Mechanical Engineering

Check whether you meet the admission requirements and apply

• Admission requirements

  International diploma

  Students from outside the Netherlands should have a pre-university secondary education comparable to the Dutch vwo-diploma, with high passing grades in Mathematics and Physics as required subjects. As the programme is taught entirely in English, a high level of English proficiency (CEFR, B2/C1 level; minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or equivalent) is required as well.

  Dutch vwo-diploma

  You will be directly admitted to the Bachelor’s programme in Mechanical Engineering if you possess a Dutch vwo-diploma with a profile in 'Natuur & Techniek'. You may also be eligible to start the programme with a profile in 'Natuur & Gezondheid', but only with the subjects 'Wiskunde B' and 'Natuurkunde'. Furthermore, you may be eligible to start the programme with another profile, but only with the subjects 'Wiskunde B' and 'Natuurkunde'.

• Orientation Bachelor Mechanical Engineering

  The Bachelor’s programme in Mechanical Engineering (ME) is offered in collaboration between the University of Twente (UT) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam). The curriculum and content are largely the same, whether you choose the Enschede (UT) or Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) location. Your degree will be awarded by the University of Twente. 

  Open days 

  Would you like to find out if ME is right for you? Then visit an open day at VU Amsterdam or the UT. During an open day, you will get a good impression of the programme, the atmosphere and the campus. You can attend information sessions, ask questions to students and lecturers, and experience where you feel most at home. 

  Taster days and student for a day activities 

  Would you like to experience what it is like to study ME? You can register for a taster day or student-for-a-day experience at VU Amsterdam, or a student-for-a-day experience or taster day at the UT. You will attend lectures, meet students and gain a realistic impression of the programme. 

  Study advice 

  Do you still have doubts or specific questions? You can schedule a study advice consultation with a study adviser. Together, you will discuss your interests, expectations and options, helping you make a well-informed decision.  

  You can contact us via me.studyadvice.beta@vu.nl or book an appointment. The walk-in consultation hour takes place every Tuesday from 12:30 to 13:30 in the OZW Building (10th floor). 

• Mandatory matching Bachelor Mechanical Engineering

  We believe it is important that you choose a programme that matches your interests, talents and expectations. That is why you will take part in a compulsory matching procedure after applying. 

  How it works 

  • Complete an online questionnaire about your interests, expectations and skills in relation to ME. 
  • Receive feedback with an advice on how well the programme matches you. 

  Optional matching event with several activities (such as a lecture and group assignment).

  • 3 June 2026 – on-campus Taster Day at VU Amsterdam
  • 4 June 2026 – online

  This advice is not binding, but completing the full process is required for admission. 

  Questions? Contact mailto:matching-me@utwente.nl. 

  Admission 

  After completing the matching procedure, you will be informed about your admission to the programme. Official enrolment is only possible once you have met all admission requirements, such as submitting the required documents and fulfilling any financial obligations. 

  For questions about admission, you can contact Student Services (Contact Centre). 

• Application for Mechanical Engineering

  You apply via Studielink to the University of Twente. This is because your degree is awarded by the UT, even if you study in Amsterdam at VU Amsterdam. 

  How it works 

  • Search for the programme “Mechanical Engineering” at the University of Twente in Studielink. 
  • If you choose the Amsterdam track, select “Bachelor Amsterdam (VU-UT)”. 
  • Complete your application by uploading all required documents in Osiris (UT’s system). 

  If you apply for the VU-UT track, you will follow most of your programme at VU Amsterdam. You will be officially enrolled at the UT and automatically registered as a minor student at VU Amsterdam: 

  • UT enrolment: B Mechanical Engineering 

  After applying, you will receive emails from both the UT and VU Amsterdam about completing your enrolment, payment and the introduction days. Please note that you will receive multiple messages in the run-up to the start of your studies in September. 

  Application deadline 

  The application deadline is 1 May 2026. Make sure you submit your complete application, including all required documents in Osiris, before this date. 

  You can apply from October for a programme starting in September of the following academic year. For the most up-to-date information and any exceptions, please consult the UT website. 

  For questions about applying, you can contact Student Services (Contact Centre). 

  International students 

  Different deadlines and additional admission requirements may apply to international students. In that case, you will receive further information from the UT Admissions Office and International Office. 

• What does this collaboration between VU Amsterdam and the UT mean for me?

  As a Mechanical Engineering student, you benefit from the best of both worlds. You will spend most of your studies at VU Amsterdam, experiencing student life in Amsterdam, with its international atmosphere and vibrant mix of cultures. At the same time, you will regularly travel to the UT in Enschede, where you will use advanced technical facilities, take part in practicals and experience the green campus and welcoming Twente community. After three years, you will be awarded your Bachelor’s degree by the UT.

  Time at the UT

  On average, you will spend around 15% to 20% of your study time at the UT, which amounts to roughly 20 to 25 overnight stays per academic year.

  Note: this is an average across the year, so the exact distribution may vary – some periods will involve more time in Enschede than others.

  Where possible, lectures and practicals are grouped together, allowing you to stay on campus for several consecutive days. This makes travelling more efficient and gives you more time to make the most of the facilities.

  Travelling to the UT

  Getting to Enschede is straightforward:

  • From Amsterdam Zuid (near VU Amsterdam), you take a train to Hengelo
  • In Hengelo, you change to a bus to the UT campus 
  • The final part of the journey takes around 10 minutes

  Schedules are designed to fit your timetable as much as possible.

  Accommodation in Enschede

  If you have classes on multiple consecutive days, staying overnight in Enschede is recommended. 

  On campus, simple group accommodation is available for Mechanical Engineering students in the form of cabins, offered at cost price. The expected cost is around €350–€450 per academic year.

  You can find more information about accommodation and costs via:

  • Overnight stays in Enschede for Mechanical Engineering
  • Overnight stays FAQ