The Netherlands is a strong option for studying computer science, thanks to its well-developed higher education system, international study environment, and wide range of English-taught programs. For English speakers, Dutch speakers, or students hoping to build both language skills, the Netherlands offers many choices.
Many Dutch universities work with companies, research institutes, and public organizations, helping students connect classroom learning with current industry and research needs. The universities in the Netherlands also tend to encourage direct communication between students and professors, which can support scholarly success.
If you are looking to get a degree in computer science, here are some of the best universities to study computer science in the Netherlands.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in the Netherlands
1. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top universities and one of the largest universities in the Netherlands, with more than 40,000 students. Its Computer Science master’s degree is taught in English, making it a suitable option for international students who want an English-taught graduate program.
The MSc in Computer Science is a joint degree program offered by the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Courses are taught at both the UvA Science Park and VU Campus, and graduates receive a joint degree certificate issued by both universities.
This top computer science school in the Netherlands is designed for master’s students and is a full-time, 120 ECTS, 24-month degree. Students can choose from several specialization tracks, including Big Data Engineering, Foundations of Computing and Concurrency, Computer Systems and Infrastructure, Software Engineering and Green IT, and the international Software Engineers for Green Deal specialization, which has intake in 2026.
2. Delft University of Technology
The Delft University of Technology, also known as TU Delft, is one of the strongest options for computer science in the Netherlands, especially for students interested in computing, engineering, data, and intelligent systems. Its Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering teaches students to develop software and process data for the intelligent systems of today and the future. Its MSc in Computer Science is a full-time, English-taught, two-year program worth 120 EC.
TU Delft states that 50% of graduates from the bachelor’s program start a master’s program at TU Delft. This makes it a strong choice if you want to continue into specialized graduate study after your bachelor’s degree.
The university also places strong emphasis on software technology, intelligent systems, foundations of computing, data, and practical applications. If you like combining self-study, lectures, projects, and real-world problem-solving, Delft University of Technology is a great choice.
What Current Students / Alumni of Delft University of Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
May Myat Thwe
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Research focus: Cybersecurity for Power Systems | Her doctoral research explores how to make modern energy systems smarter and more secure against emerging cyber threats, bringing together AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability. | — |
3. Utrecht University
Utrecht University is the oldest university on this list: it became a university authorized to issue academic degrees in 1636. It is a strong option for students interested in computing science, AI, data science, software, interaction, game technology, and research-oriented master’s study.
The Department of Information and Computing Sciences offers two bachelor’s programs and four master’s programs. Its education page says students first build a broad foundation, then deepen their knowledge and skills. Bachelor’s students in Computing Sciences can choose between General Computing Sciences and Game Technology, but applicants should note that Utrecht’s bachelor-level computing education is formally taught and examined in Dutch.
Utrecht also offers English-taught graduate routes. The Computing Science research master’s is a two-year, 120 EC program built around three specialized tracks, and the Game and Media Technology master’s is a full-time, English-taught, two-year MSc. Students can also add honors education alongside their regular studies to broaden and deepen their education.
For those with a passion for specific areas within computer science, such as game development, Utrecht University provides specialized and engaging curricula. Christian Oliveros from Venezuela, who pursued an MSc in Games and Media Technology, found that at Utrecht, he “met a lot of wonderful people whom I still call my friends, took courses on state-of-the-art game technology, [and] got opportunities to work closer to the games industry.” This highlights the university’s ability to offer advanced technical education, networking opportunities, and practical exposure within niche computer science sectors.
Christian’s experience further underscores the university’s role in helping students pursue specific career goals within computer science. He noted that the program helped him work “towards my goal of becoming a game developer.” This personal alignment with the program’s offerings illustrates how Utrecht University can equip computer science graduates with specialized knowledge and industry connections for their chosen fields.
What Current Students / Alumni of Utrecht University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Christian Oliveros
MSc in Games and Media Technology (Computer Science) | He took courses covering advanced game technology and gained opportunities to work more closely with the games industry during his master’s. | He formed lasting friendships during the program and enjoyed living in the Netherlands. |
4. Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology, also known as TU/e, is a research university specializing in engineering science and technology. Its Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering focuses on the principles and methods used to develop software systems and web services, while its MSc in Computer Science and Engineering focuses on designing and analyzing algorithms, software, and systems.
