What is Studielink?
If you want to apply for a Bachelor’s program at Tilburg University, you must always register in Studielink. Studielink is the Dutch national database for admission to higher education. This system is operated by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs).
DUO operates on behalf of the ministry of education, and keeps track of all students who are studying in the Netherlands. In addition, DUO is responsible for managing student loans given out by the Dutch government.
Please note that it is always up to the University to decide whether you are accepted for your program or not. Our International Admissions Coordinators review your application in our online application system. It is not sufficient to register in Studielink only: always make sure to submit a complete application in our online application system as well.
Why is Studielink important?
You must register in Studielink to receive an invitation to our online application system, and to be able to enroll for that program at Tilburg University. Every student is allowed to register for up to four programs in Studielink. Please do so correctly or we will not be able to process your application.
- Make sure that you register for the correct program(s).
- Add your personal details (including your full name) as stated in your passport.
- Enter an e-mail address that you use regularly. Tilburg University will send you important information via this e-mail address, so please check it regularly. Make sure you pick a password which is safe but easy to remember, as you will need to log back into Studielink from time to time during the application process.
Even after you are enrolled for a program, you will need to log back into Studielink, to update your personal details, such as your address.
- Tilburg University’s student administration system is updated daily based on Studielink.
- Once you finish your first year and progress to year two, you will again need to log in to Studielink, to register for year two of your studies.
Therefore, Studielink is an important account which stays with you for the full duration of your studies in the Netherlands.
From time to time, you will receive messages from Studielink. Always read those messages carefully and follow the instructions. If you are confused about what they mean, you can forward them to your International Admissions Coordinator. Your International Admissions Coordinator can help interpret them.
How to register for your program
For instructions on how to register via Studielink, please watch our video How to register in Studielink and read the Studielink Manual.
Go to Studielink
Studielink terminology and abbreviations
TiU, TU or TilburgU
Tilburg University
TuE or TU/e
Eindhoven University of Technology
Universities (or Research Universities)
Universities (or Research Universities) are mainly responsible for offering research-oriented programs in an academic setting. Bachelor WO is an abbreviation in Dutch referring to ‘wetenschappelijk onderwijs’ literally translated as ‘scientific education’ which implies research-oriented higher education. This type of education is offered at Tilburg University.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences offer programs that focus on the practical application of theoretical knowledge previously acquired during lectures. These programs tend to be more practice oriented than programs offered by research universities and they prepare students for specific professions. Bachelor HBO is an abbreviation in Dutch referring to ‘hoger beroeps onderwijs’ literally translated as ‘higher professional education’ which implies higher education offered at a different type of universities in the Netherlands, - called Universities of Applied Science, which Tilburg University is not.
Full-time education
Full-time students attend lectures or tutorials during the daytime. This can be compared to a ‘full-time’ job which equals to 40 hours of (self) study hours per week. The full-time Bachelor’s programs take 3 years at Tilburg University. All international Bachelor’s programs are full-time programs. Tilburg University offers a few part-time Master’s programs.
Part-time education
Part-time students tend to combine their studies with a job, and spend 20-24 hours a week on their study program. The part-time undergraduate programs take on average 4 years. Please, double check this information on our website for your program of interest, to see if it’s a part-time or a full-time program.
Dual education
With a dual degree program, students can either combine studying and working, or follow one/multiple degree program at different institutions. This form of education does not apply to Tilburg University Bachelor’s programs.
(Academic) Pre-Master
An (academic) Pre-Master's program is a transfer program for Bachelor's (undergraduate) program students who wish to obtain a university Master's (postgraduate) degree, but who cannot be admitted directly. A Pre-Master’s program has been designed to bridge the gap between students' previous education and the Master’s degree of their interest.
Tilburg University students cannot directly apply for a Pre-Master’s track and must always apply for a Master’s degree. They will be assigned by the Board of Examiners of the School to a Pre-Master’s track during the diploma evaluation process when applying for a Master’s degree. Not all Master’s programs offer a Pre-Master’s track.
CROHO code
Dutch university programs accredited by the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO) get a CROHO code. CROHO stands for Central Register of Higher Education Programs and is used by DUO (Dutch Office of Education). The CROHO ID is required for the application to a study program via Studielink. Recognized degrees are awarded only after graduation of a program accredited by NVAO.
Do you have questions about Studielink?
If you have any questions about the application procedure in Studielink, please contact your International Admissions Coordinator. You can find their contact details in the e-mails you received after starting your application. If you want to know more about DUO's procedures, we kindly refer you to DUO's customer service.