Study in Europe › Netherlands › VU Amsterdam

BSc Mechanical Engineering

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (joint programme with the University of Twente) · Amsterdam, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishApply via Studielink, not the CAOOpen entryHL Maths H5Physics requiredMandatory matching
Duration3 years
StartsSept 2027
EntryOpen entry
Deadline (EU)1 May 2027
EU fee 2026/27€2,694 / yr

About the course

Mechanical Engineering is a three-year, English-taught, project-based programme on designing technical solutions, with themes such as sustainable energy, healthcare technology and smart manufacturing. It is a joint VU Amsterdam and University of Twente programme: about 80% of study time is on the VU campus in Amsterdam and 20% in University of Twente labs in Enschede, and the degree is awarded by the University of Twente.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Leaving Certificate (Established) or LCVP with at least 6 subjects passed: (applied) Mathematics and one other elective subject (such as Physics, Chemistry or Biology) at H5 or higher, plus English and three other subjects at O6 or H7 or higher, and at least 350 CAO points. This is the University of Twente’s rule; the University of Twente handles admission for this joint programme. Having English as an exam subject exempts you from an English test.
  • Mathematics and Physics are both required, with high passing grades. Under the University of Twente’s Irish rule this means Higher Level Maths at H5 or higher and, in practice, Physics as your H5 science subject; confirm the exact Physics grade with University of Twente admissions.

How to apply

  1. Apply on StudielinkApply for Mechanical Engineering (VU-UT) on Studielink from October 2026, by 1 May 2027 (expected).
  2. Complete your applicationUpload your Leaving Cert results (and predicted grades) in the University of Twente’s Osiris portal and pay the €100 application fee for non-Dutch diplomas before the deadline.
  3. MatchingComplete the compulsory online matching questionnaire; matching events are also offered (in 2026: 3 June on campus at VU or 4 June online).
  4. Admission decisionReceive a conditional offer, then a final decision once your Leaving Cert results are released in August.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: 1 May 2027 (expected; the 2026 intake deadline was 1 May 2026).

Costs

  • Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800).
  • EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).
Open-entry course: if you meet the requirements, you get a place. The degree is awarded by the University of Twente, and about 20% of study time is spent in Enschede.

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesNo cap
EntryOpen entry
Mechanical Engineering admissions (VU) ↗University of Twente diploma requirements (Ireland) ↗University of Twente application deadlines ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official VU Amsterdam and University of Twente websites: September 2026 (2027 entry). The deadline and matching dates are from the 2026 intake; confirm the 2027 dates with the university. Always confirm details with the university before applying.