The University of Twente (UT) has specific language requirements depending on whether you are applying for an English-taught or Dutch-taught program. These requirements ensure that students have the necessary language proficiency to succeed in their studies.

1. English-Taught Programs

If you are applying to a bachelor's or master's program taught in English, you must provide proof of your English language proficiency through one of the accepted standardized tests.

Accepted English Language Tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Minimum overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each sub-section: 6.0

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 90
  • Minimum sub-scores of 21 for writing, and 18 for reading, listening, and speaking.

• Cambridge English Qualifications:

  • C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE): Minimum overall score of 176 with no sub-score below 169.

Exemptions from English Tests:

You may be exempt from providing proof of English proficiency if:

• You are a native English speaker from countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
• You have completed your secondary or higher education in an institution where the primary language of instruction was English (subject to certain conditions).

2. Dutch-Taught Programs

For programs taught in Dutch, international students must demonstrate proficiency in Dutch. The Dutch language requirement generally applies to bachelor’s programs, as most master’s programs at UT are offered in English.

Accepted Dutch Language Tests:

• NT2-II (Dutch as a Second Language State Examination): Required for non-native speakers to demonstrate a sufficient level of Dutch proficiency. Typically, a B2 level is required.

3. Language Preparatory Courses

If you do not meet the required language proficiency, UT offers language courses to help students improve their English or Dutch skills:

• English Language Courses: Available for students needing to boost their proficiency before starting their program.
• Dutch Language Courses: Offered to students planning to enroll in Dutch-taught programs or wanting to improve their Dutch for living in the Netherlands.

How to apply? | Application process

The University of Twente (UT) offers a variety of course specialties, particularly focused on engineering, technology, and social sciences. Here are some of the key areas of specialization:

1. Engineering & Technology

• Mechanical Engineering: UT offers programs focused on advanced manufacturing, robotics, mechatronics, and systems engineering.
• Civil Engineering: Known for sustainable infrastructure, water management, and smart city technologies.
• Electrical Engineering: Specializes in telecommunications, microelectronics, and sensor technology.
• Biomedical Engineering: A leading program integrating engineering with medical sciences to develop new health technologies.
• Chemical Engineering: Focuses on nanotechnology, sustainable energy solutions, and material science.
• Aerospace Engineering: Includes innovative technologies for flight systems, aerospace materials, and aerodynamics.

2. Nanotechnology

• UT is home to MESA+, one of the world’s largest nanotechnology research institutes. Programs focus on nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and their applications in health and energy sectors.

3. Information Technology & Computer Science

• Computer Science: The university is well-regarded for its programs in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.
• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics: UT is at the forefront of AI and robotics research, offering programs in machine learning, intelligent systems, and autonomous robotics.
• Business Information Technology: This interdisciplinary course combines IT with business and management, preparing students for roles in digital transformation.

4. Business & Entrepreneurship

• International Business Administration: UT’s program integrates business management with global perspectives on economics, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management: With UT’s strong startup culture, this program focuses on nurturing business ideas and turning them into successful ventures.
• Industrial Engineering and Management: Combines engineering principles with business strategy, supply chain management, and logistics.

5. Sustainability & Environmental Sciences

• Sustainable Energy Technology: Focuses on renewable energy solutions, energy systems, and sustainable urban design.
• Environmental and Energy Management: Addresses global environmental challenges, sustainability strategies, and climate adaptation solutions.

6. Social Sciences

• Psychology: Emphasizes human behavior, cognitive sciences, and the role of psychology in technological environments.
• Communication Science: Specializes in new media, digital communication, and technology-enhanced learning.
• Public Administration: Focuses on governance, public policy, and the role of technology in societal decision-making.

7. Smart Cities & Urban Planning

• UT offers programs aimed at developing smart city solutions, using technology to create sustainable and intelligent urban environments. This includes specializations in urban planning, intelligent transportation systems, and environmental engineering.

8. Educational Science & Technology

• Focuses on the integration of technology in learning environments, preparing students to innovate in the education sector by designing advanced learning systems and technologies.

9. Human Media Interaction

• Combines human-computer interaction, virtual reality, and user experience design, focusing on the interaction between humans and technology.

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Careers

The University of Twente (UT) is home to several highly regarded professors who are leaders in their fields, contributing to both research and teaching. Here are some of the top professors at UT:

1. Prof. Dr. Detlef Lohse

• Field: Physics and Fluid Dynamics
• Expertise: Detlef Lohse is one of the world's leading experts in fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, and turbulence. He has received numerous awards for his research, including the Spinoza Prize, which is the highest scientific award in the Netherlands.
• Research Contributions: His work covers topics such as turbulence, bubble dynamics, and granular matter, with applications in both fundamental science and industry.

2. Prof. Dr. Albert van den Berg

• Field: Nanotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Expertise: Albert van den Berg is a prominent figure in the field of nanotechnology, particularly in the development of lab-on-a-chip technologies for medical diagnostics. He is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and has received several prestigious awards, including the Simon Stevin Master Award.
• Research Contributions: His pioneering research has significant implications for healthcare, enabling early and precise diagnosis of diseases.

3. Prof. Dr. Peter-Paul Verbeek

• Field: Philosophy of Technology
• Expertise: A leading scholar in the philosophy of technology, Peter-Paul Verbeek focuses on how technology influences human behavior, ethics, and society. He is also the Rector Magnificus of the University of Amsterdam.
• Research Contributions: His work contributes to the understanding of the ethical and societal dimensions of emerging technologies, such as AI, robotics, and biotechnology.

4. Prof. Dr. Maarten van Steen

• Field: Distributed Systems and Computer Science
• Expertise: Maarten van Steen is a key figure in distributed computing and computer networks. He has co-authored influential textbooks on distributed systems and has contributed to advancing the development of large-scale distributed applications.
• Research Contributions: His research includes topics such as the Internet of Things (IoT), networked systems, and cybersecurity.

5. Prof. Dr. Willem Vos

• Field: Physics and Photonics
• Expertise: Willem Vos is a leading expert in photonic crystals and nanophotonics. His research focuses on manipulating light in nano-structured materials, with applications in communication technologies and sensors.
• Research Contributions: His groundbreaking work on controlling light at the nanoscale is pivotal for the development of future optical technologies.

6. Prof. Dr. Michel Westenberg

• Field: Data Science and Visualization
• Expertise: Michel Westenberg is known for his contributions to data visualization, computer graphics, and bioinformatics. He works on transforming large data sets into visually interpretable information for various applications, including medical imaging and genomics.
• Research Contributions: His work in visual data analytics is crucial in fields like medicine, where understanding complex data can lead to better diagnostics and treatment plans.

7. Prof. Dr. Lex van der Heijden

• Field: Electrical Engineering and Signal Processing
• Expertise: Specializing in signal processing and electronic systems, Lex van der Heijden’s research focuses on communication technologies, sensor networks, and audio signal processing.
• Research Contributions: His work in sensor networks and communication systems is critical for applications in smart cities and wireless communications.

The University of Twente has not directly produced any Nobel Prize winners, but its faculty and alumni have contributed significantly to cutting-edge research, particularly in fields like nanotechnology, physics, and biomedical engineering. The university is home to several renowned professors who are members of prestigious academies and have received top national and international awards, such as the Spinoza Prize, which is considered the Dutch equivalent of a Nobel Prize.

Key Contributions

• The MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world and has been involved in groundbreaking work that could potentially lead to Nobel-level discoveries in the future.
• Professors such as Albert van den Berg and Detlef Lohse have been recognized with prestigious awards and are often mentioned in connection with high-impact research areas, although none have been awarded a Nobel Prize.