If you want to study engineering in the Netherlands, you can usually choose between a bachelor's and a master's degree. Many programmes are taught in English, but the exact entry rules, tuition, and deadlines depend on the university and the programme page.
This guide gives you the main paths, the costs you should expect, and where to start. Use it as a checklist, then confirm details on the university's admissions page and the Dutch immigration site if you need a visa or residence permit.
What engineering degrees you can study
In the Netherlands, engineering is offered at different levels. The two most common are:
- Bachelor's degree - usually for students who are finishing secondary school or already have a comparable qualification.
- Master's degree - usually for students who already have a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or a close subject.
Engineering can include many fields, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace, chemical engineering, computer science, and industrial design. Some universities of applied sciences focus more on practice, while research universities focus more on theory and academic work.
If you are not sure which type fits you, check whether the programme is at a research university or a university of applied sciences. The programme page usually explains the study style, internship options, and the kind of graduates they want.
Typical admission requirements
Entry requirements change by programme, but these are the common patterns:
- Bachelor's programmes often ask for a secondary school diploma that is seen as equivalent to the Dutch VWO level, or a similar international qualification.
- Master's programmes usually ask for a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a close technical field.
- Mathematics and physics are often important, especially for mechanical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering.
- English level is often needed for English-taught programmes, commonly proven with IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
Some programmes may also ask for:
- a motivation letter
- a CV
- transcripts
- course descriptions for your previous studies
- proof of language ability
- a portfolio for design-related programmes
Always check the programme page for the exact list. If your diploma is from outside the Netherlands, the university will usually assess whether it is accepted for direct entry or whether you need a foundation year or extra subjects.
English-taught options and language level
The Netherlands is one of the stronger European choices for English-taught higher education. Many engineering master's degrees are available in English, and some bachelor's programmes are too. But the number of English-taught bachelor's options can be smaller than at master's level.
Universities usually state the required English test score on the programme page. They may accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, or another test. Some universities waive the test if you studied in English before, but that depends on their policy.
Do not guess your level. If the programme asks for a score, plan your test early. Test dates can fill up, and you may need time to send results before the deadline.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition depends on your nationality and the type of programme.
- EU/EEA students usually pay the statutory tuition fee if the programme qualifies for it.
- Non-EU/EEA students usually pay a higher institutional tuition fee.
As a general range, tuition for engineering can be roughly a few thousand euros per year for EU students and often much higher for non-EU students. The exact amount changes by university, level, and programme. Check the official programme page or the university's tuition fee page for the current number.
Living costs are also important. In the Netherlands, students often need to budget for rent, food, health insurance, books, transport, and daily expenses. A realistic monthly budget can be high in larger cities, especially if you rent alone. The university's housing page and the Dutch government or immigration site are better places to check current guidance than social media or old blog posts.
If you need a visa or residence permit, you may also need to show that you can pay for study and living costs. The Dutch immigration authority gives the official financial requirements and the current process.
Application timeline and documents
Start early. For many international students, the process takes several months.
A simple timeline looks like this:
- 9 to 12 months before start - choose programmes, check entry rules, and prepare language tests.
- 6 to 9 months before start - apply, send documents, and follow up if the university asks for more information.
- 3 to 6 months before start - arrange housing, pay any required deposit if asked, and start visa or residence permit steps if needed.
Typical documents include:
- passport or ID
- diploma and transcripts
- English test result
- CV
- motivation letter
- reference letters if required
- course descriptions if you apply for a master's degree
Some programmes have an application deadline in spring or early summer, but the exact date changes. Check the programme page and the university admissions page. If you need a visa, apply early because permit processing can take time.
How universities in the Netherlands find candidates
Dutch universities do not only wait for applicants to search for them. Many admissions teams and programme recruiters also look for candidates who match a specific subject, language level, and degree background.
They usually search for people who already show:
- the right field of study
- the right level, such as bachelor's or master's
- a match in grades, subjects, or work experience
- English level or other language proof
- documents they can review quickly
This means a clear student profile can help. If your background matches a programme, the admissions office may contact you first and ask you to apply or send more details. That does not mean you will get in, but it can save time and help you find options you might miss on your own.
Where to check official information
Use official sources, because details change often.
- University admissions page - for entry requirements, deadlines, programme content, tuition, and documents.
- National immigration authority - for visa and residence permit rules, financial proof, and processing steps.
- Programme page - for language requirements, selection procedure, and whether the programme is English-taught.
- Scholarship's own site - if you want funding, because scholarship rules and dates are very specific.
If a number or deadline matters to your plan, check the official page yourself before you apply. That is the safest way to avoid surprises.
Common questions
Can I study engineering in English in the Netherlands?
Yes, many engineering master's programmes are taught in English, and some bachelor's programmes are too. The exact list depends on the university, so check the programme page.
Do I need strong maths to study engineering?
Usually yes. Most engineering programmes expect good maths, and many also expect physics or related subjects. Check the subject requirements before you apply.
Is the Netherlands expensive for students?
It can be. Tuition and living costs vary a lot, and housing is often the biggest expense. Check the university's fee page and housing advice, then make a budget before you apply.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see whether you fit their engineering programmes. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
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.