Founded in 1927, Tilburg University is one of the Netherlands' leading public research universities, renowned for its excellence in Business, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, Psychology, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. Located in Tilburg, a vibrant student city in the southern Netherlands, the university is internationally recognised for its high-quality education, interdisciplinary research, and strong industry connections. Tilburg University is home to over 19,000 students, including approximately 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries. The university offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, making it a popular destination for international students seeking a globally recognised European education. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of Tilburg University admissions, available programmes, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Tilburg, Netherlands |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Tilburg University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across multiple disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Business Administration, Economics, International Business, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, Law, Communication, Liberal Arts, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Finance, Business Analytics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Marketing, Economics, Law, Public Governance, Psychology, and more. |
| Research Master's & PhD | Research-intensive master's and doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and leading research centres. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Strong academic performance with programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA | Competitive academic record |
| IELTS Academic | Generally 6.5+ |
| TOEFL iBT | Generally 90+ |
| Cambridge English | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, motivation letter, CV/résumé (where applicable), letters of recommendation, and programme-specific documents | Applicants to English-taught programmes must demonstrate English language proficiency at the time of application unless they qualify for an approved exemption. (Tilburg University) |
Cost of Attendance
The Tilburg University tuition fees vary depending on the programme and whether students are from the EU/EEA or outside the EU/EEA. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. The university estimates that international students typically need around €1,000–€1,200 per month for living expenses, with accommodation generally starting from around €600 per month. Compared with Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, Tilburg offers a more affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for international students.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Tilburg University offers several merit-based scholarships, tuition fee waivers, faculty awards, and external funding opportunities, primarily for master's students. Scholarships are competitive and limited in number. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- Tilburg University Tuition Fee Waiver
- Research Master's Scholarship
- NL Scholarship
- IMMIT Scholarship
- Koopmans Scholarship
- CentER Scholarship
- Faculty-specific Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
- PhD Funding Opportunities
- External Government Scholarships
- Most scholarships are available only for master's applicants, while bachelor's programmes generally do not have university-funded scholarships for international students
Campus Life & Student Experience
Tilburg University offers a modern, green campus with a welcoming international community. Students benefit from:
- More than 100 student associations and clubs
- Modern libraries and research facilities
- Career counselling and internship support
- Entrepreneurship and startup initiatives
- International exchange opportunities
- Sports, recreation, and wellness facilities
- A collaborative and multicultural learning environment
Tilburg is a safe and affordable student city with excellent rail connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Brussels, and Antwerp, making it easy for students to explore Europe.
Research & Global Reputation
Tilburg University is internationally recognised for research excellence, particularly in economics, business, law, and social sciences. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 400 universities worldwide
- Internationally recognised for Business, Economics, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Behavioural Economics, Finance, Digital Society, Public Governance, and Sustainability
- Home to internationally renowned schools including the Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg Law School, and Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Strong partnerships with employers including Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, ING, Rabobank, Philips, ASML, Unilever, Microsoft, IBM, and numerous European research institutes
- Excellent graduate employability supported by internships, research collaborations, and strong employer engagement
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a Dutch Student Residence Permit to study in the Netherlands. After graduation, eligible students may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, allowing them to remain in the Netherlands for up to one year while searching for employment or starting a business.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Residence Permit | International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a Dutch Student Residence Permit (MVV/Residence Permit) to study in the Netherlands. |
| Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) | Eligible graduates may apply for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa, allowing them to live and work in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application system.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer. (Tilburg University).
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the Tilburg University online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and required documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and complete your Dutch student visa or residence permit process. (Tilburg University).
- Complete your Dutch student residence permit process — After accepting your offer, complete your Dutch student visa or residence permit process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Tilburg University good for international students?
Yes. Tilburg University is one of the Netherlands' leading research universities, offering internationally recognised degrees, strong research opportunities, and excellent graduate employability in business, economics, law, psychology, and data science.
Does Tilburg University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Tilburg University offers Tuition Fee Waivers, Research Master's Scholarships, NL Scholarships, IMMIT Scholarships, faculty-specific funding, Erasmus+ scholarships, and several external scholarship opportunities. Most university-funded scholarships are available for master's students.
What English language tests does Tilburg University accept?
The university accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English qualifications, and other approved English language proficiency tests. Programme-specific score requirements may vary.
How do I apply to Tilburg University?
Undergraduate applicants apply through Studielink, while postgraduate applicants apply through the Tilburg University online admissions portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Tilburg University?
Yes. Eligible graduates may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, allowing them to stay and work in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation.
Does Tilburg University provide career support?
Yes. Tilburg University offers career counselling, internship support, employer networking events, entrepreneurship programmes, international exchange opportunities, and comprehensive career development services. Its strong industry partnerships help graduates build successful careers in business, finance, technology, consulting, law, and research.
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