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 five strong 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. Check out the Study in the Netherlands and Available Programs for International Students!
