Organisation

Avans the Future means driving the future forward. That is what we do at Avans University of Applied Sciences. We help build a stronger, more resilient society.

Our drive to improve fits our core value Ambitious. It is essential in a world full of challenges. Together with our other values, Socially Involved and Personal, it guides everything we do.

Our mission

We aim to make real impact on today’s social challenges. We focus on 4 main themes:

• Health, Care and Well-being
• Safe and Resilient Society
• New Entrepreneurship for Shared Prosperity
• Technological Innovation in Materials and Energy Transition

We connect education, research and collaboration with professional partners. Together we create new knowledge that supports both students and professionals. This way, Avans grows from a university of applied sciences into a knowledge community.

Our goal: to educate flexible, resilient professionals who can adapt, learn and lead in a changing world. They help shape a sustainable future.

Our vision

The world is changing fast. So are our students and the job market. That is why we work flexibly, use data and technology smartly, and learn from each other. Collaboration and innovation keep us valuable—for our students, our partners and society, today and tomorrow.

Our values

We stay true to our 3 values: Socially Involved, Ambitious and Personal.
They define who we are and how we work.

At Avans, we always go one step further. We build on trust, personal leadership and continuous learning. We work in small communities where people know, see and support each other.

Organisation

Avans University of Applied Sciences is a leading knowledge institution in Brabant, the Netherlands. We are known for high-quality education, a friendly atmosphere and strong ties with the professional field.

Since 2022, Avans has been part of PIONEER, a European alliance that became a European University in 2024.

Education

All our departments together comprise the 12 Avans schools. This includes the University of Law Avans-Fontys.

Avans offers programmes in the following areas of interest:

• Economics and Business
• Engineering
• Society and Behaviour
• Health Care
• Science and Technology
• Arts and Culture
• Law and Governance
• Education
• Earth and Environment
• Language and Communications.

Our teaching combines theory and practice. Students work on real-world projects, often in collaboration with companies and organisations.

Research

We develop practical knowledge that benefits both education and society. Avans has 4 Centres of Expertise, 2 Expertise Centres and over 30 research groups that focus on applied research with real impact.

Governance and Participation

The Executive Board leads Avans University of Applied Sciences. The Supervisory Board oversees its policies.
Six service units and two staff departments support the organisation.

The Avans Participation Council represents students and staff and helps shape decisions across all levels.

Subsidiaries

The Avans Foundation includes:

• Avans Contract Activities BV (100%)
• Juridische Hogeschool Avans-Fontys (50%)
• Associate Degrees Academy Avans-HZ