If you want to study civil engineering in the Netherlands, you usually choose between a bachelor's and a master's programme. Many programmes are in English, especially at master's level, and Dutch universities often expect strong maths and science results. Always check the university's admissions page and the programme page, because requirements can differ by university.
What you can study
Civil engineering is about roads, bridges, water systems, buildings, geotechnics, transport and coastal protection. In the Netherlands, you will usually find these options:
- Bachelor's degree - usually 3 years at a research university, with a strong theory base.
- Master's degree - usually 1.5 to 2 years, for deeper specialisation.
- Related tracks - some universities use names like civil engineering, structural engineering, water management, transport engineering or environmental engineering.
Check whether the programme is at a research university or a university of applied sciences. The study style is different. Research universities are more theory-focused. Applied sciences are more practical.
Typical entry requirements
For a bachelor's, you normally need a secondary school diploma that gives access to university study in your home country. For a master's, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field.
- Math is usually essential.
- Physics is often required or strongly recommended.
- Chemistry may help, depending on the programme.
- English proof is often needed if you are not from an English-taught school background.
Many universities ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. The exact score depends on the programme. Some universities also ask for a motivation letter, CV, transcripts, course descriptions, and sometimes a portfolio or extra maths proof. Always check the programme page for the exact list.
English-taught options and language
You can find English-taught civil engineering programmes in the Netherlands, especially at master's level. Some bachelor's programmes are in Dutch, and some may have a partly English track or later specialisation in English.
If you want to work in the Netherlands during or after your studies, learning Dutch can help a lot. It is not always required for admission, but it can be useful for internships, part-time work, and daily life.
- Check if the programme is fully English-taught or partly Dutch.
- Check the minimum English test score.
- Ask if foundation or pre-master routes exist if your background does not match exactly.
Cost: tuition and living expenses
Tuition in the Netherlands depends on your nationality and the university. EU/EEA students usually pay the statutory fee, which is much lower than the institutional fee for non-EU students. Non-EU students usually pay a higher institutional tuition fee. Exact amounts change by university and year, so check the programme page and the university fee page.
As a rough guide, many international students should plan for:
- EU/EEA tuition - often around the national statutory range, which is set each year by the government.
- Non-EU tuition - often several thousand euros more per year, sometimes much higher for technical programmes.
- Living costs - often around 900 to 1,500 euros per month, depending on the city and housing.
Living costs usually include rent, food, health insurance, transport, books, phone, and personal spending. Housing can be the hardest part. In cities like Delft, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or Utrecht, rooms can be scarce, so start early.
Application timeline
Start early. For many programmes, you should begin 9 to 12 months before the intake date.
- 9 to 12 months before - shortlist programmes and check entry rules.
- 6 to 9 months before - prepare transcripts, English test, passport, and motivation letter.
- 4 to 6 months before - submit your application and any extra documents.
- After admission - arrange housing, visa or residence permit if needed, and insurance.
Deadlines vary. Some programmes use fixed deadlines for all students. Others have earlier deadlines for scholarships or for non-EU applicants because visa steps take time. Check the university website, and if you are applying for a scholarship, also check the scholarship's own site.
Visa, residence permit and documents
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you may need a visa and residence permit. The university often helps with the process after admission, but the rules come from the Dutch immigration authority. Always check the official immigration website and the university's international office page.
Common documents include:
- passport copy
- official transcripts and diploma
- English test result
- CV
- motivation letter
- sometimes reference letters or course outlines
Keep digital copies ready. Many universities ask for certified translations if your documents are not in English or Dutch.
Common questions
Can I study civil engineering in the Netherlands in English?
Yes, many master's programmes are in English, and some bachelor's options exist too. Check each programme page carefully, because not every university offers the same language route.
Do I need Dutch to get in?
Often no, if the programme is fully taught in English. But Dutch can still help with internships, student life, and future jobs in the Netherlands.
Will the university automatically accept my diploma?
No. The university checks if your diploma gives access to the programme. If your background is close but not exact, they may ask for extra courses or a pre-master route.
How Eduuro helps
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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.