Mechanical Engineering

Where students create technical innovations for the future.

Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) program, a collaboration between the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) and the University of Twente (UT), equips students with the skills and knowledge to address societal challenges through technology.

From developing clean energy solutions to creating medical technologies and designing earthquake-resistant infrastructure, ME prepares students to invent, improve and maintain technologies that have a real-world impact.

Two universities, one course

Mechanical Engineering is a three-year bachelor's program taught in English, offered jointly by VU Amsterdam and the UT. Students benefit from the expertise of both universities, and have access to UT's state-of-the-art facilities for practical assignments and projects.

Launched at VU in 2019, the program graduated its first cohort in 2022, with most students continuing their studies in a master's program at the UT. The program has been steadily growing, with over 110 students enrolling in 2024, taking on this challenging and dynamic field of study in Amsterdam.

Practice-oriented education with social impact

In the ME program, students focus on developing innovative solutions that create real social value. Whether it's working on renewable energy projects like more efficient wind turbines or developing medical technologies such as advanced hearing aids, students are given the opportunity to create technologies that have a meaningful impact on the world.

With challenging assignments, students engage in themes such as clean energy, healthcare and climate resilience. This hands-on approach allows them to grasp the societal implications of technology and contribute to shaping a better, more sustainable future.

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Strong career and training prospects

The ME program offers excellent career opportunities. Graduates often enter the technology sector or pursue a master's degree in fields like sustainable technology, robotics or product development. In Semester 5, students can broaden or deepen their knowledge by choosing a minor. This could include an internship, an exchange program or a minor, for example.

Graduates go on to thrive in various sectors, including the manufacturing industry, healthcare and energy production. Some alumni also choose to start their own businesses, applying their skills to create innovative solutions.

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From theory to application

ME is all about applying theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. Students collaborate in teams on hands-on projects, learning how to transform ideas into working prototypes.

The project-based learning model ensures that students develop not only technical skills, but also key abilities in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving – skills that are essential in the job market. This approach equips students to address tomorrow's technological challenges, with a strong emphasis on innovation and social impact.

Strahinja Jokic, Mechanical Engineering lecturer In the Mechanical Engineering program, students get a hands-on experience of how the knowledge they acquire is applied in real-world projects. This gives them a preview of the kind of work they'll be doing themselves. Personally, I appreciate the freedom and space to innovate, develop new ideas and refine my skills. I also enjoy the close interaction with fellow students, which creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Mechanical Engineering