Masters in Civil Engineering in Netherlands for International Students

Pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering in Netherlands as an international student can be a rewarding experience. The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students, with over 115,000 international students enrolled in higher education programs in the country. This means that you’ll be part of a diverse and multicultural community while studying in the country. 

Civil Engineering courses in the Netherlands are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which is an independent organization that evaluates the quality of higher education programs in the Netherlands. Moreover, civil engineering graduates in the Netherlands are in high demand, with opportunities in areas such as infrastructure development, water management, renewable energy, and sustainable design. The diverse and multicultural community, the high quality of education, and the strong industry connections make the Netherlands an attractive destination for international students who wish to pursue a career in civil engineering.

In this article, we aim to provide you with all the top universities that offer master’s in civil engineering courses in the Netherlands in addition to the tuition fees, admission requirements, and all that entails to get you that civil engineering degree!

Masters in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands: Overview

To save you time and effort when searching for and evaluating your ideal college, we have provided a brief overview of earning a Master’s in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands.

Why should you pursue a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the Netherlands?

Studying for a Master’s in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands can provide you with a high-quality education, a multicultural environment, a strong focus on sustainable development, and excellent career opportunities. There are several reasons why you may want to consider studying a Master’s in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands:

1. High-Quality Education: The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, known for their academic excellence and innovative teaching methods. The country has a long-standing reputation for providing quality education globally recognized and respected by employers.
2. Multicultural Environment: Studying in the Netherlands provides a unique opportunity to experience a multicultural environment with students worldwide. This diversity can enhance your learning experience, broaden your perspectives, and enable you to build a global network of contacts.
3. Strong Focus on Sustainable Development: The Netherlands is renowned for its sustainable development practices, which are reflected in its infrastructure, public transport, and urban planning. As a civil engineering student, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and academics who are actively engaged in sustainable development practices.
4. English-Taught Programs: Most Master’s programs in the Netherlands are taught in English, making it an ideal destination for international students. This means that you will not have to learn a new language to study in the country.
5. Career Opportunities: The Netherlands is home to many multinational companies, including those in the engineering and construction sectors. This means that you will have access to a wide range of career opportunities after graduation, both in the Netherlands and

Top Universities Offering Masters in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands

Below are some of the top universities offering a Master in civil engineering in the Netherlands to international students. 

TU Delft

TU Delft is a world-class technical university that provides students with a high-quality education, cutting-edge facilities and resources, and exciting career prospects. It has a diverse student body, with over 25,000 students from more than 120 countries, making it a truly international university. In addition to that, it also boasts of being included in the top universities in the Netherlands with a ranking under 100 in both the Times Higher Education Ranking & QS World Ranking Lists 2023, with students from over 100 countries. Studying at TU Delft allows international students to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, learn about different perspectives, and develop a global network of peers and professionals.

The Master in Civil Engineering degree offered by the prestigious university is a two–year full-time English-taught course. There are six tracks, out of which you can choose anyone to pursue.

• Construction Materials
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Hydraulic Engineering
• Hydraulic & Offshore Structures
• Structural Engineering
• Traffic & Transport Engineering

*Tuition fees are given for full-time students enrolled in the course at TU Delft.

University of Twente

The University of Twente is a public research university located in Enschede, Netherlands. It has a strong research profile and is known for its interdisciplinary research approach. Its research focuses on five key areas: health, sustainability, safety and security, digital society, and materials and manufacturing. The university has several research institutes and centers, including the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, the TechMed Centre for Technical Medicine, and the Digital Society Institute.

The Master’s in Civil Engineering & Management at the University of Twente will help you to create solutions to many complex challenges related to construction and infrastructure, water management, and traffic and transport. This two-year, English-taught Master’s degree focuses on both technical and non-technical aspects of civil engineering project management, design, implementation, and maintenance. While managing civil engineering projects, several additional variables must be considered, including policy, political interests, participation and permits, stakeholders, land expropriation, sustainability, expenses, budgeting and price management, logistic efficiency, and safety. This comprehensive approach to civil engineering projects distinguishes this Master’s degree from similar degrees at other universities – and will also set you apart in the job market!

