Tilburg University innovates by studying, learning, and understanding. That is why our motto is Understanding Society. Our focus is on relevant and complex societal issues, like increasing societal resilience, improving care and well-being and creating value from data. To find new insights and answers that add value to society, our university often chooses a multidisciplinary approach, connecting different academic disciplines and bringing together people from science, business, government, and society. At Tilburg University, we want to inspire you to reach your full potential and, in doing so, have a positive impact on the world around you. Our university specializes in the social sciences and offers a wide range of English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Research Master’s programs in the areas of Data Science, Economics, Business and Management, Humanities, Digital Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, and Theology

1. About Tilburg University
1
Becoming a researcher at Tilburg
University
5
Graduate School for Social and
Behavioral Sciences
6
Research Master in Social and Behavioral
Sciences
8
Housing
11
Application and admission
12

2. Tilburg University innovates by studying, learning, and understanding.
That is why our motto is Understanding Society. Our focus is on relevant
and complex societal issues, like increasing societal resilience, improving
care and well-being and creating value from data. To find new insights and
answers that add value to society, our university often chooses a
multidisciplinary approach, connecting different academic disciplines and
bringing together people from science, business, government, and
society. At Tilburg University, we want to inspire you to reach your full
potential and, in doing so, have a positive impact on the world around
you. Our university specializes in the social sciences and offers a wide
range of English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Research Master’s
programs in the areas of Data Science, Economics, Business and
Management, Humanities, Digital Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, and
Theology.
"Studying at Tilburg University means experiencing education at a world-class university on a lively campus, in
the vibrant city of Tilburg. Our university occupies high positions in international rankings and is renowned for
its research on people and society. Studying at Tilburg University also means ‘understanding society’:
Professor Emile Aarts, Rector Magnificus
Each day, our teachers and scholars apply their
advanced knowledge to the most pressing issues
facing the global community and try to solve them.
We advance society with our impact and by
working closely together with enterprises,
governments, other research institutes and civil
society, through social innovation.
The moment you arrive at Tilburg University, you
will join this stimulating international and
multicultural community of academics, students
and support staff. We are looking forward to
working with you, together, to achieve the best
results for everyone.
I hope you will be able to take part in all the
possibilities our university is offering you, in the
field of education, of course, but also in sports, the
student associations and social activities in Tilburg.
Studying is an experience you will never forget.
Use the freedom you have to develop your
capabilities by working hard, with your professors
and fellow students, who come from all over the
world. I wish you a very interesting time with us on
campus."
15,761 students
8.242 bachelor students
2.018 premaster students
5.501 master students
2.507 international
students from 105
nationalities
331 PhD students (46%
international students)
20 bachelor programs
48 master programs*,
the majority of which are
in English
(* programs + associated
tracks/specializations)

3. The educational profile of Tilburg University is built
on three pillars: knowledge, skills and character.
Besides in-depth academic knowledge and
professional expertise, a great deal of attention is
paid to the development of skills and (moral)
character. As a student, you are continuously
encouraged to come up with creative ideas and to
think beyond conventional solutions and
methodologies. In-class discussions and group
work keep you actively engaged and involved.
You will be educated to become a thinker who
dares to act and actively contributes to society.
You will also be able to attend guest
lectures, career events, cultural workshops,
concerts, and theater events organized on campus
and in the city. You can listen to some of the most
important academic and business leaders
discussing issues ranging from cyber criminality to
labor market dynamics; but you can also see
cabaret, comedy, and film.
You will be part of a multicultural classroom with
students from many different countries where you
can share your ambitions and learn from other
cultures. This offers a new and broader
perspective for you as a person, and it is also a
unique preparation for a future international career.
Tilburg University has a green campus and is
located on the edge of a park-like forest. The
campus itself is bustling with student activity, a
contrast that makes Tilburg University a truly
attractive and dynamic place for learning. Tilburg
University has a modern University Library and
excellent Sports Center, which are all within easy
walking distance from each other. Student work
spaces in every building are equipped with all the
modern facilities you need to make studying on
campus a pleasant experience. Organizations
aimed specifically at international students
organize all kinds of social activities. All ingredients
are there to give you a stimulating, inspiring, and
joyful campus experience.
Lecture in the open air on a summer day
Shanghai Global Subject
Ranking (worldwide): #5
in Business
Administration, #12 in
Finance (2019)
Times Higher Education
Subject Ranking
(worldwide): #28 in
Economics & Business,
#43 in Law, and #44 in
Psychology (2019)
#1 in the SSRN Top 500
International Law Schools
according to the Social
Science Research
Network (July 2019)
QS Subject Ranking: #41
in Economics &
Econometrics. Top 100
position for: Accounting &
Finance, Business &
Management, Law &
Legal Studies,
Psychology (2019)
US News Best Global
Universities Ranking: #18
in Business & Economics,
# 77 in Psychology &
Psychiatry (2019)

