Top-ranked engineering program in the Netherlands and among the world’s top 50
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, TU Delft was ranked 47th globally, up two places from last year. It is the top-ranked university in the Netherlands. In the QS Employer Reputation indicator, TU Delft ranks first in the Netherlands and is widely recognized worldwide. TU Delft also performed well in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, ranking 56th globally in 2025. Top-Tier Academic TU Delft Diploma in the Netherlands
In terms of flagship programs, TU Delft’s disciplines hold world-leading positions in several fields.
| Academic Fields | Global Rankings | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 3rd in the world | One of the world’s top architecture schools, offering highly forward-thinking programs |
| Civil Engineering | 6th in the world | Strong research capabilities, undertaking numerous major international engineering projects |
| Aerospace Engineering | 10th in the world | Close collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), participating in international space projects |
| Mechanical Engineering | Ranked 22nd globally | Outstanding performance in the Shanghai Ranking’s World-Class Disciplines Ranking |
| Hydraulic Engineering | 9th in the world | Leading the world with world-class Dutch water management technology |
| Marine Engineering | 12th in the world | One of Europe’s top marine research centers |
TU Delft graduates are highly sought after in the job market; students in engineering programs typically find employment within 3–4 months. In popular fields such as aerospace and semiconductors, graduates may even command higher salaries, with average starting salaries ranging from approximately €42,000 to €55,000 per year.
Highly Competitive Tuition and Flexible Admission Requirements
TU Delft, a Dutch public research university, offers highly competitive tuition rates for international students. For the 2025–2026 academic year, annual tuition for non-EU international undergraduate students is approximately 17,310 euros, and for master’s students, approximately 22,290 euros. This is significantly cheaper compared to English-speaking countries such as the UK, the US, and Australia. The monthly cost of living in Delft is approximately 909 euros (including accommodation), bringing the total annual living expenses to roughly 10,900 euros.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate applicants must have strong Gaokao scores and have been admitted to a 211 university in China (some programs also accept scores from international curricula). The average score in the three core high school subjects—mathematics, physics, and chemistry—should ideally be 85% or higher; Master’s applicants must have relevant undergraduate experience, and their average scores in these key courses should be even higher. All programs taught in English require an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) or a TOEFL score of 90 (with no section below 21).
A Global Alumni Network and a Century of Tradition
Founded in 1842 as the Royal Academy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, TU Delft boasts graduates working in engineering and technology sectors worldwide. Notable alumni include the Director of the marine industry giant MARIN and pioneering environmental entrepreneurs. TU Delft’s alumni network is one of the most influential groups in the global engineering and technology community. The university maintains close ties with the European Space Agency (ESA), Philips, Shell, and Airbus, as well as research institutions, creating a unique environment for students to pursue careers and employment.
Choosing TU Delft is equivalent to obtaining a passport to the international engineering world—ranked first in the Netherlands, among the top 50 globally, and highly trusted by employers—that opens the door to top-tier technical careers in Europe and beyond.
