Freshmen

Freshmen site: Studying at Tilburg University

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What does an academic level of study mean?
The subjects you will study at university are a lot more theoretical and abstract that what you were used to in secondary school. Especially in the beginning of your program, you will often have to tackle boring and complex basic subjects before the fun starts. However, the more you progress the more insight you gain. Do not underestimate the statistical subjects, an absolute must for any academic education. Knowledge of Mathematics is essential. And bear in mind that the sheer amount of material that you will have to absorb is far greater than what you have been used to.

What is expected of me? Is it enough if I hand in my assignments on time? Will I get a chance to show what I'm made of? Do hard work and good grades get rewarded?
The university stimulates individual activities, initiative, and active participation in the associations, and offers extra opportunities to ambitious students through the honors program and the Excellence Scholarship: students who obtain their Bachelor's degree within three years with an overall average of at least 8 in all subjects receive 2500 euros to use for a Master's course abroad. If tuition fees are higher than at Tilburg University, these costs will be reimbursed up to € 5000.
See also the education profile of the university.

What happens if I don't pass all my exams?
I you fail an exam, you got to do resits untill you pass. In your first year, you must pass at least 70%, that is 42 credits. If not, you will be issued with a negative advice. This is a binding advice (mandatory recommendation) and means that you will not be allowed to register for this particular program during the next three years.
Once you have a positive advice, your study progress is your own responsability. Try to pass all your exams, because there is a certain order in the program.

What do BaMa, BSA mean?
BaMa stands for Bachelor-Master system and BSA ("binding study advice" - a binding recommendation regarding the continuation of studies") is the mandatory progress threshold you have to meet after one year.
ECTS is short for European Credits Transfer System. It means, among other things, that the credits you earn for every subject, are recognized by all Higher Education partners in Europe. To be allowed to continue your studies, you need to pass at least 60% of all your examinations, that means that you get a positive bsa.

Can I take two degree programs at the same time?
This is theoretically possible, but you will have to decide for yourself you will be able to fit the different schedules together. In case you encounter logistical problems, such as conflicting compulsory group assignments, you will have to discuss things with your academic advisor. Some programs, such as Fiscal Economics and Fiscal Law, share many common subjects. In this case you don't need to take subjects twice; you will be able to apply for exemptions. Please note: if you have a nationality other then from an EER-country, you pay tuition fee (see article 4.1) for each program separately

My fellow students don't study that hard and still they achieve better results than I do. What am I doing wrong?
Studying at university is completely different from studying at secondary school, where you might have been able to breeze through effortlessly. Here you don't have to study just three chapters for your test. Instead, you need to study three books all at once. You can easily lose track of what you are doing and be at a loss for how to solve the problem. Study advisors and student psychologists are available to give you advice or counseling.

What must I do in case I fall ill?
If you are ill and cannot attend lectures, you should contact your fellow students and ask them to take lecture notes for you. Many lecturers put their lectures and assignments on Blackboard. If you miss a compulsory lecture, you must sign out. The exact rules differ from course to course. Inquire at the Education Office of your school. If you are ill during an examination, then you will need to wait until the next resit. You may report your absence to your academic advisor. In certain circumstances you may be given an extra opportunity.
If you face a possible study delay due to illness, contact a student counsellor straight away.

I am dyslectic (I am disabled; I suffer from a chronical illness); what facilities can Tilburg University offer me?
No matter your situation, if you are physically disabled or if you have less visible limitations, the earlier you mention them to the academic advisor, the better. He can take this into account and advise you about the possibilties (e.g. more examination time for dyslectic students) and a specially adapted study program. More information.

Programme Choice

  • The course has not met my expectations!
  • How wrong I was..., my studies do not interest me one single bit!
  • I underestimated the level of difficulty. Is this program too much for me?
Despite all preparations and good intentions, your program might turn out to be a big disappointment. What next? Do you want to stop, do you want to switch programs or do you want to work for a year and look around? You can make an appointment with your study and career counsellor.
See the overview of all English Bachelor's programs and Dutch Bachelor's programs.Dutch information only

Switching programs
If you want to switch to another program or want to (temporarily) quit your current program, you will have to take care of a couple of things, such as registration and registration, grants, etc.
If you are sure you want to stop, then as a first year student you can cancel your registration at the University of Tilburg without having to provide a reason. Your tuition fee will be reimbursed from the second month following your deregistration, but you will need to terminate your student grant (if you have one) and return your OV (public transport) card. If you do this before February 1st, then the BSA is waived and you won't even need to pay back your student grant over the first months (maximum 5).

See also