4. A real student city!
With a population of nearly 217,268, Tilburg is the
sixth largest city in the Netherlands. It is
conveniently located with just a short train ride to
cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam
and with easy access to European capitals like
Brussels, Paris, and London.
1 in 7 people in Tilburg is a student, so student life
has an important impact on what happens in
Tilburg. The city has something to offer for
everyone: a thriving cafe and restaurant culture,
sports, art films, world-class pop music and
classical music, and great contemporary art.
Combined with numerous festivals, exhibitions,
and conferences, you will enjoy an exciting and
challenging student life.
Study in the Brainport region
Tilburg University is based in the Brainport region
which is one of the main drivers of the Dutch
economy. It is known for its innovative strength
and the many international companies located in
the region offer interesting opportunities for
internships and your career.
Cost of living
Life in Tilburg is relatively low-cost
compared to other Dutch university cities,
such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. Living in
Tilburg will cost around € 800 per month.

5. International and open-minded
You’ve read about Tilburg University and the city of
Tilburg, but what does the Netherlands have to
offer you as an international student? A lot! The
Netherlands has traditionally been an
internationally orientated nation. Most of the Dutch
speak English and are well known for their open-
mindedness. We are convinced that you will feel
right at home!
Moreover, the Netherlands has the 18th largest
economy in the world (despite its size..) and is
home to some of the world’s most successful
multinational companies, including Philips, Shell,
and Unilever. The Dutch economy provides many
opportunities for those who wish to work in a
multinational, multicultural environment.
Research Universities vs
Universities of Applied Sciences
Higher education in the Netherlands is offered at
two types of institutions:
Research Universities offer the highest level of
education available in the Netherlands. Education
at a Research University is more theoretical and at
an academic level, aimed at developing critical
thinking skills, preparing students for either a
professional or academic career. Universities of
Applied Sciences (HBO) offer more practice-
oriented education which prepares students for
specific professions (e.g., physiotherapist, primary-
school teacher, or hospitality manager).
Bikes parked at the Tilburg University campus
So many bikes!
Did you know that, for the Dutch, the
bicycle is an important means of transport?
In the Netherlands, you will see bikes
everywhere you go. Going by bike is a
fast, easy and safe way to explore the city
and its surroundings and to move between
the Tilburg city center and the Tilburg
University campus.
Research Universities (13 in the Netherlands,
among which Tilburg University)
Universities of Applied Sciences (37 in the
Netherlands)

6. Tilburg University has created an excellent environment for ambitious
academics in training through the combination of education and research
within the Graduate Schools. Tilburg has a strong position in research
development. The university is involved in different partnerships and joint
ventures with other universities and research institutes all over the world.
The continuous exchange of knowledge and ideas in these networks
makes it possible to create excellent educational programs in research.
The academic path of a young researcher normally starts with a Research
Master followed by a PhD program.
Tilburg University’s Research Master’s programs
are two-year programs designed for talented
(under)graduate students with strong analytical
skills and an interest in academic research.
An exceptionally broad curriculum is just one of the
ways in which these programs offer talented young
researchers a superior academic learning
environment. Study programs are flexible and offer
the opportunity to choose your own research topic,
supervisor and research group. You will enjoy a
high level of faculty guidance and peer support in
writing your research papers, which serve as the
basis for future applications for PhD or other
research positions. Around 80% of all PhD
students have completed a Research Master’s
program at Tilburg University or elsewhere in the
world. Therefore completing a Research Master’s
program is the best way to prepare yourself for a
PhD position at Tilburg University.
After you have completed a (Research) Master’s
program, there are several ways to obtain a PhD
degree at Tilburg University.
1. PhD student (employed by
Tilburg University)
This category of PhD students consists of
temporary employees of Tilburg University, usually
for a period of three or four years. The Dutch term
for this category is promovendus.
2. External PhD student
PhD students in this category are not employed by
Tilburg University. The link with Tilburg University
is primarily through the supervisor.
3. PhD student with a grant
This category consists of international PhD
students who are not employed by Tilburg
University, but have a grant which allows them to
carry out their research here. For an overview of
grant opportunities, please visit
www.tilburguniversity.edu/scholarships
4. Dual PhD
Dual PhD students are partially employed by
Tilburg University and partially employed by a third
party (e.g., a company or government agency).
The PhD programs of Tilburg University are the
responsibility of the Graduate Schools. For more
information, please visit
www.tilburguniversity.edu/phd-programs

