Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands: Rankings, Tuition Fees and Admission Requirements

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands consistently ranks among the world’s top institutions in engineering and technology, attracting many students passionate about these fields. If you aspire to study at Delft and wish to understand its admission requirements and tuition fees in detail, Grove Education will guide you through everything in this article. By exploring programme options and application criteria early, you can plan your application strategy more effectively and increase your chances of success.

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Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), located in the southern Dutch city of Delft, is one of the leading science and engineering universities in both the Netherlands and Europe. Founded in 1842 as the Royal Academy, it has since developed into today’s comprehensive university of technology. The university enjoys an excellent reputation in engineering, technology, design and architecture, and maintains close collaborations with numerous international companies, enabling students to participate in industry placements and projects.

TU Delft is renowned for its rigorous academic framework and innovative research, attracting over 26,000 students and several thousand staff members from across the globe.[1] The campus is modern and dedicated to sustainable development and smart campus initiatives. Student life is diverse, offering not only rich academic exchange opportunities but also vibrant student associations. Whether you aim to pursue advanced studies, launch a start-up, or join international research projects, TU Delft provides an ideal platform.

TU Delft consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, particularly in engineering and technology-related disciplines. For instance, in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, TU Delft is ranked 47th globally, making it the highest-ranked university in the Netherlands.[2] Likewise, in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, TU Delft placed 56th in the world and once again secured the No. 1 position in the Netherlands, highlighting its significance in the global academic arena.[3]

In subject-specific rankings, TU Delft excels in architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and other disciplines. According to the 2025 QS Subject Rankings, its Architecture programme ranks 3rd worldwide[4], Civil Engineering ranks 6th[5], while Engineering & Technology overall is placed 14th globally[6]. In addition, the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) consistently ranks TU Delft within the world’s top 15 across various disciplines, including Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Science and Marine/Ocean Engineering.[7]

TU Delft comprises eight faculties, offering 16 bachelor’s degree programmes and around 38 master programmes spanning engineering, design and science.[8] Some bachelor’s programmes are taught in Dutch, and applicants should pay attention to language requirements, as those choosing Dutch-taught courses must demonstrate prior proficiency in the language. Among the most popular study areas are:

Programmes at Delft University of Technology emphasise interdisciplinary integration and hands-on training. Students gain experience through laboratory work, research projects, and teamwork, while also engaging directly with industry. For those who value both academic excellence and practical application, the university’s close industry links provide opportunities to gain professional experience early, making TU Delft a highly attractive choice.

Tuition fees at Delft University of Technology vary depending on student status. EU students benefit from lower fees, while non-EU international students, including those from Hong Kong, pay higher tuition. The 2025–26 annual tuition fees for bachelor’s programmes are:

In addition to tuition fees, non-EU international students must also budget for living expenses, visa fees and accommodation costs. An estimated breakdown is as follows:

According to Dutch immigration regulations, for students holding a study visa, the university refunds the pre-paid living allowance (after deducting visa and accommodation fees) into the student’s bank account. This ensures sufficient funds are available at the start of studies to cover food, transport and personal expenses. Overall, the annual budget for international students is at least €31,060. Compared with top institutions in the UK and US, tuition and living costs in the Netherlands are relatively competitive.

Source: TU Delft 

When applying to Delft University of Technology, strong mathematics skills are essential. Most programmes require Physics as a compulsory subject, while some may also demand prior knowledge of Chemistry, Biology, or Natural Sciences. For example, applicants with an IB or A-Level background must present results in Higher Level Mathematics (HL) and relevant science subjects to meet admission eligibility. For Hong Kong students, each HKDSE subject should achieve Level 4 or above, with Mathematics and Science subjects as prerequisites.[10]

Language requirements depend on the medium of instruction of the chosen programme. For English-taught programmes, international students must submit one of the following test results:

For Dutch-taught programmes—such as Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering—students must demonstrate Dutch proficiency equivalent to the VWO (pre-university) level. Applicants without sufficient Dutch proficiency must enrol in and pass the university’s preparatory Dutch language courses. For these Dutch-taught programmes, English requirements are lower: TOEFL iBT 70, IELTS 5.5, or Cambridge B2 First (no minimum score requirement).[11]

Applicants must submit supporting documents according to TU Delft’s official requirements. All documents must be in English or Dutch; if issued in another language, a certified translation must be provided. Required documents include:

The application process involves two main steps: first, creating an account and selecting a programme on the Studielink platform (the official Dutch higher education application portal); second, uploading required documents and paying a €100 application fee through TU Delft’s Osiaan system. For numerus clausus programmes with limited places (such as Aerospace Engineering and Architecture), the deadline is 15 January each year. For most other programmes, the deadline is 1 April. The full process can be summarised as follows:

Understanding the application process allows students to plan strategically, ensuring all materials are submitted at the most critical deadlines.

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As outlined above, Delft University of Technology holds a leading position in engineering, design and technology, with strong academic advantages and significant potential for future development. If you still have questions regarding TU Delft’s admission requirements, tuition planning, or document preparation, feel free to contact Grove Education. Our team of professional consultants offers personalised one-to-one study abroad guidance, tailoring application strategies to your goals and supporting you in gaining admission to this top Dutch university.

Reference: 

1. TU Delft - About TU Delft 

2. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2026: Top Global Universities 

3. Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2025 

4. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings for Architecture and Built Environment 

5. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings for Civil and Structural Engineering 

6. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology 

7. Shanghai Ranking - Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 

8. TU Delft - Facts & Figures 

9. TU Delft - Tuition fee & Finance 

10. TU Delft - Diploma with additional requirements 

11. TU Delft - Admission Requirements 

12. TU Delft - Required Documents 

13. TU Delft - Application Procedure