The Ultimate Guide to Applying for Computer Science and Engineering at the Delft University of Technology 2024-25

Are you considering a career in Computer Science? If so, Delft University of Technology offers an exceptional Computer Science and Engineering program that could be the perfect fit for you. However, due to the program's popularity, the university has a limited intake of 550 students for the academic year 2025-2026. This article will guide you through the application and selection process to help you secure a spot in this prestigious program.

Why Delft University of Technology?

Delft University of Technology is renowned for its Computer Science and Engineering program. The selection procedure is designed not only to evaluate your suitability for the program but also to provide you with a realistic image of the content and level of the coursework. The outcome of the selection procedure is a ranking number based on two criteria: motivation and academic performance.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• 1^st Oct 2024- 15^th Jan 2025: Deadline for registration in Studielink and registration in Osiaan
• 21^st Jan 2025: First email sent to candidates to start the Matching & Selection procedure.
• 27^th Jan 2025, 23:59 CET: Deadline to complete the "Studying at TU Delft" survey.
• 3^rd Feb 2025, 23:59 CET: Deadline to complete Online Student Experience (OSE) assignments.
• 3^rd - 12^th Feb 2025: CST timeslot confirmation emails are sent.
• 14^th - 17^th Feb 2025: Mandatory trial proctoring for online CST participants.
• 27^th Feb, 5^th Mar, or 8^th March 2025: Cognitive Skills Test (CST) takes place.
  The CST will take place on one of these dates depending on the timeslot you choose:
  • 27^th February 2025: Online, proctored (10:00-23:59 CET).
  • 5^th March 2025: Online, proctored (10:00-23:59 CET).
  • 8^th March 2025: On campus (11:00-14:00 CET).
• 11^th - 13^th Mar 2025: Online introductions for the Teamwork Assignment.
• 17^th or 18^th March 2025: Team challenge during chosen timeslot.
• 19^th Mar 2025, 23:59 CET: Deadline to submit Teamwork Assignment personal reflection.
• 15^th April 2025: Final ranking numbers are emailed to candidates via Studielink.
  • If offered a spot, you must accept within two weeks.
• Post-15^th April 2025: Ranking numbers above 550 may still receive offers if spots open. Keep checking your email regularly throughout the summer.

15 Jan: Register in Studielink and Osiaan

Studielink: The Centralized Application Portal for Higher Education in the Netherlands‍

Studielink is the centralized application portal for higher education in the Netherlands. Here's how to navigate it:

• Log into Studielink: If you're new to Studielink, you'll need to create an account. If you already have an account, simply log in.
• Personal Details: Fill out your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and contact information. Make sure all the information is accurate to avoid any complications later.
• Educational Background: You'll be asked to provide details about your previous education. This usually includes your high school diploma and any other relevant qualifications.
• Submit Enrolment Application: Once you've filled out your details, navigate to the 'Submit enrolment application' section and register for the Aerospace Engineering program at Delft University.
• Confirmation Email: After submitting your application, you'll receive an email containing your TU Delft NetID, email address, and an invitation to osiaan.tudelft.nl. Keep this email safe; you'll need it later.
• Activate Your NetID: Your NetID is crucial for accessing TU Delft's online services. Follow the instructions in the email to activate it.
• Upload Passport Photo: Finally, upload a passport-sized photo of yourself at e-service.tudelft.nl. This photo will be used for your student ID card if you're admitted.

Follow this guide for your Studielink account creation.

Osiaan: TU Delft's Application Platform

Osiaan is TU Delft's own application platform where you'll complete the second part of your application.

• Log into Osiaan: Use the invitation you received in your email to log into osiaan.tudelft.nl.
• Answer Questions and Upload Documents: Osiaan will ask you several questions to assess your suitability for the program. You'll also need to upload various documents, including:

Required Documents for Osiaan:

• Diploma and Transcript: Original or certified copies of your secondary school diploma and transcript. If you haven't graduated yet, your most recent transcript will suffice.
• Language Certificate: Proof of English proficiency through accepted tests like TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Cambridge Assessment English.
• CV: An extensive curriculum vitae (resume) written in English, detailing your educational background, exam subjects, and any additional skills or qualifications.
• Proof of Identity: Depending on your nationality, you'll need to upload either a photocopy of your passport or your European ID card.
• Submit Your Application: Once you've filled out all the required information and uploaded your documents, submit your application.

Deadline: The deadline for completing both the Studielink and Osiaan parts of your application is 15 January 2025. Make sure to check the progress of your application regularly to ensure everything is in order.

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21st Jan - 3rd Feb: Matching procedure

During the Matching part of the procedure, you will dive into several topics that are taught in the programme to get a better impression of studying CSE at TU Delft. The Matching activities are mandatory and need to be completed in order to receive a ranking number but they will not influence your place in the ranking.

Key Dates

• 'Studying at TU Delft Survey' deadline: 27 January, CET 23:59
• OSE Assignments deadline: 3 February 2025, 23:59
• CST timeslot confimation date: sent between 3 February and 12 February 2025

Mandatory steps in Matching & Selection procedure

1. Complete the Studying at TU Delft survey: After receiving the email on 21 January, complete this survey to confirm your understanding of the process.
2. Choose time slot for CST and Teamwork Assignment: Select your preferred dates and times for the CST and Teamwork Assignment. Keep in mind that slots are limited, and you may not receive your first choice.
3. Create account for Online Courses platform: Follow the instructions in the email to set up your account, where you’ll complete the OSE and other activities.
4. Complete OSE assignments: The OSE introduces you to a practical problem and allows you to apply computer science techniques. Completing the OSE meaningfully is mandatory to proceed in the selection procedure, but it does not influence your ranking.

