University of Twente is a public research university in Enschede, a small city in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It was founded in 1961, so it's been training students for well over six decades now. The university is known for mixing technology with social sciences, and its campus is actually the only fully residential one in the whole country, students live, study and spend most of their time right there.
If you're thinking about studying here, there's a lot to check first. Things like rankings, courses, tuition fees, admission rules and scholarships all matter before you make a final call. Indian students especially need to look closely at fees and English score requirements, since these change quite a bit by program.
This article covers everything about University of Twente in one place, so you get a clear picture before deciding if University of Twente Netherlands fits what you're looking for.
University of Twente Rankings
University of Twente is recognised as one of the top technical universities in the Netherlands and has featured among the world's top 200 universities in past rankings. It also earned a top position globally for its work in industry and innovation.
Here's how University of Twente ranking looks across the major ranking bodies right now.
Ranking Body
Latest Rankings
QS World University Rankings
#223
Times Higher Education (THE)
#190
U.S. News Best Global Universities
#417
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking)
#501-600 band
CWUR
#463 globally, top 2.2% worldwide
Courses and Programs at University of Twente
University of Twente offers courses across five faculties, and each one is built around solving real world problems using technology. The faculties are BMS, ET, EEMCS, TNW and ITC, and together they cover everything from psychology to robotics.
Popular Bachelor's and Master's Programs
Students researching University of Twente courses usually end up shortlisting a similar set of programs, mostly because these are the ones the university is best known for.
Communication Science
Applied Physics
Industrial Engineering and Management
Technical Medicine
Computer Science
Business Administration
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
A few of these programs are taught in Dutch, not English. So before you pick one, always check the language of instruction on the official program page.
English-Taught Programs
Most master's programs at University of Twente run fully in English, so Dutch fluency isn't a requirement there.
Bachelor's programs are a different story though. Some are in English, some in Dutch, and it changes program to program.
Applied Physics: usually taught in Dutch
Technical Medicine: usually taught in Dutch
Communication Science: taught in English
Computer Science: taught in English
Always confirm the language before applying, since this detail alone can change whether a program is even an option for you.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying at University of Twente
Tuition and daily expenses are usually what decide whether a university is actually within reach or not. University of Twente works out cheaper than many popular study destinations, but the cost still depends heavily on your nationality and the program you pick.
Tuition Fees for International Students
International students at University of Twente pay what's called the institutional fee, which runs higher than the fee EU or EEA students pay. Here's how it breaks down by program level.
Program Level
Fee Category
Annual Fee (EUR/INR)
Bachelor's
Lower rate programs
€12,300 (₹11,68,500)
Bachelor's
Higher rate programs
€16,400 (₹15,58,000)
Master's
Lower rate programs
€18,200 (₹17,29,000)
Master's
Higher rate programs
€21,700 (₹20,61,500)
Living Costs in Enschede
Enschede runs on a much smaller budget compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht, which helps a lot once tuition is already eating into your funds.
Expense Type
Approximate Monthly Cost (EUR/INR)
Cost of living for a single person, excluding rent
Renting outside the city centre is usually the easier option on a student budget, and most students end up combining it with a public transport pass to get around Enschede without much hassle.
Admission Requirements for University of Twente
Admission at University of Twente depends on two things, your academic background and your English score. Both get checked closely before you receive any decision, so it helps to know exactly what's expected at each level.
Bachelor's Admission Requirements
Bachelor's applicants from India are evaluated mainly on their Class 12 marks and subject combination.
Class 12 marks with the required subject combination
Math as a core subject for most engineering and tech programs
Psychology and Technical Medicine close earlier, by 15 January
Master's Admission Requirements
Master's applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree, and the percentage required changes depending on your home country's grading system.
A bachelor's degree closely related to the chosen master's program
Percentage checked against a country specific grading table, not a flat number
Industrial Engineering and Management asks for a higher percentage plus a valid GRE score or GMAT score
Requirements shift program to program, so always confirm the exact number on the official program page before applying.
English Language Requirements
Every applicant needs to prove their English level, no matter which program or degree they're applying for.
University of Twente does not accept TOEFL scores, and there's no conditional admission if you fall short on English. Getting this test done early saves you from last minute stress.
