If you want to study electrical engineering in the Netherlands, you can usually choose between a bachelor's and a master's programme. Many programmes are taught in English, especially at master's level, and universities often publish clear entry rules on their admissions pages.
This guide gives you the usual path, typical cost ranges, and where to check the official details before you apply.
1. What you can study
In the Netherlands, electrical engineering is often offered as part of a wider engineering faculty. You may see names like Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or Applied Physics with a strong electronics focus.
- Bachelor's - usually 3 years
- Master's - usually 2 years
- Research universities - more theory and research
- Universities of applied sciences - more practical, but not every school offers a full electrical engineering degree in English
If you already have a relevant bachelor's degree, a master's is often the next step. If you are still in school, a bachelor's is usually the first option.
2. Usual entry requirements
Each university decides its own rules, so always check the programme page. For international students, the most common requirements are:
- A secondary school diploma for bachelor's entry, usually with strong maths and physics
- A relevant bachelor's degree for master's entry
- Proof of English, if the programme is taught in English
- Sometimes extra maths or physics courses
- Sometimes a motivation letter, CV, and transcript review
For bachelor's programmes, universities may ask whether your school qualification is equal to the Dutch VWO level. For master's programmes, they may check whether your previous degree matches the subject well enough.
If your background is not a direct match, the university may ask you to take a pre-master, extra courses, or a foundation route. This depends on the school.
3. English-taught options and language proof
Many Dutch master's programmes in electrical engineering are taught in English. At bachelor's level, English-taught options exist too, but they are less common and the list changes by university.
Typical English proof can include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, or another accepted test. The exact score depends on the university and programme.
- Check the programme page for the accepted tests
- Check whether the university accepts a language waiver
- Check the test date rules, because some schools want recent scores
If you already studied in English, some universities may accept proof from your previous school. Others still want a test. Do not guess - check the admissions page.
4. Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition in the Netherlands depends on your nationality and the university. The ranges below are typical, but always confirm on the official programme page.
- EU/EEA students - usually pay statutory tuition, often around the Dutch government rate each year
- Non-EU students - usually pay institutional tuition, often several times higher than the statutory rate
For many engineering programmes, this means:
- EU/EEA tuition is usually in the low thousands of euros per year
- Non-EU tuition is often in the high thousands to more than 20,000 euros per year, depending on the university
Living costs are separate. In the Netherlands, a student often needs money for rent, food, transport, insurance, books, and daily life. A common planning range is around 1,000 to 1,500 euros per month, but this can be higher in cities with tight housing markets.
Also check:
- Room cost and whether housing is guaranteed
- Health insurance rules
- Residence permit fees, if you need one
- Material or lab fees, if listed by the programme
5. Timeline: when to start
Start early. For international students, the process often takes months because of documents, language tests, housing, and visa steps.
- 9 to 12 months before start - choose programmes and check entry rules
- 6 to 9 months before start - take language tests and collect transcripts
- 3 to 6 months before start - submit your application and upload documents
- After an offer - arrange housing, visa or residence permit if needed, and insurance
Some programmes have earlier deadlines for non-EU students because visa and housing take time. Always check the university admissions page and the national immigration authority if you need a residence permit.
6. Where universities find candidates
Many universities do not wait for you to email them first. They search for students in databases and registers, then contact people who match the programme profile.
To improve your chances of being found:
- List your field clearly, such as electrical engineering, electronics, or embedded systems
- Add your current education level and graduation year
- State your English level and test results if you have them
- Upload transcripts, diploma information, and a short profile
- Keep your profile complete and up to date
This does not replace an application. It only helps admissions teams discover you and start the first contact.
Common questions
Do I need perfect grades to study electrical engineering in the Netherlands?
No single grade level fits all universities. Most schools look at your full academic background, especially maths and physics. Check the programme page for the exact standard.
Can I study electrical engineering in English?
Yes, many master's programmes are in English, and some bachelor's options exist too. The availability depends on the university, so check each programme page carefully.
Can I work while studying?
Many international students can work, but the rules depend on your nationality and residence status. Check the Dutch immigration authority and the university's guidance before you rely on any job plan.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
You stay in control, and you can be visible to universities without sending the same details again and again.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.