Are you passionate about electrical engineering and eager to pursue your Master’s degree in a vibrant and innovative academic environment? Look no further than the Netherlands! With its renowned universities, cutting-edge research, and thriving high-tech industry, studying electrical engineering in the Netherlands can be a life-changing decision.
As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled electrical engineers remains high across various industries. Electrical engineers play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems, power generation, and distribution networks. The best engineering universities in the Netherlands are known for their cutting-edge programs and focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. With its thriving economy and research-intensive environment, the Netherlands offers abundant opportunities for aspiring electrical engineers to thrive. Other prominent areas of study in the Netherlands include more traditional fields such as Civil Engineering, Computer Science, MBA, etc as well as cutting-edge fields such as Data Science.
In this article, we explore the benefits and opportunities of studying electrical engineering in the Netherlands, highlighting the best English-taught programs, tuition fees, entry requirements, career prospects, and more.
Overview of Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands
| No. of Universities offering the program in English | 5+ |
| No of Programs | 10+ |
| Degrees Offered | BSc, MSc |
| Duration of Study | Bachelor’s: 3 or 4 Years
Master’s: 2 Years |
| Average Tuition Fees | Bachelor’s: 8000 – 15000 EUR
Master’s: 16000 – 20000 EUR |
Why pursue Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands?
Strong Education System: The Netherlands has a reputation for having a high-quality education system, with several universities ranked among the top in the world. Dutch universities are known for their rigorous academic standards, excellent facilities, and experienced faculty.
Technological Innovation: The Netherlands is known for its strong focus on technological innovation. It has a thriving high-tech industry and is home to numerous tech companies and research institutes.
Research Opportunities: Dutch universities are renowned for their research activities in various fields. Pursuing an electrical engineering degree in the Netherlands can offer opportunities for you to participate in research projects, work with leading experts in the field, and contribute to advancements in the field.
Career Prospects: The Netherlands has a strong job market for engineers, including electrical engineers. The country is home to many multinational companies and startups that actively recruit graduates with technical skills. The presence of these companies, along with the favorable business climate, provides excellent career prospects and opportunities for job placements and internships for international students.
Quality of Life: The Netherlands consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for international students, with great student cities that offer a high standard of living, efficient public transportation, and a well-developed infrastructure.
Top Electrical Engineering Universities in the Netherlands
| University Name | QS World University Rankings (Engineering and Technology) | QS World University Rankings (2023/24) |
| Delft University of Technology | 13 | 61 |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 28 | 138 |
| University of Twente | 129 | 212 |
Some of the other prominent universities offering electrical engineering programs in the Netherlands include:
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands
Bachelor of Engineering programs are designed to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation, practical skills, and hands-on experience in the field. Bachelor of Engineering programs are typically offered as BSc programs in the Netherlands and span three to four years. There are more than 5 compelling bachelor’s electrical engineering programs offered in the Netherlands. These programs are known for their focus on practical application and real-world problem-solving. They also emphasize multidisciplinary education and encourage students to develop a broad skill set.
Tuition Fees
| University Name | Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | BSc Electrical Engineering | 3 Years | 12300 EUR |
| University of Twente | BSc Electrical Engineering | 3 Years | 12750 EUR |
| HAN University of Applied Sciences | BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 4 Years | 9400 EUR |
| Saxion University of Applied Sciences | BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 4 Years | 8190 EUR |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Short Degree Program) | 2 Years | ||
| Hanze University of Applied Sciences | BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Electronics/Mechatronics/Sensor Technology) | 4 Years | 8276 EUR |
| Fontys University of Applied Sciences | BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 4 Years | 8740 EUR |
Admission Requirements
The specific admission requirements for Bachelor’s programs in Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands may vary slightly between universities. However, here are some common requirements that you may encounter:
- A higher secondary school diploma or an equivalent qualification recognized in the Netherlands. Universities typically require applicants to have a strong background in mathematics and physics. You may need to have completed specific courses or achieved a certain level of proficiency in these subjects.
- English language proficiency certification in recognized tests such as the IELTS (7.0) or TOEFL (100).
- Some universities may require you to take additional entrance examinations or interviews to assess your aptitude for studying Electrical Engineering.
