TU Delft Financial Aid: Unlocking Funding Pathways for International Students

For thousands of international students drawn to the innovation-driven environment of TU Delft, financial constraints often remain a critical hurdle. Yet, the university, along with national and local support systems, has established a robust framework of financial aid designed specifically to ease the burden. These options—ranging from scholarships and grants to low-interest loans and TU Delft-specific funding—together form a comprehensive aid ecosystem that enables global talent to pursue education without compromising financial stability.

Understanding these resources is essential for any prospective student aiming to study in one of Europe’s most prestigious technical universities. TU Delft’s commitment to inclusivity shines through its structured financial aid programs tailored for international students. Unlike generic scholarships, these funds are intentionally designed to reflect the diverse backgrounds and needs of global learners.

“We recognize that ‘international’ means many different things—students come from varied economic realities, educational systems, and personal circumstances,” says Elise van Dijk, a key financial aid officer at TU Delft. “Our goal is to offer accessible, targeted support that removes financial barriers and supports academic success from day one.”

One of the primary avenues available is the TU Delft Merit Scholarship, awarded based on academic excellence and aligning with the university’s rigorous admission standards. This competitive fund covers full tuition fees and a monthly living stipend, provided students achieve a minimum GPA and demonstrate strong potential for contributing to research and campus life.

“This scholarship isn’t just about money—it’s a vote of confidence in your potential,” explains van Dijk. “Recipients often remark that it’s a turning point in making their dream of studying in Delft feel fully attainable.” Applicants must submit certified transcripts, recommendation letters, and evidence of prior academic or extracurricular achievement. Deadlines typically fall in early April each year, with funds disbursed in September.

For those whose financial profiles don’t meet merit thresholds, the Need-Based Financial Aid Program provides a vital safety net. This needs-sensitive initiative assesses individual financial circumstances to determine eligibility for partial grants or subsidized loans. “We look at not just income, but also household size, local cost of living, and hidden expenses,” explains Marloes Hoek, head of TU Delft’s Financial Support Office.

“Our goal is fairness—supporting students who need it most without sacrificing accessibility for others.”

International students are eligible for several targeted scholarships funded through national and private partnerships. The Delft Global Excellence Scholarship, administered jointly with the Dutch Ministry of Education and companies like ASML and Philips, rewards high-achieving applicants with full tuition coverage and a wellness stipend. Meanwhile, the Global Women in STEM Scholarship supports female students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—fields where gender disparity remains significant.

These programs underscore TU Delft’s broader mission to foster diversity and equity in technical education. Work-study opportunities further enhance financial flexibility. Through the university’s on-campus employment program and approved part-time jobs permitted under Dutch immigration rules, students earn up to 24 hours per week during term.

Paid internships and research assistant roles not only supplement budgets but also build professional experience highly valued by employers. “Working while studying bridges academia and industry,” says Hoek. “It allows students to apply theory in practice—and earn while they learn.”

Accessing these funds is streamlined through TU Delft’s dedicated < strong>Financial Aid Portal, which offers automated eligibility checks, electronic application workflows, and multilingual support.

International students are strongly advised to begin their financial planning six months before the application window opens. Early preparation enables thorough documentation, timely submissions, and strategic selection of aid options tailored to individual circumstances. Despite the breadth of available resources, many students remain unaware of the full scope of support.

TU Delft combats this through outreach campaigns, personalized advising, and workshops held both in person and online. “We want to demystify the process,” van Dijk emphasizes. “Our team works one-on-one to ensure every student—not just the curious or proactive—understands what’s possible.”

Financial aid at TU Delft extends beyond scholarships and grants.

Low-interest loan programs offered by partner banks, with deferred repayment terms, provide flexible pathways for students needing supplemental funding. Additionally, emergency grants exist for unforeseen crises—medical needs, family emergencies, or sudden housing costs—that threaten academic continuity. “Education is a marathon, not a sprint,” Hoek notes.

“We meet students at every stage, offering tools to stay on track.” TU Delft’s financial aid framework reflects a deliberate investment in global talent and academic excellence. By combining merit-based, need-based, and situational support, the university ensures that financial limitations no longer define educational access. For international students, securing funding is not just about playing the financial game—it’s about joining a community that values ambition, resilience, and inclusivity.

With the right support, the path to a TU Delft degree becomes far more attainable, lighting the way for future innovators from every corner of the world.