The Ultimate Guide to Applying for Computer Science and Engineering at the Delft University of Technology 2026-27

TU Delft's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) 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.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• 15 January 2026, 23:59 CET: Registration deadline (Studielink + Osiaan)
• 20 January 2026: First M&S procedure sent
• 26 January 2026, 23:59 CET: "Studying at TU Delft" survey deadline
• 2 February 2026, 23:59 CET: OSE assignments deadline
• 4 Febrary 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:

English Track (345 spots): Fully taught in English. Open to international students who meet English language requirements.

Bilingual Track (245 spots): Taught in Dutch and English. 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

Step 1: Your CST score is compared to all other candidates in your track. Based on your position on the score list, you're placed in 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

Step 2: Within each category, a certified lottery company (supervised by a notary) randomly assigns final ranking numbers.

What this means practically:

• Category 1: You're guaranteed a spot (category size is smaller than available places)
• Category 2: Good chance, depends on lottery luck
• Category 3: 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. Important: Choose the correct track — British flag only = English track, Dutch + British flag = Bilingual track
5. You'll 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 required documents:
   • Diploma and transcript (or most recent transcript if not yet graduated)
   • English language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge)
   • CV in English
   • Passport or European ID copy
3. Submit your application

Tip: Don't wait until the last day. Technical issues happen, and there's no extension.

Step 2: Matching Procedure

20 January - 2 February 2026

After registration closes, you'll 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 preferred date for the selection test
3. Choose your Teamwork Assignment timeslot
4. Online Student Experience (OSE) — Deadline: 2 February

The OSE introduces you to a practical CS problem and lets you apply computer science techniques. You must complete it meaningfully to proceed, but your performance doesn't affect your ranking.

Step 3: CST Preparation Lecture

4 Febrary 2026, 14:00 CET:

‍An optional lecture where Mathematics and SR&LT lecturers walk through exercises. Available via livestream or on campus. Attending on campus lets you ask questions directly.

Step 4: Trial Proctoring

11-16 February 2026

Test that the proctoring software works on your computer. This is mandatory for online test-takers. You're responsible for ensuring your equipment and internet connection work properly.

Even if you're taking the test on campus, it's recommended to complete this step to familiarize yourself with the test platform.

Step 5: Cognitive Skills Test (CST)

11-16 February 2026

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 determines your lottery category placement. It consists of two sections:

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 remaining time for each section

How to Prepare:

Mathematics:

• Complete TU Delft's free Pre-University Calculus MOOC (select audit track)
• Study the syllabus in the official brochure — it lists exactly what's 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

Systematic Reasoning & Logical Thinking:

• Study Chapter 2 of "Delftse Foundations of Computation" (free PDF from TU Delft)
• Skip all sections marked with an asterisk (*)
• Focus on logical concepts and reasoning techniques
• Note: The book has exercises but no official answers

On Campus vs Online

Online (proctored): You're monitored via webcam and screen recording. Must be alone in the room. Some countries may have firewall issues — test during the trial run.

On campus: Limited seats, randomly allocated if oversubscribed. Not proctored, but still monitored. Takes place on a computer.

Step 6: Teamwork Assignment

3-10 March 2026

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

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

Step 7: Results

15 April 2026

You'll receive your ranking number via Studielink.

• Ranking ≤ 345 (English) or ≤ 245 (Bilingual): Direct offer
• Higher ranking: You may receive an offer later if others decline

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

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

What TU Delft Is Looking For

According to the official brochure, CSE 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, Trust

How to Prepare

Official Resources (Free)

• Pre-University Calculus MOOC — Essential for the Mathematics section
• Delftse Foundations of Computation — Free textbook for SR&LT section
• CST Preparation Lecture — Optional but recommended

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