Master of Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands
Master’s programs in engineering in the Netherlands typically span one to two years, depending on the specific program and university. These programs offer in-depth knowledge, research opportunities, and practical training to further develop students’ expertise in the field. Although there are only a handful of master’s in electrical engineering programs in the Netherlands, the ones offered are top-notch and can rival world-class programs from around the world. Many master’s programs offer the opportunity for internships and industry placements, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop their professional networks. This further enhances students’ employability and prepares them for successful careers.
Tuition Fees
| University Name | Programs Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Delft University of Technology | MSc Electrical Engineering | 2 Years | 20560 EUR |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | MSc Electrical Engineering | 2 Years | 17800 EUR |
| University of Twente | MSc Electrical Engineering | 2 Years | 16750 EUR |
Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from a recognized university or equivalent institution.
- Some universities may specify a minimum GPA or provide guidelines regarding the content and level of coursework required for your Bachelor’s degree.
- Students may be required to have completed specific prerequisite courses in areas such as mathematics, physics, electronics, and signal processing.
- English language proficiency certification in recognized tests such as the IELTS (7.0) or TOEFL (100).
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose or motivation letter is commonly required.
- Students may need to provide a comprehensive CV or resume that highlights their academic and professional experiences.
Suggested Read: Electrical Engineering in UAE
Scholarships for Electrical Engineering students in the Netherlands
There are several excellent scholarships for international students in the Netherlands. Scholarship programs are offered to the best of the bunch and usually cover tuition expenses as well as part of the living expenses. International students mostly meet their living expenses mainly through part-time jobs.
Some of the most prominent scholarship opportunities for aspiring electrical engineering students include:
Holland Scholarship: The Holland Scholarship is offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). It provides financial support of 5,000 EUR for one year of study at participating Dutch universities and applied sciences universities.
Orange Tulip Scholarships: These are a range of scholarships offered to deserving students from Indonesia and India. These scholarships are awarded across universities in the country and include universities such as Saxion University of applied sciences, Fontys University of applied sciences, etc. The exact amount of the scholarship depends on the participating universities.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships for international students to pursue joint master’s degree programs in Europe. Some of these programs are related to electrical engineering and offer opportunities to study in multiple countries. These scholarships are often fully funded programs that cover a part of the living expenses of the students as well.
Justus and Louise Van Effen Scholarships: Delft University of Technology offers this scholarship program to outstanding international students, enrolled in MSc programs, including those pursuing electrical engineering. Only applicants with a cumulative GPA of 80 percent or higher will be considered for the scholarship. 2 scholarships are offered per faculty in the university, with the program covering full tuition as well as contributing to the student’s living expenses.
The University of Twente Scholarship: The University Twente Scholarship is a scholarship for excellent students from non-EU/EEA countries, applying for a graduate program at the University of Twente. The scholarship amount ranges from 3000 EUR to 22000 EUR, depending on the student’s academic record and excellence.
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Job Prospects & Salaries
The Netherlands has a strong and technologically advanced economy and has prominent industries with a strong demand for skilled engineers in various sectors, including electrical engineering. As a result, electrical engineering graduates find jobs in various industries and sectors across the country.
Some of the key industries that employ electrical engineering graduates in the Netherlands include:
- Energy and Utilities
- Electronics and Semiconductor Industry
- Automation and Control Systems
- Telecommunications
As such, electrical engineering graduates in the Netherlands can find a wide range of job positions with varying salaries, depending on factors such as experience, specialization, industry, and location. Here are some of the most common positions occupied by electrical engineering graduates along with their salaries, according to payscale.com.
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Electrical Design Engineer | 55000 EUR |
| Power Systems Engineer | 56489 EUR |
| Electronics Engineer | 54982 EUR |
| Control Systems Engineer | 51425 EUR |
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands offers an exceptional opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in a thriving academic and technological ecosystem. The Netherlands, known for its strong education system, technological innovation, and collaborative research environment, provides an ideal setting for pursuing a degree in this dynamic field. Moreover, the promising career prospects for electrical engineers in the Netherlands, driven by the country’s robust high-tech industry and entrepreneurial spirit, make it an attractive destination for those aspiring to make big in this field. For more information regarding electrical engineering in the Netherlands, book a free call with our admission experts.
If you are interested, do check out our comprehensive guides to studying Masters in Electrical Engineering in Canada, and Masters in Electrical Engineering in Ireland.
