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TU Delft

Delft University of Technology

Most TU Delft bachelors admit on grades and maths, but the selective programs ask you to write, so here is what to say.

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Application route

Studielink (not the Common App or UCAS)

Written material

Self-reflection and motivation assignments (numerus fixus programs only)

Admissions test

Yes, for numerus fixus: maths, physics, reasoning, aptitude

Interview

No

What TU Delft rewards

TU Delft does not use the US Common App, and it does not use UCAS. You apply through Studielink, the national Dutch enrollment portal, and then complete a program-specific process in TU Delft's own environment (MyTUDelft and a digital learning environment). For most bachelor programs there is no admissions essay at all: if your secondary diploma is judged equivalent to the Dutch pre-university (VWO) level and you have the right maths and physics, you are admitted. American applicants are often surprised that there is no personal statement to agonize over.

The catch is the six numerus fixus programs (Aerospace, Computer Science & Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Clinical Technology, and Nanobiology), which cap places and rank applicants through a matching and selection procedure. That procedure is mostly tests in maths, physics, logical reasoning, and an academic aptitude assessment, plus self-reflection and motivation assignments you write inside the digital learning environment. So the writing that matters at TU Delft is short, structured, and self-aware, not a 650-word life story.

01Genuine fit, tested honestly. The matching assignments exist to check whether this specific program suits you, not to sell yourself. TU Delft openly says matching is meant to give you a realistic picture of the course. Reflective honesty (what the program is actually like, why it fits how you think) reads better than polished enthusiasm.
02Evidence you understand the field. Show you know what the program contains. Naming first-year topics, the design or engineering reality, or a specific problem the discipline tackles beats generic lines about loving science. The selection content is built around real course material, so the more concrete your knowledge of it, the stronger you look.
03Mathematical and analytical readiness. More than any written voice, TU Delft rewards demonstrated maths and physics ability. The selection exam and aptitude test carry the ranking. Your reflective writing should reinforce, not contradict, a picture of someone who is comfortable with quantitative problem-solving.
04Self-awareness about study style. The self-reflection assignments probe how you study, handle setbacks, and manage workload. Answers that show you have thought about your own habits, with a concrete example, land far better than claiming you are simply hardworking and passionate.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for TU Delft, each broken down with annotated examples.

Motivation assignmentShort, structured response in the digital learning environment (typically a few hundred words; no fixed national word count)

Why have you chosen this program at TU Delft, and what makes you a good fit for it?

Self-reflection assignmentShort structured reflection in the digital learning environment (a few hundred words; no fixed national limit)

Reflect on how you study, how you handle setbacks, and how you manage your workload.

See all 2 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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Deadlines

Studielink registration (numerus fixus bachelors)15 January, 23:59 CET
Matching phase completion (e.g. Aerospace)18 February
Selection exam window (e.g. Aerospace)early-to-mid March
Ranking number via Studielink15 April
Accept place and pay (typical)by 1 July

Cost

Sticker price$30,476
Avg net after aid$30,476
Read my essay for TU Delft
Explore TU Delft
How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what TU Delft weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $30,476/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes TU Delft interview? Format, tips, and practice The TU Delft Reader ProScore your draft against TU Delft's exact prompts
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TU Delft FAQ

What is TU Delft's acceptance rate?

Most TU Delft bachelor programs are not capped: if your diploma is judged equivalent to the Dutch VWO and you meet the maths, physics, and English requirements, you are admitted. Six programs (Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design Engineering, Clinical Technology, and Nanobiology) are numerus fixus, meaning a fixed number of places (for example 440 in Aerospace and 590 in CSE for 2026-27) are filled by ranking applicants through the matching and selection procedure. There is no single published TU Delft-wide acceptance percentage; selectivity lives entirely inside those capped programs. At TU Delft, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does TU Delft require?

TU Delft requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does TU Delft cost?

TU Delft's published sticker price is about $30,476 per year, but the average family pays $30,476 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does TU Delft require SAT or ACT scores?

TU Delft requires SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

When are TU Delft's application deadlines?

TU Delft's application deadlines are Studielink registration (numerus fixus bachelors) 15 January, 23:59 CET; Matching phase completion (e.g. Aerospace) 18 February; Selection exam window (e.g. Aerospace) early-to-mid March; Ranking number via Studielink 15 April; Accept place and pay (typical) by 1 July. Add TU Delft to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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