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'.
  
  Mandatory matching
  For Mechanical Engineering applicants matching activities are obligatory. You will have to apply for the programme before 1 May (completed application with all the required uploads submitted via Osiris). This deadline applies to all students, Dutch and non-Dutch. Students that apply after 1 May will not be admitted to the programme. 

  More information
  Read more about how to enrol and please do not hesitate to contact the University of Twente for more information.
  

• Application

  You can arrange your application via University of Twente.

• Mandatory matching

  We think it is important for you to choose a programme that suits you, so that you can complete your studies successfully. To increase the chance of success, Mechanical Engineering applicants need to take part in mandatory matching activities. These activities aim to give our applicants a good overview of the programme, experience the various fields of mechanical engineering (mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, energy, systems and control, dynamic systems, design and construction) and taste the programme's atmosphere.

  The mandatory matching process consists of several steps, some of which are mandatory, others are optional:

  • Mandatory questionnaire about your skills and expectations of the programme.
  • Depending on the outcomes of the questionnaire, you might be approached for an (online) meeting with a staff member or senior student. When invited, this meeting is obligatory. You may also request an additional meeting yourself.
  • Optional matching event with several activities (such as a lecture and group assignment).
    • 4 March 2026 (on campus Taster Day at VU Amsterdam)
    • 3 June 2026 (on campus Taster Day at VU Amsterdam)
    • 4 June 2026 (online)

  When you have finished the entire matching procedure, we will send you a recommendation. Please note that the result is neither binding nor can it be used as proof of admission. More information can be found on the webpage What is VU Study Choice Check?

  Do you have questions?

  Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the mandatory matching events, the Mechanical Engineering programme or other things you need to know before applying.

• Signing up for Mechanical Engineering: always UT first

  Whichever location you choose, you indicate in the application platform Studielink that you are applying to the University of Twente. Why? You will eventually receive your degree from the University of Twente, even if you choose the Amsterdam location. After the first step, you get to choose your location: VU Amsterdam or UT Enschede.

  Start your application for the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. First, you need to sign up for Mechanical Engineering at University of Twente via Studielink and provide all the required documents. After you have signed up you will receive information from the admission office about the requirements for starting the study.

  The University of Twente works with different enrolment deadlines, according to the programme, your nationality and your previous education diploma. You can register from October if you want to start the course the following year in September.

  Arrange you application via Studielink

  Apply now
  at Mechanical Engineering UT - choice to study at VU Amsterdam is step 2

  You can sign up between October and May 1st.

  Sign up and required documents

  The University of Twente works with different enrolment deadlines, according to the programme, your nationality and your previous education diploma. You can register from October if you want to start the course the following year in September. 

  Go to Studielink

  Enrolment

  Once all the required documents have been submitted (including a copy of the diploma that enables you to be admitted to the programme), you have taken part in the matching procedure and you have met other (including financial) obligations, you will be informed of the decision regarding your admission to the Mechanical Engineering programme at the University of Twente. More information 

  Please note: For international students, slightly different arrangements may apply and the documents required and deadlines may also differ. The information will be sent by email from the Admission Office and the International Office.

  IMPORTANT

  It’s important to complete the mandatory matching event procedure. 

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

  As a Mechanical Engineering student you will have the best of both worlds. Studying most of your time at VU, you will experience the student life, the mix of cultures, and everything else that Amsterdam and the VU have to offer. As almost all engineering related programmes in the Netherlands are located far away from Amsterdam, this is a unique opportunity. At the same time you will also spend some time at the University of Twente. Where you will have access to all their facilities, their beautiful campus, and where you will experience the hospitality of Twente.

  How much time do I spend at the University of Twente
  Anually the average is between 15% and 20%. This comes down to roughly 20 - 25 nights a year. Please note that this is an annual average, the amount you need to attend the University of Twente per month may vary. Some periods you will be there more often than other periods. We always strive to plan multiple consecutive lecturing days in Enschede, so you can stay the night and profit optimally from your stay and the facilities in Enschede.

  Travelling to the University of Twente
  In addition to the on-campus education at the VU, you travel to the University of Twente a few times a month, mainly to follow practicals. From the train station next to the VU, you only have to switch trains once before arriving in Hengelo. From Hengelo it is a 10-minute bus ride to the University of Twente campus. 

  Accommodation
  Because you will stay consecutive days at the UT, we advise you to stay there overnight. At the UT campus there are cabins available at cost price, specifically allocated to the Mechanical Engineering students. These cabins are group accommodation on the UT campus. You can expect to spend about 350 - 450 euro for the overnight stays in the cabins per academic year. 

  You can find more information about accommodation here:

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

  Diploma
  At graduation, you will receive a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Twente.