TU Delft Computer Science and Engineering Selection Guide 2027/28

TU Delft's Computer Science and Engineering programme is highly competitive. With approximately 590 spots across two tracks and thousands of applicants, you need to be well-prepared. This guide walks you through every step of the selection procedure, explains how the lottery system works, and shows you how to prepare for the Cognitive Skills Test.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Note (September 2026): TU Delft has not yet published the 2027/28 selection regulations. The dates below are from the 2026/27 procedure and are the best guide until the new calendar appears; we update this page as soon as it does.

• 15 January 2026, 23:59 CET: Registration deadline in Studielink + Osiaan
• 20 January 2026: First Matching & Selection procedure email sent
• 26 January 2026, 23:59 CET: “Studying at TU Delft” survey deadline
• 2 February 2026, 23:59 CET: Online Student Experience assignments deadline
• 4 February 2026, 14:00 CET: CST Preparation Lecture, optional
• 11–16 February 2026: Trial proctoring window
• 19 or 24 February 2026: CST online proctored, 10:00–23:59 CET
• 28 February 2026: CST on campus, 12:00–13:45 CET
• 3–10 March 2026: Teamwork Assignment
• 15 April 2026: Ranking numbers via Studielink

Programme Tracks

TU Delft offers two tracks for Computer Science and Engineering.

English Track: 345 spots
This track is fully taught in English. It is open to international students who meet the English language requirements.

Bilingual Track: 245 spots
This track is taught in Dutch and English. It requires Dutch language proficiency. The Mathematics section of the CST will be in Dutch for this track.

How Your Ranking Is Calculated

Your final ranking is determined by two factors:

1. Cognitive Skills Test, CST: your score places you in a lottery category.
2. Lottery: a random draw within your category determines your final ranking number.

Unlike Aerospace Engineering, there is no personality assessment. Your ranking depends entirely on the CST and the subsequent lottery.

The Lottery System Explained

Your CST score is compared to all other candidates in your track. Based on your position on the score list, you are placed into a category.

English Track

• Category 1: top 210 scores
• Category 2: scores ranked 211–750
• Category 3: scores ranked below 750

Bilingual Track

• Category 1: top 150 scores
• Category 2: scores ranked 151–500
• Category 3: scores ranked below 500

Within each category, a certified lottery company, supervised by a notary, randomly assigns final ranking numbers.

What this means practically:

• Category 1: you are guaranteed a spot because the category size is smaller than the number of available places.
• Category 2: you have a good chance, but it depends on lottery luck.
• Category 3: you are unlikely to receive a direct offer.

Step 1: Register in Studielink + Osiaan

Deadline: 15 January 2026, 23:59 CET

Studielink

1. Create an account or log in at Studielink.
2. Fill in your personal details and educational background.
3. Navigate to: Study Programmes → Add new enrolment application → Delft University of Technology → Computer Science & Engineering – Bachelor.
4. Choose the correct track:
   • British flag only = English track.
   • Dutch + British flag = bilingual track.
5. You will receive an email with your TU Delft NetID. Activate it.
6. Upload a passport photo at e-service.tudelft.nl.

Osiaan

1. Log into osiaan.tudelft.nl using your invitation email.
2. Upload the required documents:
   • Diploma and transcript, or your most recent transcript if you have not graduated yet.
   • English language certificate, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge.
   • CV in English.
   • Passport or European ID copy.
3. Submit your application.

Tip: Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues happen, and there is no extension.

Step 2: Matching Procedure

20 January – 2 February 2026

After registration closes, you will receive an email on 20 January to start the Matching & Selection procedure. The matching activities are mandatory but do not affect your ranking.

Required Activities

1. “Studying at TU Delft” survey, deadline 26 January.
2. Choose your CST timeslot: select your preferred date for the selection test.
3. Choose your Teamwork Assignment timeslot.
4. Online Student Experience, OSE, deadline 2 February.

The Online Student Experience introduces you to a practical Computer Science problem and lets you apply Computer Science techniques. You must complete it meaningfully to proceed, but your performance does not affect your ranking.

Step 3: CST Preparation Lecture

4 February 2026, 14:00 CET

This is an optional lecture where Mathematics and Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking lecturers walk through exercises. It is available via livestream or on campus.

Attending on campus can be useful because it gives you the opportunity to ask questions directly.

Step 4: Trial Proctoring

11–16 February 2026

Trial proctoring lets you test whether the proctoring software works on your computer.

This is mandatory for online test-takers. You are responsible for ensuring your equipment and internet connection work properly.

Even if you are taking the test on campus, it is still recommended to complete this step so you can familiarize yourself with the test platform.

