Delft is a small Dutch student city with a strong focus on science, design, and engineering. It is home to one main university and is close to other big study cities, so many students live there and study in the wider Randstad area. If you want to study in Delft, it helps to know where to look, what English-taught options exist, and how daily costs usually compare with the rest of the Netherlands.
What universities and colleges are in Delft?
The main higher education institution in Delft is Delft University of Technology, often called TU Delft. It is best known for engineering, technology, architecture, design, computer science, and applied research. Most international students who choose Delft do so because of TU Delft.
- TU Delft - the main university in the city and the best-known option for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD study.
- Associate and research links - Delft is connected to research institutes, incubators, and innovation partners, which can matter if you want project-based study.
If you want to study something outside engineering or design, you may need to look in nearby cities such as The Hague, Rotterdam, or Leiden. Delft is well connected by train, so many students live in one city and study or work in another.
Always check the university’s admissions page for the exact programme list, language, entry requirements, and application steps. Programme pages can change from year to year.
English-taught study in Delft
TU Delft offers many English-taught master’s programmes and some English-taught bachelor’s options, especially in technical fields. English is common in classrooms, tutorials, and student services, but Dutch is still useful for daily life, part-time work, and some housing or admin tasks.
- Check the programme page for the teaching language before you apply.
- Look at the admissions requirements for your school background, grades, and English level.
- If your previous education was not in English, the university may ask for proof such as IELTS or TOEFL, but the exact accepted tests and scores depend on the programme.
For international pupils who are still at school, the most important step is to compare your diploma with the entry rules on the university site. For students already in higher education, the match between your current degree and the Delft programme matters a lot.
Costs, rent, and daily life
Delft is usually not the cheapest student city in the Netherlands. Rent can be high because student housing is limited and demand is strong. In general, Delft is often more expensive than smaller Dutch cities and can be similar to other popular university cities in the west of the country.
- Rent - student rooms and studios are usually the biggest cost. Shared rooms are often cheaper than private studios.
- Food - supermarkets are fairly similar to the rest of the Netherlands, but eating out adds up quickly.
- Transport - Delft is very cycle-friendly, so many students use a bike instead of public transport for daily travel.
- Other costs - books, insurance, phone plans, and study materials can add regular expenses.
For a realistic budget, check the university’s own cost-of-living page and compare it with your housing situation. The number depends a lot on whether you get a room in student housing, rent privately, or live outside Delft and commute.
Student housing in Delft
Housing is one of the hardest parts of moving to Delft. Many students search early because rooms can be limited, especially before the autumn intake. If your university offers housing help, use it as soon as you are allowed to.
- Start looking as early as the university tells you to.
- Use the official housing pages and trusted student housing platforms.
- Be careful with scams. Never pay before you verify the landlord, contract, and address.
- If the city centre is too expensive, look at nearby neighbourhoods or nearby towns with good train and bike links.
Some universities support international students with a housing process for the first months, but this is not guaranteed for everyone. Check the university admissions or housing page to see what is available for your intake and degree level.
Transport, work, and student life
Delft is easy to move around by bike. Many students buy or rent a bicycle because it is often the fastest way to travel between home, campus, shops, and the station. The train station also makes it easy to reach The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and other Dutch cities.
- Bike - the most common student option for local travel.
- Train - useful for commuting, city trips, and airport travel.
- Bus and tram - helpful for some routes, especially beyond the city centre.
If you want to work part-time, check the national immigration authority and your residence permit rules before you start. The rules for international students can depend on your nationality and permit type. Also check whether you need a work permit and how many hours you are allowed to work.
Student life in Delft is active but smaller and calmer than in a giant city. You can expect study groups, student associations, sports clubs, and project-based teamwork. Because the city is compact, it is easier to meet the same people often, which can help you settle in.
How to apply and get noticed
To be seen by admissions offices in Delft, make your profile and application clear and complete. Use the university’s official admissions page for the exact steps, deadlines, and document list for your programme.
- Prepare your diploma, transcript, passport, and English proof if needed.
- Write your study interests clearly. Say what field you want, not just that you want to study in the Netherlands.
- Show your background honestly. Include grades, projects, competitions, internships, or work that match the programme.
- Check each programme’s entry rules before you spend time on an application.
Admissions teams often look first for students whose profile matches the course they offer. The clearer your profile, the easier it is for them to understand why you fit.
Common questions
Is Delft a good city for international students?
Yes, if you want a strong academic city with a focus on engineering, technology, and design. It is smaller than Amsterdam or Rotterdam, but that can make daily life simpler.
Is living in Delft expensive?
It can be. Rent is often the biggest challenge, and housing can be harder to find than in some other Dutch cities. Always compare your budget with the university’s own cost guidance.
Can I study in English in Delft?
Often yes, especially at TU Delft, where many master’s programmes and some bachelor’s programmes are in English. Still, you should always check the official programme page for the exact language and entry rules.
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