7. The Graduate School for Social and Behavioral Sciences is always on the
lookout to create an inspirational environment for Research Master
students, PhD students, and researchers. We offer one Research Master’s
program and a PhD (doctorate) training program.
The Graduate School for Social and Behavioral Sciences contributes to and facilitates:
The Graduate School fosters all the fundamental research in the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral
Sciences. By providing its research staff and visiting researchers with an excellent research environment and
opportunities, it promotes innovative and high quality, multi-disciplinary, multi-level, and international research.
Researchers participate in a number of research institutes which focus on specific essential issues. Most
research institutes are multidisciplinary and inter-School and bring together a broad spectrum of academic
research topics in the field of Medical and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Human Resources,
Methodology and Statistics, and Organization Studies.
Our two-year Research Master’s program enables
very talented students to qualify for a PhD position
or for a research career outside the university.
Only 30 students per year can be admitted to this
high-quality program.
Recruiting talented research candidates, safeguarding the programs’ quality aspects establishing
cooperative ties with partner institutions;
Supervision of the progress of PhD students;
Offering a tailored PhD training program;
Facilitating (PhD) students who want to specialize in fundamental scientific research;
Promoting the interests of all PhD students by means of a PhD Council;
Offering (PhD) students career opportunities as researchers.
Center for Innovation Research (CIR)
Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic
Diseases (CoRPS)
European Values Study (EVS)
Scientific center for care and welfare (Tranzo)
Tilburg Institute for Behavioral Economics
Research (Tiber)

8. Within the Graduate School, over 80 internal PhD students are doing research and writing a thesis in order to
obtain a doctorate. These projects last for three or four years.
As an internal PhD student, with a paid position, you combine doing research with teaching activities and
taking post-Master level courses. You become part of an interactive and stimulating research environment.
Next to our internal PhD students, more than 100 external PhD students are writing their thesis under
supervision of our faculty members. As an external PhD student you have arranged your own finances, but
you can make use of all the research facilities. Every year, an average of 45 PhD students from the Graduate
School for Social and Behavioral Sciences successfully defend their PhD thesis.
You are eligible for our PhD program if you hold a Master’s (MSc/MA) or Research Master’s degree in social
and/or behavioral sciences or another relevant field (for instance, Public Health, Biology, Medicine, Marketing,
or Methodology).
For more information, please visit:
www.tilburguniversity.edu/tsb-graduate-school

9. The Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences is a two-year,
English-taught program with state-of-the-art courses in which you will be
involved in hands-on research. This multidisciplinary program combines
social, psychological, sociological, organizational, and methodological
perspectives on the central theme of The Individual in a Social Context. It
is the only Research Master in the Netherlands that offers this
interdisciplinary and multi-level approach to social behavior. It provides
talented young researchers from all over the world with the tools they
need to conduct fundamental academic research in the Social and
Behavioral Sciences.
The program consists of 60 ECTS.
Minor Social Sciences
Compulsory courses (114 ECTS)
​Elective courses (6 ECTS)
Minor Social Psychology
Compulsory courses (114 ECTS)
Duration
Two years full time
Language
English
Degree awarded
Master of Science
Start
End of August
Application deadlines
April 1 for non-EU/EEA,
July 1 for EU/EEA
Average number of
students per year
20
Tuition Fees
EU / EEA citizens:
approx. € 2092 p/yr
Non-EU / EEA citizens
approx. € 2092* p/yr
The institutional fee of
€ 14,600 is lowered to
€ 2,092 by a tuition fee
waiver.
It is an interdisciplinary major in the Social and
Behavioral Sciences.
You can specialize by choosing a minor in Social
Sciences, Social Psychology, or Methodology
and Statistics.
You are taught in small groups of students (max.
30) from different academic and cultural
backgrounds.
Interpersonal Behavior (6 ECTS)
Multivariate Analysis (6 ECTS)
Networks and Cohesion (6 ECTS)
Organization and Groups (6 ECTS)
Social Networks (6 ECTS)
Experimental Research and Meta Analysis (6
ECTS)
Programming (3 ECTS)
Survey Research and Psychometrics (6 ECTS)
First-year Paper Social Sciences (12 ECTS)
Intern Traineeship in Social Sciences (12 ECTS)
Academic Writing and Presenting Research in
Social Sciences (3 ECTS)
Intergenerational Relations and Reproduction (6
ECTS)
International Traineeship in Social Sciences (3
ECTS)
Research Integrity and Ethics in Social Sciences
(1 ECTS)
Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data (6
ECTS)
Colloquia and Seminars in Social Sciences (2
ECTS)
Master’s Thesis (24 ECTS)
Institutions and Intra-organizational Teams (6
ECTS)
Relations between Ethnic Groups (6 ECTS)
Interpersonal Behavior (6 ECTS)
Multivariate Analysis (6 ECTS)
Networks and Cohesion (6 ECTS)
Organization and Groups (6 ECTS)
Behavioral Decision-Making (6 ECTS)
Experimental Research and Meta Analysis (6
ECTS)
Programming (3 ECTS)
Survey Research and Psychometrics (6 ECTS)
First-year Paper Social Psychology (12 ECTS)

