The Ultimate Guide to Applying for Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology 2024

Are you considering a career in Aerospace Engineering? If so, Delft University of Technology offers an exceptional Aerospace Engineering program that could be the perfect fit for you. However, due to the program's popularity, the university has a limited intake of 440 students for the academic year 2023-2024. 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 Aerospace 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

• 15 January 2024*: Deadline for registration in Studielink and registration in Osiaan
• 31 January 2024*: Deadline for completion of the mini-MOOC
• 8 February 2024*: Receive email with further information about the selection procedure and access to the online selection platform
• 15 February 2024*: Disclosure of material for the First-Year-Material section of the Academic Test
• 1 - 17 March 2024*: Availability of the Academic Test
• 22 March 2024*: Self Reflection Deadline
• 15 April 2024*: Publication of your ranking number via Studielink
• 29 April 2024*: If you rank lower than 440, accept your spot within this date.
• Starting from 15 April: If you have a ranking number higher than 440, you may still be offered a spot as numbers shift.
• If you get offered a spot, accept within 2 weeks.

*The dates marked with an asterisk may vary by a few days

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 2024*. Make sure to check the progress of your application regularly to ensure everything is in order.

31 Jan: Complete the Mini-MOOC

The Mini-MOOC, or 'Massive Open Online Course,' is a 3-hour online introductory course designed to give you a glimpse into the first-year material of the Aerospace Engineering program at TU Delft. The course aims to help you decide whether this program is the right fit for you.

Key Dates

• Deadline: 31 January 2024* (CET 23:59; UTC+1)

How to Register and Complete the Mini-MOOC

1. Create an Account: The Mini-MOOC is hosted on the TU Delft Online Courses platform. Follow the instructions to create an account. Make sure to also provide your student number, which you'll receive after registering in Studielink.
2. Confirm Your Account: You'll receive an email to confirm your account. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
3. Fill in the Registration Form: Complete the registration form to request access to the Mini-MOOC course.
4. Course Enrolment: New registrations are added to the platform once a weekday. Once enrolled, the course will appear on your dashboard.

Important Notes

• Email Address: Use the same email address for both the Mini-MOOC and your Studielink registration. If you've used different email addresses, you'll need to provide proof of completion by sending a screenshot of your Mini-MOOC Progress Report to selection-ae@tudelft.nl.
• Previous Participation: If you've participated in the selection procedure before and have already completed the Mini-MOOC, you're not required to take it again.

FAQs

• Do I receive a confirmation for completing the Mini-MOOC?: You'll receive an email confirmation if you complete the Mini-MOOC before the Studielink deadline of 15 January 2024*.
• Do my results in the Mini-MOOC count in the selection procedure?: No, your performance in the Mini-MOOC is not used in the selection procedure. The course assignments are for your own reference.
• Do I have to study the contents of the Mini-MOOC for the Academic Test?: While the Mini-MOOC is not study material for the Academic Test, it is assumed that you are familiar with the concepts explained in the course.

22 Feb: Academic Attitude and Motivation Questionnaire

This questionnaire is designed to assess your academic motivation and learning strategies, which are crucial factors for success in the Aerospace Engineering program at TU Delft. Your score on this questionnaire will contribute to 25% of your final ranking number for the selection process.

Key Dates

• Invitation Email: First week of February 2024
• Deadline: 22 February 2024* (CET 13:59; UTC+1)

How to Complete the Questionnaire

1. Invitation Email: If you have successfully completed the Mini-MOOC, you will receive an invitation email in the first week of February 2024 to complete the questionnaire.
2. Access the Portal: The questionnaire will be available on the online selection portal. Instructions on how to access this portal will be provided in the invitation email.
3. Complete the Questionnaire: The questionnaire consists of multiple sections of multiple-choice questions focusing on your learning strategies and academic motivation. All sections must be completed to receive a score for the criterion of Motivation.

Important Notes

• No Preparation Needed: You do not need to prepare anything for this part of the selection procedure.
• Scoring: Your motivation score will be determined by comparing your answers to those of a reference group, consisting of students who have been successful in the Aerospace Engineering program

FAQs

• Do I need to write a motivation letter?: No, a personal motivation letter is not required. The questionnaire is designed to assess your academic motivation rather than your personal reasons for applying to the program. However, you can express your personal motivation in the final part of the selection procedure, known as the Self-Reflection.

