Tilburg University at a glance
- City
- Tilburg
- Type
- Public university
- Website
- tilburguniversity.edu
Key takeaways
- For 2026/27, Tilburg's non-EU bachelor's fees are €13,400–€16,100 a year; most master's cost €19,900 (some €23,900).
- Non-EU applicants for September 2027 bachelor's and most master's must apply by 1 April 2027.
- Psychology (bachelor's) closes on 15 January 2027 and University College Tilburg on 1 May 2027.
- Many master's also start in February; the non-EU deadline for February 2028 is 1 October 2027.
- FindUniPath tracks 14 English-taught bachelor's and 64 English-taught master's at Tilburg.
On this page
Tilburg University is a public research university specialised in economics, business, data science, law and the social sciences, and one of the better-value research universities for non-EU students. For 2026/27, non-EU bachelor's fees start at €13,400 per year (for example, the Economics BSc), and most master's cost €19,900.
For September 2027, the non-EU deadline is 1 April 2027 for most programs. Note: the figures in this guide come from the official Study in NL portal (run by Nuffic), where Tilburg lists its English-taught programs, because Tilburg's own site blocked our automated checks.
Why Tilburg is good value
Tilburg's non-EU bachelor's fees are among the lower ones for Dutch research universities, and many of its master's last just one year, which keeps the total cost of a degree down. Its focus on economics, econometrics, business analytics and data science matches fields that many international students choose.
- Many 1-year master's with a September or February start
- Strong offer in econometrics, accountancy, data science and communication
- Double bachelor's such as International Business Administration and Economics
- Two intakes give you a second chance if you miss September
Tilburg University tuition fees
| Level | Fee | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | €13,400–€16,100 | Economics BSc €13,400 |
| Master's (most) | €19,900 | Most 1-year MSc programs |
| Master's (some) | €23,900 | Selected programs |
| Special programs | Differ | IMMIT €13,715; Christianity and Society €6,600 |
The 2027/28 non-EU fees were not yet listed on Study in NL in October 2026. EU/EEA students pay the statutory fee of €2,771 for 2027/28. We could not verify whether Tilburg charges an application fee, so check the program page before you apply.
Budget beyond tuition
For the residence permit you need the IND study norm of €1,130.77 per month for 2026, for 12 months. See our cost of studying in the Netherlands guide.
English-taught programs at Tilburg
Bachelor's (3 years)
- Economics (BSc) and Econometrics and Operations Research (BSc)
- Double Bachelor: International Business Administration and Economics (BSc)
- Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence (BSc)
- Digital Culture and Society (BA)
- Psychology (numerus fixus) and University College Tilburg
Master's
- 1 year, September or February start: Accountancy and Control, Business Analytics and Operations Research, Data Science and Society, Digital Health, Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, Communication and Information Sciences
- 2 years: Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence; Artificial Intelligence for Psychological Research; Data Science in Business and Entrepreneurship (joint degree)
- 1 year: Clinical Neuropsychology, Culture Studies, Economic Psychology
Compare the range with other Dutch universities in our English-taught programs guide.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's: a secondary-school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO, with program subjects such as mathematics, plus IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 per section), TOEFL iBT 4.5 on the new scale, or Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. Psychology uses a numerus fixus selection.
Master's: a relevant bachelor's (program-specific), CV and motivation letter, plus IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 per section), TOEFL iBT 5.0 on the new scale, or Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency. Detailed requirements are on each program page at tilburguniversity.edu.
Check your diploma level first
Research universities expect a VWO-level diploma. Nuffic compares the Afghan 12th Grade certificate to HAVO, which normally gives access to universities of applied sciences instead. Ask Tilburg before you apply. More in our admission requirements guide.
Deadlines for 2027/28
| Program | Start | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology (bachelor's) and Clinical Neuropsychology (master's) | September 2027 | 15 January 2027 |
| Some research master's | September 2027 | 1 March 2027 |
| Most bachelor's and master's | September 2027 | 1 April 2027 |
| University College Tilburg | September 2027 | 1 May 2027 |
| Many master's | February 2028 | 1 October 2027 |
The February 2027 non-EU deadline (1 October 2026) has passed. Apply through Studielink.
From admission to visa
After you accept your offer, Tilburg asks for your proof of funds and documents and applies to the IND for your MVV and residence permit. The IND decision period is 60 days. After a positive decision you have 3 months to collect the MVV at the Dutch embassy or consulate named in your IND letter, and your passport must be valid for 6 more months. Applying by 1 April leaves enough time for this before September.
Residents of Afghanistan cannot collect an MVV in Kabul; the IND letter usually names a Dutch mission in India, Iran or Pakistan, or the consulate-general in the UAE.
Scholarships
Study in NL listings say Tilburg offers scholarships for talented international students, but we could not verify the details on Tilburg's own site. Check the university's scholarship page directly, and see our scholarships in the Netherlands guide for national options such as the €5,000 NL Scholarship.
Living in Tilburg
Study in NL says students spend on average €1,000–€1,500 a month and an average room costs about €550, depending on the city. Housing is short nationwide, so start your search as soon as you are admitted and never pay for a room you have not seen. You may work up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June to August, once your employer has a work permit (TWV).
Honest pros and cons
Benefits
- Bachelor's from €13,400 (2026/27), low for a research university
- Many 1-year master's, which lowers total cost
- February start for many master's
- Strong focus on economics, data and business
Difficulties
- 2027/28 non-EU fees not yet published
- Earlier 1 April deadline than the national 1 May
- Mostly social sciences, economics and law; few engineering options
- Some details (application fee, scholarships) must be checked on Tilburg's site
How to apply to Tilburg University
- 1
Pick a program and intake
Check Tilburg's program page and its Study in NL listing.
- 2
Take an English test
IELTS 6.0 for bachelor's, 6.5 for master's.
- 3
Apply in Studielink
Before 1 April 2027 for most September programs.
- 4
Upload documents
Diploma, transcripts, passport, CV and motivation letter for master's.
- 5
Accept and prove funds
Tilburg then applies to the IND for your permit.
- 6
Collect your MVV
Follow our Netherlands student visa guide.
Track deadlines for free on FindUniPath and compare Tilburg with other options on the Netherlands country hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Tilburg University tuition for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, bachelor's cost €13,400–€16,100 a year and most master's €19,900 (some €23,900), according to Study in NL listings. 2027/28 fees were not yet listed.
What is the Tilburg University deadline for international students?
For September 2027, non-EU applicants must apply by 1 April 2027 for most programs. Psychology closes on 15 January 2027 and University College Tilburg on 1 May 2027.
Does Tilburg University have a February intake?
Yes, many master's start in February. The non-EU deadline for February 2028 is 1 October 2027.
What IELTS score does Tilburg University require?
IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 per section) for bachelor's and IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 per section) for master's.
Official sources
Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change — always confirm on the official page before you apply.
- 1.Study in NL — Economics (BSc), Tilburg University
- 2.Study in NL — Economics (MSc), Tilburg University
- 3.Study in NL — Psychology, Tilburg University
- 4.Tilburg University — Master's programmes
- 5.Nuffic — Afghanistan: level of diplomas
- 6.IND — Required amounts (study norm)
- 7.Study in NL — Finding a place to live
- 8.IND — Student residence permit
- 9.NetherlandsWorldwide — Applying for an MVV from Afghanistan