10. Elective courses (6 ECTS)
Minor Methodology and Statistics
Compulsory courses (114 ECTS)
Elective courses (6 ECTS)
After graduation, students will have the knowledge
and skills to successfully complete a PhD program
at Tilburg University or any other university in the
world. Furthermore, students will be qualified for
high-level research positions at universities and
R&D departments of government institutions,
companies involved in applied or fundamental
research, and the top research institutes for basic
and applied research in the Netherlands and
abroad. The program also trains people for high-
level research positions as a policy researcher and
advisor, organization advisor, and management
consultant.
Intern Traineeship in Social Psychology (12
ECTS)
Academic Writing and Presenting Research in
Social Sciences (3 ECTS)
Social Cognition (6 ECTS)
International Traineeship in Social Psychology
(3 ECTS)
Research Integrity and Ethics in Social
Psychology(1 ECTS)
Structural Equation Models (6 ECTS)
Colloquia and Seminars in Social Psychology (2
ECTS)
Master’s Thesis (24 ECTS)
Emotion and Motivation (6 ECTS)
Theory in Social Psychology (6 ECTS)
Interpersonal Behavior (6 ECTS)
Multivariate Analysis (6 ECTS)
Networks and Cohesion (6 ECTS)
Organization and Groups (6 ECTS)
Mathematical Methods (6 ECTS)
Experimental Research and Meta Analysis (6
ECTS)
Programming (3 ECTS)
Survey Research and Psychometrics (6 ECTS)
First-year Paper Methodology and Statistics (12
ECTS)
Intern Traineeship in Methodology and Statistics
(12 ECTS)
Academic Writing and Presenting Research in
Social Sciences (3 ECTS)
Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data (6
ECTS)
International Traineeship in Social Psychology
(3 ECTS)
Research Integrity and Ethics in Methodology
and Statistics (1 ECTS)
Structural Equation Models (6 ECTS)
Colloquia and Seminars in Methodology and
Statistics (2 ECTS)
Master’s Thesis (24 ECTS)
Categorical Data Alalysis (6 ECTS)
Latent Variable Measurement in the Social and
Behavioral Sciences (6 ECTS)

11. Best qualifying Bachelor’s degrees Academic Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
Academic Bachelor’s degree in Sociology
Academic Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource
Studies
Academic Bachelor’s degree in Organization
Studies
Academic Bachelor’s degree in Methodology and
Statistics
Additional requirements An average score of 7.5 (75%) for the courses in
the second and third years of a Dutch Bachelor's
program or an equivalent score in the Master's
program is required. Please visit our website for
our additional requirements.
English language requirements TOEFL: 90 (internet-based)
IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 min. for all components)
Cambridge CAE or CPE
More info www.tilburguniversity.edu/masters/remasbs
tsb-international@tilburguniversity.edu
+31(0)13 466 2116