How to Apply to University of Twente?
University of Twente runs its entire application process through Studielink, the national Dutch portal used by every university in the country. Once you're in the system, it's mostly about following the steps in the right order and staying ahead of deadlines.
Application Process for International Students
Every applicant, no matter the program, goes through the same basic sequence to apply.
Apply through Studielink first, this is the national Dutch portal
You'll get an email to set up your OSIRIS account
Submit your documents through OSIRIS
Wait for your admission decision
Once accepted, confirm your offer to lock in your seat
Application Deadlines and Documents
Deadlines at University of Twente are fixed, and missing one usually means waiting for the next intake.
Intake
Application Window
Bachelor's (general)
1 October to 1 May
Bachelor's (Psychology, Technical Medicine)
Closes 15 January
Master's (September intake)
1 October to 1 May
Master's (February intake)
1 March to 1 October
Master's applicants usually pay a small application fee, around €100 (₹9,500). Bachelor's applicants don't pay this fee at all.
Scholarships at University of Twente
Tuition fees at University of Twente can feel steep for most Indian families, but scholarships help bring that number down quite a bit. The university runs its own scholarship program, and there are a couple of external options worth checking too.
University of Twente Scholarship and Other Funding Options
The main scholarship here is the University of Twente Scholarship, known as UTS, and it's specifically built for high performing international students. If you're exploring more scholarships in Netherlands for Indian students, there are several other options worth checking out too.
Scholarship Name
Amount
Eligibility
Renewable
University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)
€3,000 to €22,000 (₹2,85,000 to ₹20,90,000) for one year
Non EU or EEA students, top 5 to 10 percent of graduating class, master's applicants only
Open to Indian students, since India is a covered country
Depends on the specific scholarship terms
Is University of Twente a Good Choice for International Students?
Whether University of Twente Netherlands suits you really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.
Big city lovers looking for nightlife and crowds may find Enschede too quiet
Students wanting a focused, tech driven education get a strong fit here
Living costs stay noticeably lower compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht
University of Twente ranking has shown steady improvement over recent years
Most master's programs are taught fully in English, widening your options
For students who value a close knit campus community over city chaos, University of Twente checks a lot of the right boxes.
Conclusion
University of Twente isn't the flashiest name on paper, but it's consistent, affordable compared to bigger Dutch cities, and genuinely strong in tech and engineering fields. If you're an Indian student weighing your options in the Netherlands, this university deserves a proper look, not just a passing glance.
Check your program's specific fee, English score requirement, and deadline before you apply. Small details like these decide whether your application gets through smoothly or gets stuck.
Yes, University of Twente is considered one of the strongest technical universities in the Netherlands, especially known for engineering, tech, and applied sciences.
Where is University of Twente located?
University of Twente is located in Enschede, a smaller city in the eastern part of the Netherlands.
How good is University of Twente?
University of Twente holds a solid global ranking and is respected for its research output and its focus on blending technology with social sciences.
Is Twente university prestigious?
Within the Netherlands, yes, University of Twente is seen as one of the more prestigious technical universities, and it holds a respectable spot in global rankings too.
Does the University of Twente require IELTS?
Yes, most programs at University of Twente ask for an IELTS Academic score, though the exact score required can vary slightly depending on the program.
What are the top universities in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has several strong universities including Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, and University of Twente, among others.
How much is tuition at the University of Twente?
Tuition at University of Twente depends on your nationality and program, with international students paying more than EU or EEA students.
What is the University of Twente QS ranking?
University of Twente ranking currently sits within the top few hundred universities worldwide according to QS World University Rankings.
What is the University of Twente acceptance rate?
There is no official University of Twente acceptance rate published by the university itself, so any figure you see online should be treated with caution.
Does University of Twente offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, University of Twente offers the University of Twente Scholarship for eligible non-EU master's students, along with other funding options like the Orange Tulip Scholarship.
Is University of Twente good for Indian students?
Yes, University of Twente Netherlands regularly admits Indian students across both bachelor's and master's programs, provided they meet the grade and English requirements.
University Admission Expert |154 articles published
With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the globa...
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