Applying for university as an international student takes quite some time. Therefore, you must take careful note of when your studies start and which application deadlines are in place. At the University of Twente, most bachelor's and master's programmes start in September, although with some master's, you can also start in February. Note that after applying, you will also need some time to arrange other important matters (like your visa); therefore, the earlier you start applying, the better.
STEP 1: ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION DEADLINES
To start a bachelor’s or master’s programme, you must of course meet the admission and language requirements. So, make sure to check the website of the programme of your interest in time to see if you’re eligible: this will avoid disappointment. Are you not directly eligible? There may be an option for you to still enrol through the Twente Pathway College (bachelor) or a pre-master.
Do an online e-check when you apply for a master’s
If you want to register for a master’s programme at the University of Twente, you will need to do an online e-check to assess your eligibility. Keep an eye on your mailbox: afterwards, you’ll receive an email with a code that you’ll later need for your application. However, note that the e-check is not the official admission decision; it merely indicates your eligibility. Do you have questions about the admission requirements? The study adviser of your preferred programme is there to help!
Application deadlines
When checking the admission requirements, it’s best to put the application deadline(s) in your calendar immediately as well. As an international student, applying takes longer, so make sure to start on time. For both the bachelor’s and master’s, students with a non-EEA (VISA) nationality should apply before 1 May, and students with an EEA nationality should apply before 1 July. However, note that there are important exceptions: some study programmes have mandatory matching activities or a specific selection procedure with limited spots called numerus fixus. These programmes, therefore, have different deadlines. You can find these deviating deadlines for the bachelor’s and master’s on our website.
STEP 2: APPLYING
Do you think you’re eligible? And – in the case of the master’s – did you get a positive result on the e-check? Then start the application process as soon as possible, even if you have not yet received your current diploma. The application will go through Studielink, an online platform from the Dutch government, where you’ll have to select the study programme of your choice and the starting date. You only have to create an account once, even if you want to apply to multiple studies at the same time. Need some help? Check out the step-by-step plans by Studielink for support.
After you have applied to Studielink, the application procedure in Osiris, the online platform of the University of Twente, will start as well. You’ll automatically receive a link and credentials to log in via email. In Osiris, you will be asked to provide certain documents, which may include degree certificates, an English language test, a motivational letter or something else, depending on your personal situation. After completing your application in Studielink and submitting the needed documents in Osiris, your request for admission will be assessed by the admission committee.
Admission assessment
The admission assessment may take a while, so don’t panic if you don’t get confirmation right away. Usually, you’ll be notified within 2-6 weeks, but it may take longer if additional information is needed. In that case, you’ll be contacted via email. When the assessment has been completed, you’ll receive your decision letter stating the result of your admission. There are several options:
- Admitted: congratulations – you are offered a place!
- Conditionally admitted: further steps are required to get final admission – the letter will explain what to do next.
- Declined: unfortunately, you cannot start your studies – unless you are eligible for a pre-master or the Twente Pathway College, which will be stated in the letter. In both cases, you’ll have to follow a preparation track to become eligible, and you’ll get admitted to the bachelor’s or master’s upon completion.
If you have been admitted, the next step is to accept your offer of admission. You do this through Osiris. After logging in, you’ll find a new field in which you can indicate your choice (accept, decline, undecided) via a drop-down menu. Don’t forget to submit your choice, because by accepting the offer you’ll reserve your place in the bachelor’s or master’s programme of your interest! Note that accepting your offer does not mean you’re obliged to start, however, it does mean the University of Twente will secure a spot for you.
STEP 3: MATCHING (BACHELOR’S)
Some bachelor's programmes organise mandatory admission activities to ensure you’ve made the right study choice. To secure a place in these bachelor’s programmes, you will need to attend these activities. During the matching, you will get a better idea of what to expect from the study programme and whether it suits you. Afterwards, the programme will advise you whether or not to start. This is not binding, so even if the advice is negative you can still start.
The matching looks different for each programme: sometimes it is a personal interview, but it can also be a workshop, questionnaire, motivational letter or test. After applying to Studielink and Osiris before the given deadlines, you will receive an invite for the matching activity from the University of Twente automatically.
STEP 4: MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION
Did you accept your offer of admission and – in the case of the bachelor’s - have you gotten a positive recommendation after the matching procedure? Great! Then you can make your final decision. Arrange the payment of tuition fees for the study programme of your choice via Studielink and withdraw your application for any other programmes as soon as possible. After a final check by the university that the payment of your tuition fees has been settled, you will be officially enrolled. You can track your enrolment status yourself via Studielink: as soon as you have completed all the steps and all conditions have been met, it will change to ‘enrolled’ automatically. Subsequently, you will receive confirmation of your enrolment and your student card by post.
And that’s it! Now is the time to start arranging all other practical stuff, like your visa (if applicable), booking your trip to the Netherlands and finding housing. Don’t forget to sign up for the Kick-In, the introduction period of the University of Twente, either; it’ll be a great way to meet other students and kickstart your time in Enschede! Curious about what other stuff you need to arrange before your adventure abroad starts? Read our article on how to prepare for university.
