NETHERLANDS · TILBURG
Tilburg University
public · Founded 1927 · Languages: nl, en
In short
Tilburg University, founded in 1927, is a Dutch university specializing in social sciences, law, economics, and business, with a strong focus on societal impact. It offers a vibrant international community and is recognized globally for its Business & Economics and Law programmes.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1927
- Students
- 13,000
- International students
- 3,300
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–16k/yr
- Languages
- NL, EN
- Location
- Tilburg, Netherlands
Tilburg University, established in 1927, is a Dutch university specializing in the social sciences, humanities, law, economics, and business. It is known for its focus on human and societal issues, encouraging students and researchers to contribute positively to society. The university fosters a vibrant international community, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
Why study here
- Specialized in social sciences, law, economics, and business with a strong societal focus.
- Benefit from a highly international and inclusive community.
- Opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in areas like labor markets and talent development.
- Part of the ENGAGE.EU alliance, fostering European collaboration.
- Study many programmes in English on a compact, student-focused campus.
Student life
Tilburg University boasts a lively and inclusive campus community with students from over 115 nationalities. The university emphasizes creating opportunities for connection and collaboration, both academically and socially. Various activities and initiatives are available to ensure a well-rounded student experience.
Fees
InternationalTuition for non-EU/EEA international students is the institutional rate, typically around 9,000-11,000 EUR per year for bachelor's programmes and roughly 12,000-16,000 EUR per year for master's programmes, depending on the field.
HomeEU/EEA students pay the statutory Dutch tuition fee, approximately 2,530 EUR per year for a full bachelor's or master's programme (with a reduced rate often available for first-time bachelor's students).
LivingStudents should budget approximately 900-1,200 EUR per month for accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and personal expenses in Tilburg, which is more affordable than the Randstad cities.
All figures are indicative and set annually. Non-EU/EEA students must also budget for health insurance, visa/residence permit costs, and proof of sufficient funds for the immigration process.
Admissions
Bachelor's admissionA secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO, with required subjects for the chosen programme (e.g., mathematics for economics and business).
Master's admissionA relevant bachelor's degree with sufficient background in the discipline; some programmes require specific prior coursework or a minimum GPA.
English proficiencyProof of English proficiency is required for English-taught programmes unless exempted by prior English-medium education.
IELTS6.5 overall (often 6.0 minimum per component)
TOEFL iBT90-100 depending on programme
Cambridge EnglishC1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency
Rankings
Times Higher Education Ranking 2025Top 50 worldwide in Business & Economics
Times Higher Education Ranking 2025Top 50 worldwide in Law
Tilburg University Economics RankingAmong the leading European universities for economics and finance research
University scholarships
Tilburg University ScholarshipPartial tuition (e.g., 5,000 EUR) or full-tuition awards
Orange Knowledge Programme / Holland Scholarship5,000 EUR (Holland Scholarship, first year) or full funding (OKP)
Master's Scholarship Programmes (school-specific)Varies by school and programme
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). The Tilburg School of Economics and Management holds AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS (Triple Crown) accreditation.
For international students
NetherlandsStudent 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.
Programs
a selectionTilburg University · Netherlands
Bachelor Programs at Tilburg University
Tilburg University offers a diverse range of Bachelor's programs across various fields, including Economics, Law, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. Most programs are taught in English, making them accessible to international students. The university provides a dynamic learning environment with a strong focus on academic rigor and practical application. Students can choose from specialized programs or broader degrees, preparing them for a wide array of future career paths.
Bachelor's
Level
€13k
Tuition
—
Duration
Tilburg University · Netherlands
Masteropleidingen
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch 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.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (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.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht 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.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht 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.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft 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).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Tilburg University?
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Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA international students are typically around 9,000-11,000 EUR per year for bachelor's programmes and 12,000-16,000 EUR per year for master's programmes, depending on the field. EU/EEA students pay a statutory fee of approximately 2,530 EUR per year.
What is the cost of living for students in Tilburg?
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Students should budget approximately 900-1,200 EUR per month for living expenses in Tilburg. This includes accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and personal expenses.
What academic fields does Tilburg University specialize in?
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Tilburg University specializes in social sciences, humanities, law, economics, and business. It is known for its focus on human and societal issues and encourages contributions to society.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For English-taught programmes, international students generally need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (often with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or a TOEFL iBT score of 90-100. Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency is also accepted.
Does Tilburg University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Tilburg University offers several scholarships, including the Tilburg University Scholarship (merit-based for non-EU/EEA students), the Holland Scholarship, and school-specific Master's Scholarship Programmes. These can cover partial or full tuition fees.
What is Tilburg University's ranking in Business & Economics and Law?
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Tilburg University is ranked in the Top 50 worldwide for Business & Economics and Law by the Times Higher Education Ranking 2025.
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