TILBURG UNIVERSITY - NETHERLANDS

Why Tilburg?

Tilburg is the seventh-largest city in the Netherlands, with a population of over 200,000, representing many nationalities. A student population of over 27,000 makes Tilburg one of the Netherlands' principal educational centres. 

The city has a great deal to offer for young and old, student and visitor alike: a thriving café and restaurant culture, sports facilities, art films, world-class pop music at pop centre 013, classical music at the Tilburg Concert Hall and great contemporary artwork at the De Pont Museum. Combined with numerous festivals such as the famous Tilburg Fair and Carnival, the Festival Mundial, the Tilburg Ten Miles and the Tilburg Culinair, you will enjoy exciting and challenging student life. 

There is also much to see and do just outside the city. It is just a short train ride to cities like Amsterdam or The Hague. And European capitals like Brussels, Paris and London are also within easy reach, since Eindhoven Airport, Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, and Zaventem Brussels Airport are nearby.

Why the Netherlands?

The Netherlands stands out for its great inventiveness, its problem-solving attitude and its openness to the world. For decades the country's historical ties with other parts of the world have brought people of non-Dutch origin to settle in Holland, which makes the Dutch generally open-minded and tolerant towards foreigners.

Today Dutch society is home to more than 190 different nationalities living in its many cities and villages. Although Dutch is the national language, the majority of the population also speaks English and very often another foreign language, such as German or French. There is much cultural and ethnic variety in the Netherlands. Many religions are represented, so whatever your belief is, you will find a group that shares it.

The climate is typical of a marine west coast: changeable but moderate, with mild winters and cool summers. Days with temperatures below 0 or above 25 C are unusual. Clouds and wind are common features. The annual rainfall is moderate but unpredictable.

Despite being reserved, the Dutch have a manner of speaking that may startle you by its directness. You will notice that you can say exactly what is on your mind, as the Dutch are not easily offended. The Dutch tend to be less competitive than many other Westerners. High value is placed on teamwork and consensus. Dutch society is organized in a non-hierarchical way. For example, teachers tend to be very accessible and true interlocutors for their students. 

More on Studying in the Netherlands: studyinholland.nl

Knowledge, skills and character in practice

Hein Fleuren, Professor Econometrics and Operations Research

With skills you start to apply your knowledge in various situations. In a typical tutorial of the Professional Business Analytics Skills course, students solve equations, build small models and ask questions to the teacher. 

Character is harder to define, but I am a big fan of this university initiative. For some groups in our role-plays, we introduced some unethical things. It is important to find out for yourself what you do or do not tolerate.

Additionally, we stimulated every team to think of the consequences of the proposed solutions (for managers, personnel, etc.) Read Hein's story 

High rankings and valuable skills

According to the National Student Survey (NSE), Tilburg University was the best general university of the Netherlands in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Our university consistently holds strong positions in leading international rankings as well. We are ranked 17th worldwide and 4th in Europe in Economics & Business (US News 2020). You will learn from leading researchers and excellent teachers how to conduct scientific research, and gain the critical and analytical thinking skills you need to tackle challenges in the real world. Through topical projects, case studies, guest lectures, and events you will acquire a valuable connection to the business world, NGO's and other organizations.

Great investment in your future

A Bachelor’s degree from Tilburg University opens doors to prestigious Master’s programs, both in the Netherlands and abroad. You will gain a degree from a research university which is a good investment in your career: the total annual income of research university graduates in the Netherlands is nearly 50% higher than that of graduates of a university of applied sciences. Develop a strong, clearly identifiable professional profile for the job market with the support of our Career Center, increasing your chances of finding employment.

International campus with excellent facilities

Studying at Tilburg University means being part of an international community: students and staff from more than 90 different countries study and work at Tilburg University. In our international Bachelor’s programs, 35 - 60% of students come from outside the Netherlands. Our international yet compact campus is provided with state-of-the-art study facilities, different restaurants and bars, and an excellent sports centre.