Welcome to Mechanical Engineering

Are you a prospective student? Welcome to Mechanical Engineering!

Starting your studies in September 2025

Welcome to the Mechanical Engineering program at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) and the University of Twente (UT)! We are excited to welcome you in September 2025. While we are preparing all the information you will need to get started, the following details may help you get organised and answer some initial questions. If you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact us.

Not starting in September 2025?
This page contains information for students starting their studies in September 2025. If you are still exploring your options, visit this webpage for more general program details.

What your education in September 2025 will look like

Studying in Amsterdam and Enschede
As a Mechanical Engineering student, you will spend most of your time studying in Amsterdam but will travel to Enschede several days each month for practicals and tutorials.

Education at VU Amsterdam
Most of your education will take place on campus in Amsterdam, where you will engage with fellow students and staff regularly. No online alternatives will be offered for on-campus activities.

Education at the University of Twente
In addition to the education at VU Amsterdam, you will visit the UT in Enschede a few times per month. These visits will typically involve consecutive days of practicals and group work. Your first practicals at the UT will likely occur in early October. Details regarding scheduling and arrangements will be communicated closer to the start of the academic year. Please note, there are no online alternatives for these practicals. If you need to stay overnight in Enschede, the cost is at your own expense. More information about housing options will be provided later.

Two universities, two sources of information

The Mechanical Engineering program is offered jointly by VU Amsterdam and the UT, which means you might receive information from both universities. While we aim to streamline communication, there may be instances where you receive correspondence from both institutions. Below is an overview of what type of information you can expect from each university and where to find more detailed information.

Additionally, VU Amsterdam offers a Pre-Student Environment with useful information about studying in Amsterdam and at the university. Once you are enrolled at the UT, you will also be enrolled at VU Amsterdam and will receive a VU-net ID. Be aware that the transfer of your enrolment to VU Amsterdam may take some time.

Application process

Admission
Although you will study primarily at VU Amsterdam, you will receive a degree from the UT. Therefore, your application process will go through the UT.

Application deadline: 1 May (all required documents submitted via Osiris).
Mandatory matching: All applicants must complete matching activities to be considered for admission. If you apply after the deadline, you will not be admitted.

Visa (for international students)
The UT will assist international students with their visa application. You will receive an email from the UT with further instructions.

Mandatory matching

What is matching?
We believe that students should choose a program that aligns with their interests, talents and expectations. To help ensure a good match, we have a mandatory matching process.

Matching process
The matching process consists of several steps:

Online questionnaire: Once you apply, you will receive a questionnaire regarding your interests, expectations and skills.
Matching day: You will be invited to attend a matching day at either VU Amsterdam or the UT (in person or online). This day will include short lectures and group assignments to give you an impression of the program.
Feedback: Based on the questionnaire and your participation in the matching day, you will receive feedback on whether the program is a good match for you.
Final recommendation: After completing the matching process, you will receive a recommendation. This advice is non-binding, but you will need to complete the entire process to be considered for admission.

Matching days for 2024/2025

On-campus at VU Amsterdam: 13 December 2024, 7 March 2025, 9 May 2025, 6 June 2025
Online options: 4 April 2025, 2 May 2025, 12 June 2025, 19 June 2025

For questions about matching, contact matching-me@utwente.nl.

Before you start

Student card
You will receive a student card from both VU Amsterdam and the UT. The VU ID card may arrive later than the UT student card, but you don’t need it to start your courses.

Housing in Amsterdam and Enschede
VU Amsterdam offers accommodation for international students, though availability is not guaranteed. You will also have the option to stay overnight in Enschede for UT visits. A form to indicate your preferences will be sent to you later. You can find more information about accommodation here:

Study associations

M.E.S.A ‘s Gravensande – Your study association at VU Amsterdam.
W.S.G. Isaac Newton: Study association for ME students at the UT.

Introduction period
You will be invited to two introduction events:

VU introduction – Focuses on social, cultural and fun activities to help you get to know the VU Amsterdam campus and Amsterdam. You will also meet your study association, M.E.S.A ‘s Gravensande.
UT Kick-In introduction – Includes study-related activities to help you get started with your courses and meet fellow ME students.

During your studies

Educational and ICT systems
As a student at both VU Amsterdam and the UT, you will use multiple ICT systems. In the first week, there will be a presentation explaining how to use them. Student assistants will also be available to help.

Commuting between Amsterdam and Enschede
During your studies, you will spend around 20% of your time at the UT in Enschede. You will travel there for practicals, group work and exams, and have the option to stay there overnight.

Sports activities
A Gentlemen’s Agreement among Dutch universities allows you to use sports facilities at another university if you have a sports card from VU Amsterdam. This means you can access UT sports facilities for free with a valid VU Amsterdam sports card.

Support for personal circumstances
If personal circumstances affect your studies, study advisers are available to support you.