Another advantage is location. TU/e is in Brainport Eindhoven, a major high-tech region, and the university maintains close industry relationships. A recent example is TU/e and ASML’s agreement to invest a combined €180 million in semiconductor research over the next decade.
TU/e is also a member of the EuroTech Universities Alliance, a strategic partnership of leading science and technology universities. The alliance highlights values such as excellence, societal impact, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, making TU/e a strong option for students interested in technology with practical and societal relevance.
For doctoral study, TU/e does not list fixed “PhD programs” in the same way as bachelor’s and master’s degrees; instead, students generally apply for PhD positions. Computer science-related PhD opportunities may appear through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and related research groups.
What Current Students / Alumni of Eindhoven University of Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Satyaki Mallick
Master’s in Data Science and AI
2019–2021 | After completing his master’s, he worked as a data consultant in the Netherlands and ran a cloud consultancy specializing in Amazon Web Services. His account describes this computing career progression without detailing specific university coursework or projects. | He found student housing difficult to secure and rented a small private studio. He joined the university sports association to maintain an active social life, but found the Dutch winter weather gloomy. |
5. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is a university in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with a dedicated Department of Computer Science. Its computing education includes an English-taught bachelor’s degree and a master’s jointly awarded with the University of Amsterdam. The department also hosts doctoral researchers, establishing a research pathway beyond its taught computing programs.
The three-year Bachelor’s in Computer Science covers programming, mathematics, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, networks, and software design. Students apply their early learning in a Systems Programming Project. The final year includes a minor, advanced computing topics, and an independent bachelor’s research project supervised by a university researcher.
The two-year, English-taught Master’s in Computer Science is a joint VU/UvA degree. Students choose among Foundations of Computing and Concurrency, Computer Systems and Infrastructure, Big Data Engineering, and Software Engineering and Green IT. Electives allow further customization across the program. Doctoral opportunities are available within VU’s Computer Science department, with admission linked to specific research positions and projects rather than the taught master’s curriculum.
What Current Students / Alumni of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Prachi
Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal (SE4GD)
Joint program including study at VU Amsterdam | She studied software engineering alongside sustainability and the development of digital solutions for environmental and social goals. She reports that her courses were taught in English, so academic language barriers were not a significant problem. | She found the Netherlands noticeably more expensive than Italy, especially for accommodation, making careful budgeting important. |
Daniela Fajardo
MSc in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Dutch study stage at VU Amsterdam | She describes the Netherlands stage of her software engineering master’s as focused on practical and thesis work. The program was taught in English, and she experienced no academic language barrier. | Amsterdam was the most expensive location on her study route. She found English widely usable in everyday life in the Netherlands. |
Rosheen Naeem
Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Third semester at VU Amsterdam; final thesis internship at Spectral Energy, Amsterdam | Her program covered core software engineering and ways to reduce the environmental footprint of software systems; she completed her final thesis semester through an internship at Spectral Energy. She reports English instruction throughout her studies without academic language difficulties. | She found Amsterdam’s rent and overall living costs high, making it challenging to save money or cover expenses comfortably. |
Hiba
Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Third-semester study at VU Amsterdam | She describes her third semester in the Netherlands as more research-oriented than the earlier stages of her software engineering program. Instruction remained in English throughout the program. | The Netherlands was the most expensive country on her study route. Looking back, she wished she had balanced studying with more time for activities and enjoying the places where she lived. |
6. University of Twente
The University of Twente offers a three-year, English-taught Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science and a two-year, English-taught Master’s in Computer Science. The master’s currently lists five specializations and is accredited by NVAO.
The university emphasizes interdisciplinary work, research, design, engineering, and team projects. Its facilities include a Virtual Reality Lab, robotics facilities, and the Robotics and Mechatronics group, which works on fundamental and application-driven robotics research.
The University of Twente also has notable alumni in the technology world. Its own alumni profile highlights Cees Links, a Twente alumnus recognized as the inventor of Wi-Fi. This makes Twente especially appealing for students interested in computing, networks, robotics, and practical innovation.
We hope that you found this article on the best universities for Computer Science in the Netherlands helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
