TU/e exceeds Beethoven master’s program growth target

The growth is concentrated in the Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics and Science Education, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics and Computer Science master’s programs. These programs play an important role in training professionals for the semiconductor industry.

Final student enrollment figures as of October 1 show that the university has significantly exceeded the targets set by the national Beethoven program. The program aims to increase the supply of technical talent for companies such as ASML and other players in the Dutch semiconductor industry.

External enrollment is rising

The number of students entering TU/e from outside the university increased. Enrollment in the master’s programs covered by the program rose from 390 students last academic year to 510 this year.

At master’s programs not covered by the Beethoven program, student numbers remained virtually unchanged.

Bachelor’s programs also see strong growth

Master’s programs are not the only ones attracting more students. The number of first-year bachelor’s students also increased more than expected. In recent years, TU/e has welcomed approximately 2,500 new bachelor’s students annually. This academic year, 2,840 students began a bachelor’s program.

That is 355 more than last year. The strongest growth was seen in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Applied Mathematics.

More programs may introduce enrollment caps

The strong growth has also prompted the university to consider measures to keep student intake manageable. TU/e plans to introduce an enrollment cap for Chemical Engineering starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.

The university is also investigating whether a maximum enrollment limit will be needed for Electrical Engineering and Industrial Engineering starting in the 2028-2029 academic year. According to TU/e, the measures must be designed so that Dutch-speaking students are not disadvantaged.

With 14,638 students, the university has also reached a new record this year. Never before have so many students been enrolled at TU/e.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.