15 Feb: First-Year Material

This step provides you with an opportunity to delve into the kind of material you would encounter in the first year of the Aerospace Engineering program at TU Delft. Your understanding of this material will be assessed in one section of the Academic Test.

Key Dates

• ‍Email with Material: 15 February 2024*

How to Access and Study the First-Year Material

1. Email Notification: On 15 February 2024*, you will receive an email with information on how to access the First-Year Material.
2. Online Selection Portal: The material will also be available on the online selection portal from 15 February 2024* onwards.
3. Self-Study: The material will include reading assignments and some practice questions. You are expected to study this material on your own.

Important Notes

• Objective: The aim is to assess your ability to study Aerospace Engineering material independently and within a set timeframe.
• Assessment: Your understanding of this material will be tested in one of the sections of the Academic Test.

FAQs

• What do I need to study?: You should focus on the sections listed in the provided First-Year Material syllabus, available on the selection portal.
• Is reading the material enough?: Simply reading the material may not be sufficient. The Academic Test aims to assess your understanding and application of the material. The practice questions provided are not necessarily representative of the questions on the Academic Test.

17 Mar: Academic Test

The Academic Test is a crucial part of the selection procedure for the Aerospace Engineering program at TU Delft. It aims to evaluate your academic performance and comprises three sections: Mathematics, Physics, and First-Year Material.

Key Dates

• Availability: 1 to 17 March 2024*
• Deadline: 17 March 2024* (CET 13:59; UTC+1)

How to Prepare

1. Syllabus & Formula Sheets: Download the syllabus and formula sheets for Mathematics and Physics from the website or the online selection platform.
2. Practice Test: A practice test is available on the selection platform to familiarize you with the digital test environment.
3. First-Year Material: Information about what to study will be disclosed on 15 February 2024*.

Taking the Test

• Sections: The test consists of three sections that you can take at different times, but each section can only be opened once.
• 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.

Allowed Materials

• Basic scientific calculator (Casio FX-82 series or equivalent)
• Blank paper, pencils/pens, and other basic writing implements
• Print-outs of the provided formula sheets
• Your ID / passport
• Hard-copy dictionary

Scoring

• Criterion: The Academic Test accounts for 75% of your final ranking score.
• Sections: Each section contributes equally to your final ranking score (25% per section).

Special Accommodations

Candidates with learning disabilities can apply for additional time by 15 February 2024*.

22 Mar: Self Reflection

The Self-Reflection is the final step in the selection procedure for the Aerospace Engineering program at TU Delft. It aims to assess your motivation and suitability for the program.

Key Dates

• Availability: Throughout March 2024
• Deadline: 22 March 2024* (CET 23:59; UTC+1)

Purpose

The Self-Reflection serves two main objectives:

1. To evaluate your continued motivation for pursuing the Aerospace Engineering bachelor's program at TU Delft.
2. To assess your ability to maintain academic performance in the program.

Questions

You will be asked to respond to the following:

1. "Do you still desire to pursue the bachelor program Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft?"
2. Reflect on how well you align with the TU Delft Code of Honour and how you would fit into the academic community.

Scoring

• Tie-Breaker: In the event that two or more applicants have the same selection score, the Self-Reflection will be used to determine the final ranking.
• Word Limit: Answers should be meaningful and limited to a maximum of 500 words per question.

15 Apr: After the Selection Procedure

Determination of the Ranking Number

Your final selection score is determined by two key criteria:

1. Motivation: This is assessed through the Academic Attitude and Motivation Questionnaire. Your score, which is compared to a reference group, contributes to 25% of your final ranking number.
2. Academic Performance: This is based on your score in the Academic Test and accounts for 75% of your final ranking number. Each section of the Academic Test contributes equally, meaning each section accounts for 25% of your final ranking score.

You will be notified about your scores on the different sections no later than 15 April 2024*. 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 2024*. 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 (440), 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.