*Tuition fees are given for full-time students enrolled in the course at the University of Twente.

Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a leading technical university in the Netherlands that offers a range of highly regarded engineering programs, including a Master’s in Civil Engineering. The Civil Engineering program at TU/e emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience. 

Students can work on real-world projects in collaboration with industry partners, which prepares them well for careers in the field. TU/e has strong connections with industry partners in the Netherlands and beyond. This allows students to work on projects that are directly relevant to the needs of the industry and to develop valuable connections and networks for future career opportunities. Moreover, the program is taught in collaboration with other departments such as Architecture, Built Environment, and Medical Engineering, which allows students to gain a broad perspective on civil engineering.

*Tuition fees are given for full-time students enrolled in the course at the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Admission Requirements for Pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands for International Students 

Depending on the particular program and university, there may be distinct admission criteria for a Master’s degree in civil engineering in the Netherlands. All universities share the following general specifications-

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or equivalent (American grading system) 6.5 GPA (Dutch grading system)
• Proof of English proficiency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum score for qualification is: IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL: 88-90; PTE: 63*
• Relevant work experience or research experience in civil engineering or a related field -for certain universities only.
• A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s background, research interests, and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

*Note: Top Universities may ask for higher English Language Proficiency Test Scores.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands for International Students 

The cost of living for international students in the Netherlands includes all basic necessities such as food, accommodation, commute, health insurance, and many other miscellaneous expenses. The average monthly combined costs for all of these expenses total up to 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR. Although the cost of living in the Netherlands is not quite cheap, it is still rather less expensive than studying in countries such as the USA, UK, etc. 

There are various ways to ease the financial burden that these costs might impose on one’s pockets. Some of these include working part-time jobs in the Netherlands or reducing the cost of transportation by using public travel such as buses, trains, cycles, etc. 

Scholarships for International Students

There are several scholarships available for international students pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands. Here are some popular scholarship programs:

1. Holland Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, and it is available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. The scholarship is open to non-EEA students and covers a part of the tuition fee and living expenses, up to €5,000 for one year.
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The Erasmus Mundus program offers a range of scholarships for international students, including those pursuing engineering degrees. The European Union funds these scholarships and covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance.
3. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): The OTS program is aimed at talented students from selected countries and offers scholarships for various fields of study, including engineering. Dutch higher education institutions provide scholarships and cover a significant portion of the tuition fees.
4. University-specific Scholarships: Many universities in the Netherlands offer their own scholarships for international students, including those pursuing civil engineering. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, diversity, or specific criteria the university sets. Examples include the University of Twente Scholarship, Delft University of Technology Excellence Scholarships, and Utrecht Excellence Scholarships.
5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: This scholarship program is specifically for students from developing countries pursuing a Master’s degree in specific fields, including engineering. It covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance.

Career Prospects

Completing a Master’s in Civil Engineering in the Netherlands can open up many career opportunities both in the Netherlands and globally. The country strongly focuses on sustainable development and innovative engineering practices, which can give graduates a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, many multinational companies have a presence in the Netherlands, which can provide graduates with access to a wide range of job opportunities both in the country and globally.

*Prices indicated are average salaries provided according to surveys conducted by the top employment website, Glassdoor.

Job Opportunities

The Netherlands is home to many international companies in various industries, including civil engineering. Some of the top companies that hire civil engineering graduates in the Netherlands are:

• Fluor 
• AECOM 
• Arcadis
• DPR Construction
• Royal HaskoningDHV
• Sweco
• Mace
• Eriksen
• AT&H Consulting
• Kirby Group Engineering
• Jacobs
• BAM International and many more. 

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers many opportunities for students seeking an international education for Masters in civil engineering. When deciding, international rankings, on-campus amenities, educational quality, and cost must all be considered.   

We at Gyanberry can help you with anything admission-related and beyond if you’re interested in studying in the Netherlands. You may choose the institution most suited to your interests and goals with our in-depth advice and individualized services. For further information, kindly schedule a video consultation with one of our experts.