Application & practical info

HOW TO APPLY FOR A BACHELOR'S PROGRAMME AT VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM OR THE UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE IN ENSCHEDE?

Are you about to apply for Creative Technology or Mechanical Engineering and still have some questions? On this website you will find all practical information you might want to know before applying for your chosen Bachelor's programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam or the University of Twente. 

Start your application via Studielink
Apply now
If you want to study in Amsterdam, first search for the study programme name at the University of Twente in Studielink, and then select the location 'Amsterdam'.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Do you have questions about the application process, the overnight stay in Enschede or studying in Enschede? Find your question below or get in touch with us. We are here to help you! The answers apply to both programmes unless specifically indicated.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • What are the application deadlines?

    Please note that for both programmes matching activities for applicants are mandatory, therefore you will have to apply for your chosen programme before 1 May (completed application with all the required uploads submitted via Osiris). This deadline applies to all students, no matter which educational background they have. After your registration, you will receive an invitation to the matching activities.

  • How to apply?

    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.

    Start your application for the Bachelor's in Creative Technology or Mechanical Engineering below.

    Start your application via Studielink
    Apply now
    If you want to study in Amsterdam, first search for the study programme name at the University of Twente in Studielink, and then select the location 'Amsterdam'.
  • Mandatory Matching Procedure

    To make sure you choose the right study, the programmes organise a matching procedure. This enables you to see if the programme is suitable for you. For the programme Creative Technology and Mechanical Engineering, participation in the matching procedure is mandatory.

    You can find more information about the matching on the pages for new students.

Information for new students, starting in September 2024

Have you already applied for the Bachelor's in Creative Technology or Mechanical Engineering? Check out the information for new students.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR AMSTERDAM

Check out all the useful information you need to know if you choose Amsterdam as your study location below. 

  • How to travel to UT, Enschede when necessary?

    If you choose to study in Amsterdam, you will study most of the time in Amsterdam and several days a month in Enschede. That means you regularly will spend consecutive days in Enschede for practicals and tutorials.

    Since travelling between Amsterdam and Enschede is on weekdays, we advise Dutch students to choose a student week OV card to travel by train. International students have to take the extra travel expenses into account.

  • Can I have an overnight stay in Enschede?

    As you will be spending consecutive days at the UT, we recommend staying overnight. On the UT campus, cabins are available at cost price, specifically allocated for Creative Technology students. These cabins provide group accommodation on campus. The cost for overnight stays in the cabins is approximately €350 to €450 per academic year. You can find more information and further options to stay overnight on this page.

  • How to register with the municipality in Amsterdam?

    The International Office of VU Amsterdam will assist you in registering with the municipality. They will also inform you on how to make an appointment with the Health Clinic (for Tuberculosis tests, if needed) and how to arrange your insurance and Dutch bank account.

  • How to find accommodation in Amsterdam?

    Dutch students can sign up via the online platform Studentenwoningweb to find housing in Amsterdam. In your registration you can enter that you will be studying at VU Amsterdam and when you get housing allocated, you must be able to prove that you study in Amsterdam for a large part of the time.

    For international students, the International Office VU offers accommodation in Amsterdam. More information about this can be found on the website of VU Amsterdam. In order to make use of this, you need to fill out this form.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Do I need a visa?

    If you require an entry visa and/or a (new) residence permit, you will be contacted by email to guide you through each step of the process. 

    By Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa themselves. All applications and extensions for (entry) visas, residence permits and Change of Purpose are coordinated by the University of Twente. The Visa Office coordinates the visa applications for bachelor's, master's and exchange students.

    Read our website on visa for more information.

  • Which notebook do I need and where can I buy it?

    From the first day of your studies, you need a notebook with high graphic performance and a powerful processor. You can bring your own device or purchase a new high-end notebook via the annual notebook project of the University of Twente. In this project, we offer selected notebooks for a competitive price, of which we can guarantee that they conform to the requirements of your study programme.

  • Is there any introduction for new students?

    Before the start of the academic year you will be invited to participate in two introduction programmes of VU Amsterdam and UT. The VU Bachelor Introduction Days will take place in Amsterdam on Wednesday 21 August, Thursday 22 August and Friday 23 August 2024. The study-related programme in Enschede will take place from Monday 26 August until Wednesday 28 August 2024. You have to sign up separately for both programmes! Around mid-June you will receive the invitation.

    Introduction at VU Amsterdam
    You will enjoy the general introduction of VU Amsterdam to become acquainted with the VU campus and Amsterdam City. The focus of these three days is mostly on social and fun activities. During this event you will join introductory, cultural and sports related activities with your mentor group. You will also become acquainted with your study association in Amsterdam. Kliché is the association for Creative Technology and M.E.S.A. 's Gravesande is the association for Mechanical Engineering in Amsterdam.

    Kick-in introduction UT
    You also have the possibility to get to know your fellow students by participating in the UT Kick-In introduction which will take place on the UT campus. This study-related programme will truly introduce you to the study programme through organisational support and fun activities.

    You will receive a useful checklist and help from current students to arrange the last things to get started with your studies, like registering for courses, checking your ICT account etc. You will also be introduced to the study association from your programme in Enschede. S.A. Proto is the association for Creative Technology and W.S.G. Isaac Newton is the association for Mechanical Engineering in Enschede.

  • Can I join a study association?

    Creative Technology

    At the University of Twente, there is S.A. Proto, the study association of Creative Technology. As a student of the programme in Amsterdam, you can join the study association Kliché.

    Mechanical Engineering

    It can be useful to become a member of the study association of Mechanical Engineering. As this programme is a collaboration between VU Amsterdam and the University of Twente, the study association for this specific study programme is M.E.S.A. 's Gravesande. As a student of the programme in Amsterdam, you can also benefit from the services of W.S.G. Isaac Newton, which is the study association from UT.

  • Can I buy study books with a discount?

    Creative Technology

    At the University of Twente, you can join S.A. Proto, the study association of Creative Technology, to get a discount. As a student of the programme in Amsterdam, you can also benefit from the services of Proto. 

    Mechanical Engineering

    During the introduction period, you can buy your study books with a discount via the study association W.S.G. Isaac Newton of UT. You will receive more information about this from W.S.G. Isaac Newton by e-mail during the summer period.

  • From which university will I receive a degree?

    Amsterdam or Enschede? No matter where you study, you will receive your engineering degree from the University of Twente.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BOTH LOCATIONS

Still haven't decided where you want to study? Check the websites below to help you figure out what locations suits you best.