The Netherlands is a prosperous and internationally connected country in Europe. The country is known for its museums and history, as well as the beautiful canals and landscapes throughout the nation. It is also home to several long-established and highly ranked universities.
Students interested in studying engineering in the Netherlands have many options to choose from. Today, we will discuss eight engineering study options offered by Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences. Let’s take a look at them!
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in the Netherlands
The schools below are ranked in an editorial order among the institutions featured in this article, considering engineering program breadth, specialist strengths, and research opportunities. The order is a comparative recommendation rather than a reproduction of one published league table. Your preferred engineering discipline and degree level may lead to a different choice.
1. Delft University of Technology
The Delft University of Technology is widely regarded as one of the strongest engineering institutions in both the Netherlands and the world. In the 2026 QS Subject Rankings, TU Delft is listed in the global top 10 for Civil & Structural Engineering and Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering. QS also ranks TU Delft #48 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university focuses on technical subjects, with engineering and design central to its curriculum. Its faculties and programs cover areas such as aerospace engineering, civil engineering, architecture and the built environment, computer science and engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied sciences, and industrial design engineering. TU Delft also has major micro- and nanofabrication facilities, including cleanrooms used in advanced research.
Outside the classroom, the university campus is especially notable. About 27,000 students study at TU Delft, and the campus brings together students, researchers, employees, companies, startups, and scale-ups in a wider innovation ecosystem.
What Current Students / Alumni of Delft University of Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
May Myat Thwe
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Research focus: Cybersecurity for Power Systems | Her doctoral research develops digital twins and AI methods for power-systems cybersecurity, exploring how modern energy systems can become more secure against emerging cyber threats. | — |
2. Eindhoven University of Technology
The Eindhoven University of Technology is one of the Netherlands’ premier universities for engineering science and technology. Based in Eindhoven, often described as the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands, TU/e is well regarded for engineering education, research, and close connections with industry.
For students interested in studying engineering, there are several good options available at the undergraduate level. These options include Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, with more options available at the master’s and PhD levels.
The university’s engineering programs are designed to provide a rigorous and stimulating education that prepares students for significant contributions in their fields. Aaradhya from India, who completed a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technology at TU/e, described his experience as “truly transformative, both personally and professionally.” He particularly noted the “collaborative and open academic culture,” where “professors were approachable, and there was a strong emphasis on independent research and interdisciplinary learning.” This culture fosters critical thinking and innovation, both of which are essential for modern engineering challenges.
TU/e’s close ties with industry and its focus on real-world applications are a significant advantage for engineering students. Aaradhya’s master’s thesis, which began as a “university-industry collaboration” with TNO, a leading research institute, eventually led to his full-time role there. This demonstrates the university’s effectiveness in bridging academia and professional practice. His belief that TU/e gave him “not just a degree, but a direction, and a belief that I could meaningfully contribute to global sustainability efforts,” exemplifies the university’s success in empowering engineering graduates to drive impactful change.
What Current Students / Alumni of Eindhoven University of Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Srinivasan Seshadri
Master’s in Chemical Engineering | He found the academic environment oriented toward advanced technology rather than conventional pilot-scale or large-scale process engineering, which exposed him to another side of his field. English-taught master’s courses eased his academic transition. | He felt the university made considerable efforts to help international students feel comfortable and socially integrated, and noted opportunities to learn Dutch. |
Aaradhya
Master’s in Sustainable Energy Technology | He worked on projects involving energy systems, sustainability transitions, and life cycle assessments, with approachable professors and an emphasis on independent, interdisciplinary research. His thesis at TNO began through a university-industry collaboration and later led to his full-time role there; all his classes were in English. | He valued the international community and sense of support, describing visa assistance, housing guidance, orientation, language courses, and accessible mental health services. |
3. University of Twente
The University of Twente, located in the smaller city of Enschede, is another excellent university for engineering in the Netherlands that offers strong technology-focused programs. It is listed in major global rankings, including #190 in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and #=223 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university has options available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Many engineering-related bachelor’s programs are taught in English, although some bachelor’s programs are taught in Dutch. English-taught options include Civil Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Science and Engineering, and Technical Computer Science. Students who want to continue their studies can choose from English- and Dutch-taught master’s programs with specializations across engineering, management, health sciences, governance, and the natural sciences. Doctoral education is also available through structured PhD and EngD routes.
Studying at the university allows you to live in the city of Enschede, an opportunity you cannot afford to miss if you attend the university. While not as large as Rotterdam or Amsterdam, the city still has a thriving culture, including several excellent museums, three concert stages, and the Volkspark in the city center. Each of these attractions is well worth seeing if you decide to study at the University of Twente.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Twente Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Lizeth Chávez
Master’s in Bioengineering Technologies (Biomedical Engineering) | She described her English-taught program as demanding and well-designed, with capable professors and potentially impactful thesis work. However, she reported that short internship requirements and a lack of placement-search support caused some peers to delay their studies by six months to a year. | She highlighted international student associations, including LaVOZ, as a way to feel integrated, alongside assistance with municipal registration and finding first-year housing for students arriving from abroad. |
4. University of Groningen
Located in the city of Groningen and home to about 32,500 students, the University of Groningen is one of the Netherlands’ well-established research universities and a strong option for engineering-related study. The university is ranked #82 in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and #73 in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The university offers a wide range of degrees across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students interested in studying engineering can explore several options through the Faculty of Science and Engineering. These include engineering-related bachelor’s programs such as Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, and Chemical Engineering. Students who want to continue their studies can also choose from master’s programs such as Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Water Technology.