Step 5: Cognitive Skills Test, CST

The CST determines your lottery category placement.

CST Dates

• 19 February 2026: online, proctored, 10:00–23:59 CET
• 24 February 2026: online, proctored, 10:00–23:59 CET
• 28 February 2026: on campus, 12:00–13:45 CET

The CST consists of two sections.

Section	Duration	Weight
Mathematics	1 hour	50%
Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking	45 minutes	50%
Total	1 hour 45 minutes	100%

Key Rules

• No calculator allowed: all calculations must be done by hand.
• No phone, no second computer, no headphones.
• No search engines or AI tools.
• Once you start, you must complete both sections in one session.
• You cannot re-sit or re-take the CST.
• A timer shows the remaining time for each section.

How to Prepare for the CST

Mathematics

For Mathematics, you should:

• Complete TU Delft’s free Pre-University Calculus MOOC, selecting the audit track.
• Study the syllabus in the official brochure because it lists exactly what is tested.
• Practice mental arithmetic and working without a calculator.
• Memorize the formula sheet. It will be available during the test, but knowing it saves time.

The Mathematics section rewards speed, accuracy, and strong fundamentals. Since no calculator is allowed, you should practice doing algebra, manipulation, and calculations by hand.

Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking

For Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking, you should:

• Study Chapter 2 of Delftse Foundations of Computation, the free PDF from TU Delft.
• Skip all sections marked with an asterisk.
• Focus on logical concepts and reasoning techniques.
• Be aware that the book contains exercises, but no official answers.

The Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking section tests how well you can reason through propositions, Boolean algebra, predicate logic, and deduction.

On Campus vs Online

Online, proctored:
You are monitored via webcam and screen recording. You must be alone in the room. Some countries may have firewall issues, so you should test everything during the trial proctoring window.

On campus:
Seats are limited and are randomly allocated if oversubscribed. The test is not proctored in the same way as the online test, but it is still monitored and takes place on a computer.

Step 6: Teamwork Assignment

3–10 March 2026

You will be assigned to a team for a collaborative activity. This is mandatory but does not affect your ranking.

The assignment has two parts:

1. Introduction, 3–5 March: introduce yourself to your team online.
2. Team Challenge, 9 or 10 March: work together for 1 hour during your chosen timeslot.

Although it does not affect your ranking, you must complete it to remain in the procedure.

Step 7: Results

15 April 2026

You will receive your ranking number via Studielink.

• Ranking ≤ 345 for the English track: direct offer.
• Ranking ≤ 245 for the bilingual track: direct offer.
• Higher ranking: you may receive an offer later if other candidates decline.

If you are offered a spot, you must accept within two weeks via Studielink.

Important: Keep checking your email through the summer, including spam. Rankings shift as applicants decline, and offers can come as late as August.

What TU Delft Is Looking For

According to the official brochure, Computer Science and Engineering seeks:

• Curious problem-solvers and analytical engineers.
• Pro-active team workers who communicate well.
• Competent learners with good planning and self-regulatory skills.
• Disciplined students capable of handling extensive self-study.
• Students who identify with the DIRECT values: Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Engagement, Courage, and Trust.

Even though your ranking is determined by the CST and lottery, the matching procedure and teamwork assignment are designed to check whether you understand what studying Computer Science and Engineering at TU Delft is like.

Official Resources

Use the official resources first:

• Pre-University Calculus MOOC: essential for the Mathematics section.
• Delftse Foundations of Computation: free textbook for the Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking section.
• CST Preparation Lecture: optional but recommended.
• Official brochure and syllabus: use these to confirm what is tested.

Additional Practice

TU Delft does not provide sample exams or past papers.

DelftPrep offers practice exams designed specifically for the CST, including:

• Mathematics questions matching the syllabus.
• Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking questions based on the textbook.
• Timed practice modes.
• Detailed worked solutions.

Summary: Your Action Plan

When	What to Do
Now	Start reviewing Mathematics and logical reasoning fundamentals
By 15 Jan	Complete Studielink + Osiaan registration
20 Jan	Start the Matching & Selection procedure
By 26 Jan	Complete the “Studying at TU Delft” survey
By 2 Feb	Complete the Online Student Experience
4 Feb	Attend or watch the CST Preparation Lecture
11–16 Feb	Complete trial proctoring if taking the CST online
19 or 24 Feb	Take the online proctored CST
28 Feb	Take the on-campus CST, if assigned
3–10 Mar	Complete the Teamwork Assignment
15 Apr	Receive your ranking number

Questions? For official procedures, always check TU Delft’s official selection website. For practice and strategy, DelftPrep resources are designed to help you prepare more efficiently.