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NETHERLANDS · TILBURG

Tilburg University

public · Founded 1927 · Languages: en, nl

In short

Tilburg University is a Dutch research university in the southern Netherlands, known for its strong programs in humanities, digital sciences, law, economics, and social sciences. It offers a diverse, international academic environment on a modern, green campus.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1927
Students: 13,000
International students: 115
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition (intl): €3–20k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Tilburg, Netherlands

Tilburg University is a Dutch university dedicated to society since 1927. Located in Tilburg, Netherlands, it offers a diverse and inclusive academic environment with students from many nationalities. The university is recognized for its strong focus on humanities, digital sciences, law, economics, and social sciences, aiming to contribute to a resilient society by addressing contemporary challenges. The university's campus is green, compact, and designed for interaction, featuring modern study facilities, a library, and various student amenities. Tilburg University emphasizes a personalized learning experience and fosters an international perspective through its participation in the ENGAGE.EU alliance, a network of ten European universities. Tilburg University values knowledge development, skills enhancement, and character building within its educational profile, preparing students for future challenges and societal impact. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and research driven by curiosity and intrinsic motivation.

Why study here

Engage with a diverse international community, fostering a global perspective.
Benefit from highly-ranked programs, especially in Business & Economics, Law, and Accounting & Finance.
Experience a modern, green campus with excellent facilities for study, sports, and social interaction.
Access interdisciplinary education that combines humanities and digital sciences, preparing you for the future.
Participate in the ENGAGE.EU alliance for enhanced international and interdisciplinary opportunities, including virtual exchanges and summer schools.

Student life

Tilburg University's campus is designed as a green, compact, and integrated community space where almost all activities are concentrated. Students benefit from short communication lines with staff and access to a modern library, cybercafés, e-learning centers, and various individual and group study areas. The campus also features a Sports Center, a Community Garden where students and staff can volunteer, and the DAF Technology Lab for advanced research. Student Career Services offers extensive support for career preparation, including workshops on personal branding, networking, CV creation, and job application advice, extending up to a year after graduation.

Fees

InternationalInternational students pay €2,694–€19,900 per year depending on program. EU/EEA students pay the statutory tuition fee (~€2,530/yr). Non-EU students pay institutional fees varying by program.

HomeEU/EEA students pay the statutory Dutch tuition fee of approximately €2,530 per academic year.

LivingLiving costs in Tilburg average €900–€1,100 per month including housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Scholarships such as the Holland Scholarship (€5,000) and Tilburg Excellence Scholarships are available for exceptional international students.

Admissions

IELTS Academic (Bachelor)Minimum total score of 6.0, with minimum subscore of 5.5 for Speaking and Writing

TOEFL iBT (Bachelor - test reports on or after Jan 21, 2026)Minimum total score of 4.5, with minimum subscore of 4 for Speaking and Writing

TOEFL iBT (Bachelor - test reports before Jan 21, 2026)Minimum total score of 80, with minimum subscore of 17 for Speaking and 19 for Writing

Cambridge English (Bachelor)C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum total score of 169, and minimum subscore of 162 for Speaking and Writing

IELTS Academic (Master)Minimum total score of 6.5, with minimum subscore of 6.0 for Speaking and Writing

TOEFL iBT (Master - test reports on or after Jan 21, 2026)Minimum total score of 5, with minimum subscore of 5 for Speaking and Writing

TOEFL iBT (Master - test reports before Jan 21, 2026)Minimum total score of 95, with minimum subscore of 25 for Speaking and 24 for Writing

Cambridge English (Master)C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum total score of 193, and minimum subscore of 185 for Speaking and Writing

Rankings

Times Higher Education 2025Top 50 in Business & Economics and Law

QS World University Rankings 2026#347

QS Subject – Accounting & Finance 2026#77

University scholarships

VSB Fonds Scholarship—

Accreditation

NVAO – Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation

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 →

Tilburg University · Netherlands

Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence (MSc)

This two-year Master's program offers a deep dive into the intersection of human cognition and artificial intelligence. You will learn to research and develop innovative solutions and applications by combining knowledge from cognitive science and AI, utilizing advanced techniques like deep learning and Bayesian modeling. The program explores various aspects of intelligence, including reasoning, learning, perception, and communication, from both human and machine perspectives. It focuses on developing intelligent technical solutions with a human-centered approach, preparing you to not only contribute to technological advancements but also to critically reflect on their societal and ethical implications.

