University of Twente

The University of Twente (UT), located in the city of Enschede in the east of the Netherlands, was founded in 1961. Originally called Technische Hogeschool Twente, the school was one of three technologically-focused higher education vocational institutions that would later become universities. Together with the other two institutions, Delft University of Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology, the three currently form the 3TU.Federation. This organisation combines the knowledge and creativity found in the student bodies at the three schools to contribute to the technology sector and to society as a whole.

UT has two main areas of focus: social & behavioural sciences and engineering & technology. It offers over 20 Bachelor’s programmes and more than 30 Master’s programmes in these fields. The motto of the school is “High tech, human touch”, signifying the school’s commitment to researching innovative developments for society and humanity. More than 3,000 scientists conduct research at the university and over 9,000 students are enrolled in programmes.

As a research university, the University of Twente promotes academic research as the primary mode of learning. There are 6 separate research institutes covering a variety of disciplines dedicated to discovering how to implement new knowledge into economic and social activity. Students are also encouraged and exposed to entrepreneurial relationships within the business and technology industries in the area due to the strong connection between the campus and these areas.

The university is also host to a business park, called the Kennispark Twente, where entrepreneurs are able to develop new ideas and companies. The University of Twente is the only campus-based research university in the Netherlands. Students live, work, and study in the numerous facilities located on campus, including sports and cultural facilities, parks, open-air museums, ‘living labs’, lecture halls, study rooms, over 100 businesses, and more.

According to the most reputed university rankings, The University of Twente belongs to the best 1% of universities worldwide. In 2016, the university has the following ranking achievements:

• 177th position in the QS ranking and
• 153th place in the Time Higher Education ranking.