Erasmus guide Eindhoven University of Technology
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Eindhoven University of Technology in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
City
EindhovenCountry
the NetherlandsInternational
More than 4,500 international students; approximately 250 incoming exchange students per year
Enrollment
Around 13,500 students
Study abroad at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e): overview
Study abroad at Eindhoven University of Technology for one of Europe's leading technical universities: QS ~140, around 13,500 students including 4,500+ international students, almost entirely English-taught. Strongest for engineering, computer science and industrial design, with the trade-off of a strongly technical course catalogue and limited humanities options.
Enrollment
Around 13,500 students
International Mix
More than 4,500 international students; approximately 250 incoming exchange students per year
Why students choose it
Best for students who want a top-150 QS technical university with a single compact campus, taught almost entirely in English, inside the Netherlands' tech and design capital. The trade-off is a strongly technical focus — humanities and social sciences options are limited compared to comprehensive universities.
Language of instruction: English (the primary language for the large majority of courses and programmes, including most exchange-accessible courses)
Exchange & application at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Exchange runs through home-university nomination (where a partnership exists) or as a fee-paying free mover, with fixed application deadlines of May 1 and October 1.
✅Requirements
Home university nomination or free-mover application, Mobility Online registration, transcript, English proficiency proof, and — for non-EU students — a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
📨Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly if a partnership agreement exists; without one, you can still apply as a free mover but will be charged tuition fees.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA students need no visa. Non-EU students need a Dutch entry visa and residence permit, typically arranged with TU/e's support once admission is confirmed.
👥Buddy System
ESN Eindhoven and TU/e's international student support run buddy programmes and welcome events pairing new exchange students with local student volunteers.
🧭Orientation Week
TU/e runs an international student orientation covering enrollment, course registration and campus facilities, alongside ESN Eindhoven's social welcome events.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Set by home institution | May 1 |
| 2nd semester | Set by home institution | October 1 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm your English proficiency documentation meets TU/e's requirements before applying.
- Apply for TU/e-linked housing (Vestide or Woonbedrijf) as soon as your exchange place is confirmed.
- Register your address (BRP) with the municipality soon after arrival to receive a BSN.
- Buy or rent a bicycle in your first week — the campus and most housing are best reached by bike.
Academics & courses at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Nearly all courses are taught in English, making TU/e one of the most accessible Dutch universities for students without Dutch — but English proficiency documentation is checked carefully.
📝Course Registration
Course registration happens through TU/e's Mobility Online system in coordination with the departmental exchange coordinator; exchange students select courses within their nominated department.
🎓Credit System
ECTS — the Netherlands is fully aligned with the European Credit Transfer System.
💯Grading System
Dutch 1-10 scale (10 is best, 5.5 is typically the pass mark); TU/e provides ECTS conversion guidance for exchange students.
✍️Exam Culture
Heavy emphasis on written exams, problem sets and project-based assessment typical of engineering programmes; group design projects are common in industrial design.
📚Library Access
TU/e's central library offers extensive technical and engineering collections plus 24-hour study spaces during exam periods.
Tuition & fees at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Nominated exchange students pay no TU/e tuition, only their home institution's fees; free movers and non-EU full-degree students pay standard tuition.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students nominated under a partnership agreement pay no tuition to TU/e, only their home institution's fees. |
| Full degree – non-EU/EEA student | Approximately EUR 12,000-18,000/year depending on programme | Non-EU/EEA full-degree tuition varies by programme level; free-mover exchange students without a partner agreement also pay tuition fees, unlike nominated ex… |
EUR 0 (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students nominated under a partnership agreement pay no tuition to TU/e, only their home institution's fees.
Approximately EUR 12,000-18,000/year depending on programme
Non-EU/EEA full-degree tuition varies by programme level; free-mover exchange students without a partner agreement also pay tuition fees, unlike nominated ex…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Apply for TU/e-linked housing (Vestide, Woonbedrijf) the moment your exchange place is confirmed, since allocation often rewards early applicants; Kamernet is the private-market fallback.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Eindhoven
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
TU/e's exchange office and ESN Eindhoven cover most day-to-day needs — use both in week one alongside registering for a BSN.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes for non-EU students and anyone with Dutch employment income; EHIC generally sufficient for short EU exchanges.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
No dedicated campus clinic; students register with a local huisarts (GP) through the Dutch healthcare system.
🧠Mental Health
Student psychologists and counselling are available through TU/e's student support services, including English-language support.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Accepted for EU/EEA exchange students for the duration of their stay.
Dutch health insurance
~EUR 120-140/month
Required for non-EU students and anyone earning Dutch income; arrange soon after arrival.
Campus services
Student life at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Campus life is compact and technically focused, closely tied to Eindhoven's Brainport tech ecosystem and Strijp-S creative district.
Student Clubs
- ESN Eindhoven
- Department study associations
Buddy Program
ESN Eindhoven and TU/e international student support run a buddy programme pairing new exchange students with local student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- TU/e Sports Centre — subsidised gym and classes
- Cycling around Eindhoven's extensive bike path network
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend TU/e's international student orientation for enrollment and course registration.
- Register your address (BRP) with the municipality to get a BSN.
- Buy or rent a bicycle and a good lock.
- Join ESN Eindhoven's welcome events for social connections and the buddy programme.
Key exchange dates at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Application deadlines (May 1 and October 1) are fixed and firm — treat them as hard cutoffs, and confirm any earlier home-institution nomination deadline separately.
-
1
Nomination (partner students)
Set by home institution, generally several months before the semester
Home university nominates the student to TU/e's exchange office.
-
2
Application deadline
May 1 (September intake) / October 1 (January/February intake)
Official TU/e application deadlines via Mobility Online.
-
3
Exam period
January-February / June-July
Written exams and project deadlines vary by department; confirm before booking return travel.