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NETHERLANDS · DELFT

Delft University of Technology

public · Founded 1842 · Languages: en, nl

In short

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is the Netherlands' oldest and largest technical university, offering a wide range of programs with a strong focus on research, innovation, and sustainability. It provides a diverse and inclusive environment for international students across its Delft, The Hague, and Rotterdam campuses.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1842
Students: 26,000
International students: 8,000
Acceptance rate: 20%
Tuition (intl): €17–26k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Delft, Netherlands

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands, renowned for combining science, engineering, and design in a socially responsible manner. Established in 1842, TU Delft is committed to making a global impact through groundbreaking research and education. The university offers a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programmes across various technological and scientific disciplines, focusing on challenges like climate, energy, digitalization, and safety. TU Delft prides itself on its state-of-the-art research facilities, some of which are unique globally. With a vibrant campus life, the university fosters an environment of innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming for a carbon-neutral, climate-adaptive, and circular campus by 2030. It actively engages in valorisation, translating academic work into practical solutions for society in collaboration with industry and public institutions. Beyond its main campus in Delft, TU Delft also has a presence in The Hague and is developing a campus in Rotterdam, extending its reach and focus on addressing complex societal challenges through engineering for policy and health & technology initiatives. The university's strong emphasis on sustainability and its commitment to attracting talented international students through various scholarship programmes make it a leading choice for those seeking a world-class technical education.

Why study here

Conduct in-depth, paid research in a wide range of engineering and scientific fields.
Contribute to a sustainable society through groundbreaking research and innovation.
Benefit from state-of-the-art and globally unique research facilities.
Join a diverse and inclusive academic community committed to high standards of education.
Gain real-world experience through valorisation, connecting academic work to societal challenges and market parties.

Student life

TU Delft offers a lively campus environment where vibrancy and innovation converge. Students can participate in various activities and benefit from facilities like the university library, which has been collecting knowledge for over 180 years. The 'Pub in the basement of the Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) faculty is a popular student-run bar, open Wednesdays and Thursdays, offering a friendly atmosphere and social events. The university actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to be a welcoming place for all students.

Fees

InternationalFor academic year 2025/2026, the institutional rate is €17,310 for Bachelor's and €22,290 for Master's. For 2026/2027, these rates are €19,906 for Bachelor's and €25,633 for Master's. A transitional institutional rate may apply for continuously enrolled students or those who attended a preparatory language year in 2025-2026.

HomeFor academic year 2025/2026, the statutory rate for Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese nationals (or those with a specific Dutch residence permit) is €2,601. For 2026/2027, this rate is €2,694.

Living—

The tuition fee level is set annually and depends on your nationality or residence permit status (statutory vs. institutional rate). Specific fees apply for elective courses, minors, bridging/educational modules, and second studies.

Admissions

International Bachelor's DiplomaApply with an international secondary school diploma.

International Master's DiplomaApply with an international Bachelor's diploma.

PhD AdmissionCandidates typically conduct in-depth paid research; specific admission criteria apply.

Rankings

QS World 202314th worldwide on Sustainability

SustainaBul 20242nd in the Netherlands

University scholarships

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships—

QuTech ScholarshipCovers full tuition fees and contributes to living expenses for two years

Accreditation

TU Delft is a public university in the Netherlands.

For international students

Netherlands

Student visa & funds

Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.

Working while you study

Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.

After you graduate

After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100

Main intakes

SeptemberFebruary

Typical living cost

€1,200/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIND — Fees and required amounts for 2026 · Erasmus University Rotterdam — Working as a non-EU/EEA student · IND — Residence permit for orientation year · Study in NL — Admission requirements · StudyPath — Cost of living in the Netherlands (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Delft University of Technology · Netherlands

Delft University of Technology - Programmes

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) offers a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programmes across various engineering and technology disciplines. The university is dedicated to fostering innovation and providing high-quality education. Programmes are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges and contribute to societal advancements. TU Delft is committed to a stimulating learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Delft University of Technology · Netherlands

MSc Aerospace Engineering

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program at Delft University of Technology offers advanced study in the design, construction, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. This program builds upon a strong foundation in engineering principles, providing students with specialized knowledge in areas such as aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, and structures. Graduates are prepared for careers in the aerospace industry, research institutions, and government agencies, contributing to the development of future aviation and space technologies.

Delft University of Technology · Netherlands

PhD at Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) offers a PhD programme for individuals who wish to conduct in-depth, paid research in their chosen field. As the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands, TU Delft combines science, engineering, and design with a focus on social responsibility. Completing a PhD at TU Delft provides an opportunity to make a significant impact for a better society.

Scholarships

for Netherlands

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Rubicon Programme

For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.

Nuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships

Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.

University of Groningen

Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship

Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.

Maastricht University

UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Delft University of Technology?

For the 2025/2026 academic year, international Bachelor's students can expect to pay €17,310, and Master's students €22,290. These rates will increase for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Where is Delft University of Technology located?

TU Delft's main campus is in the historic city of Delft. The university also has a presence in The Hague and is developing a campus in Rotterdam.

What makes TU Delft stand out for international students?

TU Delft is renowned for its research excellence in science, engineering, and design, its strong commitment to sustainability, and its state-of-the-art research facilities. It also offers a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive campus environment.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

International students applying for Bachelor's programs need an international secondary school diploma, while Master's applicants require an international Bachelor's diploma. Specific criteria apply for PhD admissions.

Are there scholarships available for international students at TU Delft?

Yes, TU Delft offers scholarships like the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships for MSc students. The QuTech Scholarship is a full scholarship for excellent international students in specific quantum-related MSc tracks.

Last updated 3 July 2026