University of Twente
Enschede
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
University of Twente - the most entrepreneurial university in the Netherlands
The University of Twente (UT) is a top-ranked research university with a unique campus - the only real American-style campus in the Netherlands. Located in Enschede, UT offers 17 English-taught bachelor programs focused on technology, engineering, and social sciences. The university is known as the most entrepreneurial university in the Netherlands - over 1,100 companies have been founded by UT alumni and researchers.
What makes UT truly unique is its green, 146-hectare campus where you can live, study, sport, and socialize all in one place. The campus has its own on-campus housing, sports facilities, restaurants, a supermarket, and even a lake. For non-EEA students, UT offers guaranteed housing for the first year. EU students have access to on-campus housing options and the university actively helps with the housing search.
Academic culture at the University of Twente
Create Your Own Story
Discover student life at the University of Twente and explore the opportunities that will help you create your own unique journey.
Why students choose the University of Twente
Study in ten-week modules. Focus deeply on one connected theme at a time.
Learn through action. Combine theory, seminars, discussions and meetings with specialists.
Build problem-solving skills. Assessment rewards creativity and practical solutions, not memorisation alone.
Choose from 400 placement partners. Test your knowledge inside real organisations.
Use technology for people. Projects address health, ageing, culture and environmental challenges.
Turn ideas into companies. Access incubators, innovation labs and an entrepreneurial community.
Live on a complete campus. Housing, sports, food and study spaces stay together.
Study more affordably. Enschede costs less than major Randstad cities.
Eligible working EU students may receive Dutch financial support. Learn more here.
Study programs at the University of Twente
UT offers 17 English-taught bachelor programs including:
- Technical Computer Science
- Creative Technology
- International Business Administration
- Advanced Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication Science
- Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
- Industrial Design Engineering
The exact list of study programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.
The student city of Enschede
Discover Enschede - shopping, culture, food, and nightlife in your future student city.
Enschede - your student city
Enschede is a vibrant student city in the east of the Netherlands, near the German border. With the University of Twente and Saxion both based here, the city has a strong student culture. Known for its music scene (Metropool venue), festivals, and affordable living. The city centre has great cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.
The Twente region is called the "Silicon Valley of the Netherlands" due to its thriving tech and startup ecosystem. For students in technology and engineering, this means excellent internship and career opportunities right at your doorstep.
Quick facts
| Type | Research University (WO) - campus university |
|---|---|
| English programs | 17 bachelor programs; 30 master programs |
| Campus | 146-hectare green campus (only real campus in NL) |
| Location | Enschede (Twente region) |
| Key strengths | Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship |
| Startup heritage | 1,100+ companies founded by UT alumni |
| Housing | On-campus housing available |
FAQ
What is it like to live on campus?
Living on the UT campus is a unique experience in the Netherlands. The 146-hectare green campus has everything: student housing, sports facilities, restaurants, a supermarket, study spaces, and even a lake. You walk or cycle to lectures in minutes, and there is always something happening - from sports events to parties. The campus community is tight-knit and international, making it easy to make friends and feel at home.
What does "most entrepreneurial university" mean for students?
The University of Twente has a strong culture of entrepreneurship. Over 1,100 companies have been founded by UT alumni and researchers. For students, this means access to startup incubators, innovation labs, entrepreneurship courses, and a community that encourages you to turn ideas into businesses. Many students start their own companies during or after their studies. The campus has dedicated spaces for startups and innovation.
Can I work while studying at UT?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. The Twente region has a thriving tech ecosystem with many companies looking for student talent. On campus, there are also job opportunities through the university and its partners. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Learn more about financial support here.
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirementsfor your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
On-campus housing - live where you study
The University of Twente is the only real campus university in the Netherlands, and that includes on-campus housing. You can live right on the beautiful 146-hectare green campus - walking distance from lectures, sports facilities, restaurants, and everything else you need. The university actively helps international students find housing, both on campus and in Enschede.
Enschede has a much more accessible housing market than the overcrowded Randstad cities. Combined with the on-campus options, finding a place to live is significantly easier than at universities in Amsterdam or Utrecht.
Housing guide for international students at UT
Everything you need to know about finding housing - options, prices, tips, and how to avoid scams.
Your housing options
On-campus housing (recommended) - live directly on the UT campus in one of the student residences. Walk to lectures, sports, and social events. Apply through the university after acceptance.
Off-campus in Enschede - many student rooms available in the city, typically 350-550 EUR per month. Use platforms like Kamernet and HousingAnywhere.
Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Enschede" or "UT Housing" for additional options.
Practical details
- On-campus housing available on the 146-hectare green campus
- Typical rent: 350-550 EUR per month
- Enschede is one of the most affordable student cities in NL
- Near the German border - some students shop in Germany for lower prices
- Campus has its own supermarket, sports facilities, and restaurants
- University actively helps international students with housing search
Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
FAQ
Can I live on the UT campus?
Yes! The University of Twente has on-campus housing in student residences. Living on campus means you are within walking distance of everything - lectures, the library, sports facilities, restaurants, and social events. The campus community is tight-knit and international. Apply for on-campus housing through the university after receiving your admission confirmation.
Is Enschede affordable?
Very affordable! Enschede is one of the cheapest student cities in the Netherlands. Student rooms typically cost 350-550 EUR per month - significantly less than Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. Daily expenses are also lower. The city is near the German border, so many students cross over for cheaper groceries. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying at UT is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.
What facilities are on campus?
The UT campus has everything you need: student housing, a supermarket, multiple restaurants and cafés, a sports centre with gym and swimming pool, study spaces, a lake, and green areas for relaxing. There are also startup incubators, innovation labs, and social spaces. It is like a small city within a city - you can spend days without leaving campus if you want to.
For complete information about housing at the University of Twente, visit the official page.
Student stories