FAQs

• Do I receive a confirmation for completing the OSE? You'll receive an email confirmation if you complete the OSE
• Do my results in the OSE count in the selection procedure? No, your performance in the OSE is not used in the selection procedure. The course assignments are for your own reference.

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14th - 17th Feb: Trial Proctoring

Before taking the CST, you’ll complete a mandatory trial proctoring test to ensure your equipment and internet connection meet the requirements. This trial run also allows you to familiarize yourself with the selection platform.

3rd week of Feb: CST preparation lecture

The CST Preparation Lecture is an optional but highly recommended session designed to help you strengthen your reasoning and logical thinking skills for the Cognitive Skills Test (CST). Attending this session provides valuable insights into key concepts and techniques, making it an important step in your preparation.

27th Feb, 5th Mar or 8th Mar: CST

The CST  is a crucial part of the selection procedure for the Computer Science and Engineering program at TU Delft. It aims to evaluate your academic performance and comprises three sections: Mathematics (40%), Systematic Reasoning and Logical Thinking (35%), and Problem Solving (25%).

Test date options

• Thursday, 27 Feb 2025, 10:00 - 23:59 CET: Online, proctored
• Wednesday, 5 Mar 2025, 10:00 - 23:59 CET: Online, proctored
• Saturday, 5 Mar 2025, 11:00 - 14:00 CET: On campus

The test takes approximately 3 hours, with three sections lasting 1 hour each:

• Mathematics: 1 hour and 40% of total score
• Systematic Reasoning and Logical Thinking: 1 hour and 35% of total score
• Problem Solving: 1 hour and 25% of total score

How to prepare

1. Mathematics: Prepare for the Mathematics section by completing TU Delft’s Pre-University Calculus course. This free online course covers essential concepts and techniques needed for the CST. While practicing, keep the formula sheet provided in the preparation materials handy to familiarize yourself with its content and how to apply it effectively during the test.
2. Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking: Study Chapter 2 of the Delftse Foundations of Computation textbook. Skip the starred (*) sections as instructed, and focus on understanding logical concepts and reasoning techniques.
3. Problem Solving: This section tests your ability to solve puzzles and process-oriented problems. It is an aptitude test, so no specific preparation is required.
4. Practice with exam style questions: DelftPrep offers specially designed practice exams tailored to the TU Delft CST. Our materials include 300+ exam-style questions across all sections of the CST: Mathematics, Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking, and Problem Solving. These questions are carefully designed to reflect the test format, providing a structured way to test your knowledge, familiarize yourself with the question styles, and build confidence before exam day. This resource is available for students looking for additional preparation support. You can find our most popular package here.

Taking the Test

• Sections: The test is divided into three sections, each focused on a different topic such as math, logic, or algorithms.
• Time Limit: A counter will show your remaining time during the test.
• Proctoring: The test uses online proctoring software to ensure reliability. Alternatively, you can take the test on the TU Delft campus.

Scoring

• Criterion: The CST accounts for your entire final ranking score and is evaluated in comparison to other candidates using a z-score system.

Special Accommodations

Candidates with learning disabilities can apply for additional time by 15 February 2025

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11th - 19th March: Teamwork Assignment and Reflection

The teamwork assignment is mandatory, but will not be used for the final ranking. You will be assigned to a team and complete some tasks, then you will need to do a self reflection on your experience

Key Dates

• 11-13 March 2025: Online introductions with your team
• 17 or 18 March 2025: Team challenge (specific timeslot chosen by you after the OSE)
• 19 March 2025, 23:59 CET: Deadline to submit your personal reflection

Assignment Details

• Online Introduction (11-13 March): Start by introducing yourself to your team through an online platform. This is an opportunity to meet your team members and prepare for the challenge.
• Team Challenge (17 or 18 March): Work together with a team of 4-6 students to complete a task during your chosen timeslot. The challenge will require collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Personal Reflection (Deadline: 19 March): After the team challenge, you must submit a personal reflection on your experience. This reflection will focus on your role in the team, the dynamics, and what you learned from the activity.

Important Notes

• Mandatory completion: The Teamwork Assignment must be completed meaningfully to receive your ranking number.
• Not ranked: While this step is important, it will not affect your ranking number.

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15 Apr: After the Selection Procedure

Determination of the Ranking Number

Your final selection score is determined by a single criteria:

1. Academic Performance: This is based on your score in the CST and accounts for 100% of your final ranking number. Each section of the CST contributes differently.

You will be notified about your scores on the different sections no later than 15 April 2025. Your final ranking number will also be emailed to you via Studielink by this date.

Placement via Studielink

After the selection procedure, the placement process begins via Studielink. Your ranking number will be sent to you through Studielink on 15 April 2025. Your placement in the program depends on:

• Your ranking number
• The number of available spots in the program

If you are offered a spot, you must accept it via Studielink within two weeks. Failure to do so will result in your spot being offered to another student.

• If your ranking number falls within the number of available spots (550), you will be immediately offered a place.
• If your ranking number is higher than the number of available spots, you may still be offered a place in the following weeks or months.

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