Top Architecture Universities in the Netherlands

Architecture universities in the Netherlands are categorized into two types: research universities and universities of applied sciences. Both are well known for their dynamic and student-centered teaching approaches. The quality of education is a major reason why many international students pick the Netherlands for architecture studies. It is ranked #10 in the US News Education Rankings for providing the best opportunities for education. 

Top Dutch architecture universities offer master’s-level degrees as well as bachelor’s-level programs. English is the most common language of instruction at the master’s level but bachelor’s programs are typically taught in Dutch or a combination of Dutch and English. Thus, the bachelor’s programs in English are fewer in number compared to master’s-level programs. 

Besides quality education, the Netherlands ranks #8 in the world for “Best Countries for Quality of Life.” This means that architecture graduates looking to settle in the Netherlands after finishing their studies will have decent job opportunities, economic equality, a well-developed healthcare system, and low-cost living.

Overview of Architecture universities in the Netherlands

Top Architecture universities in the Netherlands

The following is a list of the top architecture universities in the Netherlands as ranked by QS. The rankings include both global QS rankings and architecture-specific rankings.

Here are some other popular Dutch universities that offer accredited degrees in architecture in English.

• University of the Arts The Hague
• ArtEZ University of the Arts
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Delft University of Technology

Known as the top-ranked university in the Netherlands, the Delft University of Technology offers only a master’s level degree in architecture. The duration of the course ‘MSc Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Sciences’ is 2 years and is taught entirely in English. The university follows a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching where students work in groups on arrays of projects in the field. 

Eindhoven University of Technology

This public teaching university provides both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture. It offers one bachelor’s program “Bachelor Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Sciences” and two master’s programs: “Master Architecture, Building, and Planning” and “Mastertrack Architectural Urban Design and Engineering.” The duration of a bachelor’s degree is three years, and that of a master’s degree is two years. The Mastertrack Architectural Urban Design and Engineering is a unique master’s degree that allows students to qualify as both an architect and an urban designer.

Wageningen University & Research

The Master’s Landscape Architecture and Planning by Wageningen University & Research is a 2 year MSc program in architecture. The curriculum is unique among master’s programs in that it provides two specializations: landscape architecture and spatial planning. So, depending on your personal interests, you can specialize in either. Unfortunately, the university does not provide undergraduate architectural programs.

Note: To use the protected title of “Architect” in the Netherlands, graduate students must register with the Dutch Register of Architects. 

Cost of studying Architecture in the Netherlands

The cost of studying architecture in Dutch includes tuition fees plus living costs. The average yearly tuition for a bachelor’s degree in architecture is 10,000 EUR, and with a living cost of 10,000 EUR, the cost could range between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR. Similarly, tuition for a master’s degree in architecture ranges between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR, plus an additional 10,000 EUR for living expenses, the overall cost can range between 20,000 and 30,000 EUR.

Tuition fees for bachelor’s level 

*The program by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an academic course based on theoretical and historical concepts and does not include practical components. 

Tuition fees for master’s level 

*The program by the University of Groningen is an MA course that does not enable registration for the use of the title of architect.

Living costs in the Netherlands 

The cost of studying architecture in the Netherlands includes both tuition and living expenses. The average monthly living costs are between 800 and 1,100 EUR, or between 9,600 and 13,200 USD per year. The student’s spending patterns determine whether this amount is higher or lower.  The majority of living expenses are devoted to housing and food. A little percentage of the budget is allocated to health insurance, transportation, and leisure.

Eligibility to study Architecture in the Netherlands 

For a bachelor’s degree in architecture, the minimum eligibility is a high school education. The minimum score for eligibility is above 75% in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Dutch universities most commonly accept scores of the European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, British GCE A levels, American High School education, CBSE, etc. Students should also produce documents to prove their English proficiency (IELTS Academic test 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80). 

For a master’s in architecture, the minimum eligibility is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in architecture or equivalent from a recognized university. A CGPA of at least 8.5 on a scale of 10 or a 75% or higher score is required. A portfolio of undergraduate architectural projects is also necessary. The minimum English score requirement for a master’s degree is TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180.

Scholarships to study Architecture in the Netherlands 

The scholarships in the Netherlands range from university-wide to program-specific grants. The Holland Scholarship, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and numerous universities, is extremely popular among abroad students. It is a one-time grant in which students receive 5,000 EUR in their first year and cannot be renewed. Students pursuing master’s level architecture courses can apply for Orange Knowledge Program and NN Future Matters Scholarship. 

There are some universities that offer scholarships specific to students from certain countries. The following is a list of such country-specific scholarships:

• Orange Tulip Scholarship Program (Indian and Indonesian students)
• Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship program (Dutch and Chinese citizens)
• OKP-LPDP: StuNed Joint Scholarship Program (Indonesian students)
• Erasmus+ (EU citizens)
• MENA Scholarship Program (Middle Eastern and North African students)
• NRF-Nuffic Program South Africa (South African citizens)

Tips to pick the right Architecture Dutch university

The Netherlands offers a few opportunities to pursue an undergraduate degree in architecture in English. But there are ample options for a master’s degree in architecture. With diverse options available, picking the right university can be a tough decision, especially for international students. Although many students choose universities with inexpensive tuition prices, this is not the best strategy. Students should consider the university rankings, student-to-teacher ratio, number of international students, campus facilities, etc. If you are unsure about which Dutch institution to attend for your architecture program, you can seek admission assistance from Gyanberry. Our admissions experts will guide you in selecting the best university within your financial constraints. We also offer personalized one-to-one services to make the admissions process as easy as possible.