports careers. The program is delivered flexibly (one evening per week plus online) to accommodate training schedules.
- Meesteropleiding CoupeurminorMeesteropleiding Coupeur collaborated with HBO Academy and ROC van Amsterdam - Flevoland to develop the Tailor Professional associate degree. The expertise and network of Meesteropleiding Coupeur were integrated into the new accredited program. The foundation has since ceased operations, with its knowledge preserved within HBO Academy's offerings.
- NOA (Niveauassessment)minorHBO Academy uses NOA (Netherlands) as its external partner for administering the 21+ admission test (niveauassessment) for prospective students who do not hold the required prior education (havo, vwo, or mbo4 diploma). NOA administers the MCT-A capacity test, language scan, and English reading comprehension test online under supervision.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
HBO Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- NHL Stenden Hogeschool: Dutch hogeschool formed from the merger of NHL and Stenden, with multi-campus presence and international branches. Comparable to HBO Academy's multi-city delivery model and broad professional program portfolio.
- Hogeschool Utrecht (HU): Major Dutch hogeschool with nationwide reach, offering bachelor's, associate degree, and master's programs across business, technology, education, and social sciences. Comparable to HBO Academy across multiple program areas but with significantly larger enrollment and brand recognition.
- Avans Hogeschool: Large Dutch hogeschool with campuses in Breda, Tilburg, Den Bosch, and Roermond, offering hbo programs across multiple professional fields. Comparable to HBO Academy's broad multi-disciplinary portfolio but at significantly larger scale.
- Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA): Largest hogeschool in the Amsterdam region with tens of thousands of students across multiple disciplines including ICT, business, and applied psychology. Directly comparable to HBO Academy's Toegepaste Psychologie, ICT Engineer, and Business & Innovation offerings, but at significantly greater scale and broader portfolio.
- Saxion Hogeschool: Major Dutch hogeschool based in Enschede, Deventer, and Apeldoorn with strong technology and engineering programs. Particularly relevant peer for HBO Academy's ICT Engineer and Bouwkunde programs.
- Windesheim Hogeschool: Major Dutch hogeschool based in Zwolle and Almere, with programs across business, technology, health, and education. Comparable to HBO Academy's multi-city, multi-disciplinary hbo offering.
Direct peers
- Capabel Hogeschool: Smaller Dutch hogeschool focused on flexible and dual learning pathways for working professionals. Comparable to HBO Academy's dual and part-time delivery model and similar target audience of working adults.
- LOI (Leidse Onderwijsinstellingen): Major Dutch distance learning provider offering mbo, hbo, and university-level programs primarily online. Comparable to HBO Academy's online and hybrid delivery model for working adults seeking hbo-level credentials.
- Nyenrode Business Universiteit: Dutch private business university offering bachelor's, master's, and executive education in business and management. Comparable to HBO Academy's Business & Innovation programs, with both targeting working professionals and career changers.
- Hotelschool The Hague: Specialized Dutch higher education institution focused on hospitality, hotel management, and culinary arts at hbo level. Directly comparable to HBO Academy's Culinary Professional associate degree, both targeting hbo-level professional training in culinary arts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HBO Academy social profiles
Digital presenceHBO Academy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
HBO Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HBO Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
HBO Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HBO Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HBO Academy
What does HBO Academy do?
HBO Academy delivers accredited higher professional education (hbo) in the Netherlands, offering Bachelor and Associate degree programs in fields such as Applied Psychology, Business & Innovation, ICT Engineering, Culinary Arts, Construction, and Tailoring, along with short courses, masterclasses, and lifelong learning modules. Programs are provided full-time, part-time, dual, and online via partner campuses and the OSIRIS enrollment platform. The institution specializes in mhbo (integrated mbo-hbo) pathways that allow mbo graduates to progress to hbo qualifications while continuing work.
Is HBO Academy a public or private company?
HBO Academy is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was HBO Academy founded?
HBO Academy was founded in 2013. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is HBO Academy based?
HBO Academy is headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does HBO Academy make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition fees - accredited degree programs are the primary driver. The others are course and training fees.
Who are HBO Academy's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are NHL Stenden Hogeschool, Hogeschool Utrecht (HU), Avans Hogeschool, Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), Saxion Hogeschool and Windesheim Hogeschool. Direct peers are Capabel Hogeschool, LOI (Leidse Onderwijsinstellingen), Nyenrode Business Universiteit and Hotelschool The Hague.
Does HBO Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for HBO Academy.