Undergraduate Exchange Program

Tilburg University located in Tilburg, Netherlands

Semester Dates

Fall term: August – late December

Spring term: January – June/July

*No summer option

Application Procedure

1)Student completes UCF study abroad online application at

2)Once approved, student will be nominated to Tilburg.

3)Student completes Tilburg’s online application.

Academic Information

Tilburg offers a broad variety of undergraduate level courses to exchange students. Students may enroll in coursework in International Business Administration, Business Economics, Economics, Econometrics, as well as, courses from the other Schools at Tilburg University (some restrictions may apply).The most up-to-date course information is available online.

Before you register for classes, you must get your courses approved by the Director of International Programs in the College of Business. As space in each course is limited, it is strongly recommended that you have alternative courses selected and approved as well. There is no guarantee for any individual course. You will enroll in at least 12 credits (24 ECTS) while at Tilburg

During the fall term, Tilburg offers certificate programs for students interested in specializing in a focused area of study. Certificate programs include: Information Management, Marketing, Finance, Organization and Strategy, Economics and Entrepreneurship. Duringthe spring term, students have the opportunity to apply for the CentER Honors Program.A separate application is required. Lastly, exchange students can take free language courses at the on-campus Language Center.

In the Dutch grading system, grades from 1 to 10 are used. The lowest passing grade at Tilburg University is a 6.0. Your study abroad grades do matter!

Grade / Description / ECTS grade
10.0-9.5-9.0-8.5 / Excellent / A
8.0-7.5 / Very Good / B
7.0-6.5 / Good / C
6.0 / Sufficient / D/E
5.0-5.5 / Fail / FX
< 5.0 / Fail / F

Your international transcript will be sent directly to UCF at the end of your study abroad term where it will be processed and added to your academic record. It can take up to 2 months to receive your transcript.

Exams

Students interested in the fall term should make special note that final exams may run as late as December 23rd. In that case, you will be expected to remain on campus for your exams. If an exam is scheduled after December 23rd (a few exams run into January), you will be given the opportunity to take the exam at UCF at a date and time coordinated between Tilburg and UCF administrators.

Exchange students are welcome to sit for re-examinations at Tilburg University. However, taking a re-examination after returning to UCF is only possible under special circumstances (clash in academic schedule, between home and host universities, personal medical reasons, family emergencies) and only when it can be arranged at exactly the same day and exactly the same time as it takes place at Tilburg University; and when the home and host universities are willing and able to coordinate and supervise the exam. Please understand that this means you may NOT have the opportunity for re-examinations once you leave Tilburg.

Housing

Tilburg University does not offer on-campus housing; however, two housing companies offer furnished accommodations to international students through The offer through this website is limited; however, exchange students have not had a problem securing a place during their stay.

Welcome Meeting & Orientation

All exchange students are required to attend Study Introduction Days (SID) during theOrientation Program (TOP) week. During the SID, you will be officially welcomed to campus and receive important information for your time on campus. Participation in the other TOP week activities are optional but strongly recommended.

All new international students will be assigned a buddy. These buddies (senior Tilburg University students) are members of I*ESN, Tilburg’s International Student Association. They will help you find your way around campus, the city of Tilburg, and life in the Netherlands in general. Your buddy will help you settle in and tell you where to buy your first groceries. Also, once every two weeks your buddies will organize a dinner for you.

Visa

Your visa application is completed by Tilburg’s Immigration Officers, and they will help you through every step of the process. To obtain a Dutch visa and/or residence permit you must follow the follow steps:

  1. Pay the Dutch immigration fee through an online payment system.
  2. Complete the application form for the visa and/or residence permit and provide the necessary (financial) documents to your Immigration Officer.
  3. Once approved, the Immigration Officer will submit your application on your behalf to the Dutch Immigration Service.

The Immigration Office has compiled booklets, explaining the immigration procedure in more detail. Dutch immigration legislation draws a distinction according to nationality so be sure to read the Immigration Guide Booklet for the U.S.

Health Insurance

Medical costs can be high in the Netherlands, especially if you require specialized care at a hospital. Dutch law requires that you have adequate health and third-party liability insurance. It is also recommended that you have additional travel insurance, as there is a good chance you will want to explore Europe during your visit at Tilburg.

Living Expenses

Living in Tilburg is relatively inexpensive compared to some other Dutch university cities. The total cost of your study abroad experience is in large part determined by your personal choices; however, below are some monthly estimates for your planning purposes:

Accommodation: 300-550 euros

Food: 250 euros

Books and readers: 80 euros

Health, liability, travel insurance: 45 euros

Best Resource

Without a doubt, your best source of information will come from returning students. They have been in your shoes and have successfully navigated the application process. They can also provide you with invaluable, first-hand tips and advice regarding your arrival in the Netherlands and how to make the most of your time abroad. You are encouraged to seek their guidance. Let someone know if you need an introduction.

Helpful Links

Tilburg Website

Orientation Program (TOP)

I*ESN

Housing

Health Insurance

Campus Tour

Visa Information

Country Specific Information

Currency Converter

Contacts

Suzanne Waldrop

Director of International Programs, UCF College of Business

Maureen Waked

Senior Admissions Specialist, UCF Study Abroad

Laura van Bochove

Exchange Coordinator