Bachelor's programs

Top-level bachelor's programs within an international environment prepare you for a responsible position in society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of support can I expect to get from Tilburg University before my arrival in Tilburg?

We strongly believe that the quality of the services we provide are of equal importance to you as the quality of the degree programmes we offer. Therefore, we do our utmost to support you before and after your arrival in Tilburg. Before your arrival, we will assist you with the admissions procedures, the visa application process (if applicable), and help you to find suitable accommodation. For a complete overview of our support services, please have a look at our international student services.

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Which students need to take an English proficiency test?

You are exempt from an English test:

  • if English is your mother tongue, or
  • if you are an EEA citizen who has studied in an English-taught secondary school or undergraduate programme, or
  • if you had your secondary or university education in English for at least three years in a native English-speaking country, and
  • for the Bachelor's programme: if you obtained an IB or EB diploma with English as the language of instruction; and if you obtained a Dutch VWO diploma
All other applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a TOEFL certificate (BSc: minimum of 550 paper-based / 213 computer-based / 80 internet-based; MSc: minimum of 575 paper-based / 233 computer-based / 90-91 internet-based) or an Academic IELTS certificate (BSc overall minimum score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 on each of the parts; MSc overall minimum score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 on each of the parts), or Cambridge Proficiency results.

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I have already studied English during secondary school and I did an internship in the United States. Do I still need to pass the TOEFL or Academic IELTS test?

This depends on your secondary school diploma. If you obtained an IB or EB diploma with English as the language of instruction and if you obtained a Dutch VWO diploma, you are exempt from an English test. Some other European secondary school diplomas are exempt from an English test as well, such as the German Abitur. For more information, contact the Admissions Office. All other students need to submit All other students will need to demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a TOEFL certificate (BSc: minimum of 550 paper-based / 213 computer-based / 80 internet-based; MSc: minimum of 575 paper-based / 233 computer-based / 90-91 internet-based) or an Academic IELTS certificate (BSc overall minimum score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 on each of the parts; MSc overall minimum score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 on each of the parts), or Cambridge Proficiency results.

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My Academic IELTS / TOEFL score was lower than the minimum requirement. Can I still be admitted?

NO! Unfortunately we cannot make any exceptions. If you are not an English native speaker or not a citizen of an EEA member state with English as their first foreign language at secondary school, you will have to meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.

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What is numerus fixus and decentralized selection?

A numerus fixus means that there are a limited number of places available for a programme of study. If the number of applications received exceeds the number of places, places are allocated by drawing lots, which happens centrally. Tilburg University currently has three study programmes with a numerus fixus – the BSc in International Business Administration and the BSc in Economics (both offered in English by the School of Economics and Management) and the BSc in Psychology (offered in Dutch only by the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences).
Decentralized selection means that the School can themselves pre-select a number of applicants for admission to the programme before the draw takes place.
For the academic year 2011-2012, only the two programmes offered by the School of Economics and Management have a decentralized selection procedure. This means that 50% of the places are allocated by the School itself; the other 50% is allocated by the central draw. All places allocated for the BSc in Psychology will be allocated by the central draw.
Please go to the appropriate website for more information about the numerus fixus and the admission procedure.

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I want to follow a Dutch taught programme at your university. Is that possible?

In order to be admitted to a Dutch taught programme, you should have sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language and of course meet the 'regular' entry requirements. Therefore you must pass the national exam in 'Dutch as a Second Language', called NT-2. The University Language Center provides excellent preparation for the national exam. If you are registered as a student, you are eligible to take these courses for free. If you have no knowledge of Dutch, you must take into account that it will take at least one year to obtain a sufficient command of the language. More information can be found at the Language Center.

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I already have a degree. Can I start in the second, third or fourth year of the Bachelor's programme?

In order to assess whether you can be exempted for part of the degree programme, you will have to send us a separate formal request for exemptions. You can either send in the request together with your application or after you have started the programme at Tilburg University.

What to do:
First of all, you should carefully compare the courses of the Dutch programme with the courses you already took and successfully passed. If you think there is an overlap, you can apply for exemption of the(se) course(s) by including the following in your request:

  • a list with titles of the courses from the Dutch programme you want to be exempted for and
  • a list of course titles, including course descriptions and literature used, of the corresponding courses you already successfully passed in your previous programme.
Please note that all information should be in English!

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Do I need a visa to study at Tilburg University?

Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa. More information about visa and residence permits can be found here.

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I have a residence permit in one of the EEA member states. What should I do?

If you have a residence permit in The Netherlands, please contact the Foreigners Police to extend your permit.
If you have a residence permit in any of the other EEA member states, please contact the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in that country.

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Will I need to apply for accommodation as I am moving to Tilburg? How or when should I do it?

Tilburg University arranges accommodation for all international students if you apply before the deadline. After being admitted to Tilburg University, you will receive the 'Ticket to Tilburg': an information package that informs you about all administrative procedures such as arranging accommodation. Please have a look at the accommodation website.

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What is the tuition fee for my programme?

Tuition fees can be found here.

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How can I apply for a scholarship?

To apply for one of the scholarships, please see what the requirements and procedures are for each of the scholarships.

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What are the deadlines for application?

The application deadline depends on the programme you're applying for.

For more information, see application deadlines.

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What does the Welcome Week offer?

During this week we offer you

  • Information about class schedules
  • Administrative affairs like opening a bank account and registration at City Hall
  • Information about buying your books
  • A tour around campus and a guided tour of Tilburg City
  • Possibility to buy a second hand bicycle
  • Social activities to meet fellow Dutch and international students

For more information please have a look at Welcome Week

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In case you did not find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us.