Tilburg University · Netherlands

Data Science and Society

This one-year Master's program equips you with technical data science skills to address complex societal challenges. You will learn to analyze large datasets using programming languages like Python, R, and SQL, and build, train, and evaluate machine learning models. The program emphasizes the ethical application of data science within EU legal frameworks. It's designed for students with diverse backgrounds, even those without prior programming experience, offering specialization tracks in Business, Governance, Health, or Media to align with your existing knowledge.

Tilburg University · Netherlands

Data Science in Business and Entrepreneurship

This two-year Master's program equips you with the skills to leverage data science for innovation in both established companies and startups. You'll learn to develop and implement data-driven solutions by combining technological expertise with business, legal, and societal insights. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through real-life projects with partner organizations. The curriculum covers data engineering, data analytics, data-driven decision-making, and data-driven business development, all within a framework of law and ethics. You'll study at the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS) campus in 's-Hertogenbosch, a collaborative environment fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as data scientists, data engineers, data consultants, or entrepreneurs.

Tilburg University · Netherlands

Information Management: Strategy and Governance

This Master's program focuses on leveraging IT, data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive organizational change and achieve strategic goals. The Strategy and Governance track equips you with the expertise to align Information Systems (IS) strategy with business strategy, ensuring effective governance and value creation. You will learn to navigate complex organizational structures and become a crucial player in digital transformation initiatives. The program prepares you to act as the bridge between business and IT, developing solutions for contemporary information management challenges.

Tilburg University · Netherlands

International Business Law: Digital Innovation in Commerce and Finance (LLM)

This Master of Laws (LLM) program focuses on the intersection of international business law with digital innovation in commerce and finance. It aims to equip students with the skills to navigate a legal landscape increasingly shaped by new technologies and demands for social responsibility. You will learn to act as a creative lawyer, transaction engineer, and facilitator for new business models, assisting startups and negotiating complex deals. The program emphasizes a human-centered approach to problem-solving within the legal field, preparing you for the evolving challenges of global business law.

Tilburg University · Netherlands

MSc Accountancy and Control: Business Analysis and Control

This Master's track focuses on using financial information to help organizations achieve strategic goals. You will develop the expertise needed to lead in areas like business planning, financial analysis, and decision-making. The program emphasizes translating business strategies into measurable performance indicators, managing market dynamics, and assessing strategic risks. You will gain skills in data analytics and decision-making, preparing you for leadership roles in data-driven environments. The curriculum also trains your ability to identify bottlenecks in a company's value creation chain, making you a valuable asset in improving operational efficiency and financial performance.

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 Tilburg University?

International students can expect tuition fees ranging from €2,694 to €19,900 per year, depending on the specific program. Scholarships are available for exceptional international students.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

For Bachelor's programs, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with a 5.5 in Speaking/Writing is typically required. Master's programs usually require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a 6.0 in Speaking/Writing. Specific scores for TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English are also available.

What is the academic reputation of Tilburg University?

Tilburg University is recognized globally, ranking in the Top 50 for Business & Economics and Law according to Times Higher Education 2025. It also holds a QS World University Ranking of #347 and is #77 for QS Subject – Accounting & Finance 2026.

What is student life like at Tilburg University?

Tilburg University offers a modern, green, and compact campus designed for interaction. The university provides excellent study facilities, a library, and various amenities, fostering a diverse international community with students from over 115 nationalities.

Does Tilburg University offer support for career development?

Yes, Student Career Services provides extensive support for career preparation, including workshops on personal branding, networking, CV creation, and job application advice. This support extends up to a year after graduation.

Last updated 3 July 2026