12. Although Tilburg University does not offer student accommodation itself,
we would like to help you to get started with finding your own
accommodation in Tilburg while you are still in your home country.
Finding a place to live is one of the most important things to arrange but it
is not easy if you do not know how to start. Our housing office can help
you with finding a place; either in one of the accommodations reserved by
Tilburg University or on the private market.
Tilburg University cooperates with a number of
preferred suppliers for housing who offer fully
furnished rooms and apartments specifically for
international students.
- TalentSquare offers fully furnished rooms
(approximately 18 square meters) with a private
bathroom and high speed internet. You will share
the common living area and kitchen with 4 other
international students.
- Student Housing Holland has student houses
located across the city. All the houses have fully
equipped kitchens, bathrooms and most have a
garden. They have rooms in three different price
categories and offer a everything-you-need-
service which includes a.o. airport pick up, your
own bike and 24/7 emergency service.
- CobbenCampus is the newest campus of Tilburg
located within walking distance from Tilburg
University and other facilities. It has 150 fully
furnished apartments for rent with own bathroom,
toilet and kitchen. At the ground floor you will find
the community rooms and a big garden where you
can study, socialise, play games and work out in
our private gym.
Students socializing in the courtyard of
TalentSquare
You can look for alternative housing options
around the city via the internet. It is common in the
Netherlands for student rooms and apartments to
be offered online, either directly by the
landlord/landlady, a housing company, or a tenant
who is looking for a subtenant. We strongly advise
you to take note of our tips if you decide to find a
room yourself. For example, you should check
whether the room is furnished and which costs are
included in the rental fee.
Once you have been accepted to a degree
program at Tilburg University, you will receive more
information about the accommodation options,
both about the reserved options as well as on the
private market.
www.tilburguniversity.edu/accommodation
Tilburg relatively
inexpensive
You will find life in Tilburg relatively
inexpensive compared to life in other
Dutch university cities, such as Amsterdam
and Utrecht. In fact, Tilburg is known to be
the least expensive student city in the
Netherlands.

13. Admission requirements
Diploma
requirements
In general, you are eligible for Tilburg University Research Master’s programs if you
have:
- a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline for the program of your choice
English
language
proficiency
You need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by submitting the results of either:
- Academic IELTS: minimum score of 7.0 (and 6.5 minimum for all components)
- TOEFL Internet-based: minimum of 100
- Cambridge Proficiency Examination (Pass)
- Cambridge Advanced English (grade B minimum)
An English proficiency test is not required if you are an English native speaker.
Additional
requirements
Research Master programs in the field of Economics require a GRE. Programs in the
field of Business require a GMAT. However, the specific application procedures and
requirements may vary between Master’s programs. Please visit
www.tilburguniversity.edu/masters to find out the exact requirements for the program of
your choice.
How to apply?
All applicants must apply to the university through our online application system (MySAS) and register in
Studielink. To apply for a Master’s program you can follow these steps:
Choose your program - Make sure it suits your interests, skills and career goals
1.
Check the program’s admission requirements and deadlines - You can check a complete overview of
the requirements and deadlines per program on our website www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/research-
masters-and-phd-programs/
2.
Submit your application online - You can apply online through our online application system MySAS (ww
w.tilburguniversity.edu/mysas). You will need to fill in information about yourself and your educational
background and you will also be able to upload all your supporting documents before submitting your
application.
3.
Register in Studielink - Studielink is the Dutch national registration system for higher education in the
Netherlands. It is available in Dutch, German and English. All prospective students need to register in this
system (https://app.studielink.nl).
4.
Admission’s Committee’s decision - Within 4-6 weeks after having received your complete application
package, you will receive the outcome of your application.
5.
Accept your offer - If you are (conditionally) accepted, you will receive an offer letter. You can follow the
instructions in your offer letter to confirm your acceptance.
6.

14. Admission for PhD positions differs from the Research Master’s programs. There are a few options to apply
for a PhD position:
Field Graduate School Contact details
Economics and
Management
CentER center-gs@tilburguniversity.edu
Law and Public
Administration
Tilburg Graduate Law School law-tgls@tilburguniversity.edu
Social and
Behavioral Sciences
Graduate School for Social and
Behavioral Sciences
graduateschool.tsb@tilburguniversity.edu
Humanities Graduate School for Humanities tsh.graduateschool@tilburguniversity.edu
Apply for an excisting PhD vacancy through our website (http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/vacancies).
1.
If there is no vacancy, but you have a scholarship (or you are going to apply to a scholarship), you should
contact the Graduate School and ask for instructions (every Graduate School has their own procedure):
2.

15. Find out more about Tilburg University and our
study programs by visiting our website,
speaking to a representative or visiting us on
campus!
Do you want to have more information about our
university or one or more specific programs? You
will find the most comprehensive and up-to-date
information on our website:
www.tilburguniversity.edu/masters
www.tilburguniversity.edu/phd
Twice a year we organize a Master’s Information
Evening:
www.tilburguniversity.edu/mastersevening
Tilburg University representatives regularly visit
education fairs around the globe. Check the
schedule at: www.tilburguniversity.edu/meet-us
You can always schedule an individual visit on
campus by contacting us at:
www.tilburguniversity.edu/contactus
If you can’t come come to our campus, you can
take a look at our virtual campus tour:
www.tilburguniversity.edu/campus-tour
Do you have any questions? Don't hesitate to
contact us at www.tilburguniversity.edu/contactus
Want to get a glimpse of what is happening on
our campus? You can follow us on Social
Media!