While the university is one of the best-known research institutions in the Netherlands, it is also notable for the support it gives to entrepreneurs. Depending on a student’s program and eligibility, options include the University Minor Entrepreneurship and the Faculty Minor Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Finally, the University of Groningen also supports students while they are searching for their first job. Its career services advertise part-time jobs, internships, and student assistantships, while employers can submit vacancies through the university’s career platform. This gives students a clearer idea of the opportunities available before graduation.
5. IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education
IHE Delft is a specialist option for graduate study in water and environmental engineering. It offers MSc and Research MSc programs in Water and Sustainable Development, with engineering study areas including water supply, wastewater treatment, and hydraulic engineering. The accounts below refer to named joint-master’s pathways and study mobility at IHE Delft, including Environmental Technology and Engineering and groundwater-related study.
What Current Students / Alumni of IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Faisal Muneer
Joint Master’s in Environmental Technology and Engineering (IMETE)
Study mobility in the Netherlands | Through his IMETE studies, including mobility in the Netherlands, he specialized in wastewater treatment, resource recovery from sludge, circular economy, and sustainable resource management. | He found the Netherlands expensive and saving money difficult, recommending that students build savings during cheaper mobility stages. He felt everyday student life was manageable in English. |
Olawale Quadri Ogunsola
MSc in Water Science and Engineering
Groundwater and Global Change joint-program mobility | He completed the Water Science and Engineering component of his groundwater-focused joint program at IHE-Delft. His program used English at every mobility university, allowing him to study without learning three local languages alongside his academic work. | He found Dutch rents the highest among his study destinations, but appreciated access to African foods and halal options, student weekend barbecues, and free tea and coffee at IHE-Delft. |
6. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an option for students interested in software engineering, including sustainability-oriented software development. Its joint Computer Science master’s with the University of Amsterdam includes a Software Engineering and Green IT specialization. The accounts below concern Software Engineering for the Green Deal (SE4GD), a separate joint-program pathway involving study at VU Amsterdam; they should not be read as descriptions of every VU program.
What Current Students / Alumni of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Prachi
Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal (SE4GD)
Joint-program study in the Netherlands | She studied software engineering and sustainability through SE4GD, appreciating its emphasis on digital solutions with environmental and social applications. Courses were taught in English throughout her mobility, so she did not experience academic language barriers. | She found the Netherlands noticeably more expensive than Italy, especially for accommodation, and managed everyday language difficulties with basic local phrases, translation apps, and requests for help. |
Daniela Fajardo
MSc in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Joint-program practical and thesis stage in the Netherlands | Her Dutch stage focused on practical and thesis work following software-engineering foundations in Italy and sustainability-focused study in Finland. The program was taught in English, which she said prevented academic language barriers. | She found Amsterdam the most expensive location in her mobility and recommended student housing, home cooking, and student discounts. Widespread English use made everyday communication in the Netherlands easier. |
Rosheen Naeem
Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Third-semester study at VU Amsterdam; thesis internship at Spectral Energy | She studied at VU Amsterdam during her third semester and completed her thesis and final semester through an internship at Spectral Energy in Amsterdam. Her joint program covered core software engineering and ways to reduce software systems’ environmental footprint; English instruction prevented academic language difficulties. | She found Amsterdam’s rent and overall living costs high, making it harder to save money or comfortably cover expenses. |
Hiba
Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Third-semester study at VU Amsterdam | She described the Dutch semester as more research-oriented than the technical first semester in Italy and sustainability-focused second semester in Finland. Instruction remained in English across her software-engineering mobility. | The Netherlands was the most expensive of her three main study destinations. She reported no significant everyday language barriers and encouraged learning basic local phrases. |
7. Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Saxion University of Applied Sciences offers applied engineering education. Its Mechatronics bachelor’s combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control engineering, and connects with the Smart Mechatronics and Robotics research group. The featured account below concerns a thesis placement at Saxion within an external joint master’s program, rather than an independently awarded Saxion master’s degree.
What Current Students / Alumni of Saxion University of Applied Sciences Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Sawera Yaseen
Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS)
Thesis placement at Saxion’s Smart Mechatronics and Robotics research lab | She undertook her master’s thesis at Saxion’s Smart Mechatronics and Robotics research lab following coursework in Spain and an aerial-robotics and multi-robot-coordination specialization in Croatia. | She found the Netherlands the most expensive destination in her mobility, particularly for housing and transportation, and managed costs through budgeting, home cooking, and student discounts. |
8. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences that helps train future engineers through its School of Engineering and Applied Science. The school offers a wide range of Dutch-taught bachelor’s degree programs and currently states that it does not offer any bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in English.
The variety of degrees offered at the bachelor’s level is extensive, including Automotive Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Technology for Healthcare, Chemistry, and Biology and Medical Laboratory Research. RUAS also offers international bachelor’s and master’s programs in English across the wider university.
Founded on January 1, 1988, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is relatively young in the Dutch higher education landscape and is focused on preparing students for the modern labor market. The university supports this applied, career-focused approach through project, research, internship, and placement opportunities, including cooperation with partners such as RDM Campus and the university’s InTouch platform for internships, placements, theses, and research projects.
The Netherlands has many great options for students interested in studying engineering and is a wonderful place to start one’s engineering journey. With all this said, we hope that the information here helps inform your decisions and that your experience studying in the Netherlands will be a positive one.
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Engineering in the Netherlands was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
