TU Delft Motivation Letter: What MSc Programs Actually Want

TU Delft asks you to do something no other Dutch university requires: propose thesis project ideas in your motivation letter -- before you have even been admitted.

This single requirement transforms a standard European motivation letter into something closer to a US-style research statement, and it catches most international applicants off guard. Students who prepare a generic "why I want to study engineering" letter miss the fact that TU Delft is asking a fundamentally different question: What do you want to research, and have you thought seriously about it?

After analyzing TU Delft's official requirements across MSc programs, their Career Toolkit resources, and published application guidance, here is what the admissions committee is actually looking for -- and what most applicants get wrong.

Table of Contents

• The five components TU Delft requires
• The thesis project requirement: what it really means
• Word count and formatting requirements
• How TU Delft evaluates motivation letters
• Program-specific variations
• The BSc thesis summary: 250 words that matter
• Common mistakes applicants make
• TU Delft vs other Dutch technical universities
• TU Delft resources you should use
• Structure template for TU Delft motivation letters

The five components TU Delft requires

TU Delft's official MSc application page lays out specific prompts that your motivation letter must address. This is not a vague "tell us about yourself" invitation. It is a structured checklist.

"All candidates are expected to hand in a motivation letter in which they express the legitimation of their choice, personal ambition and give two examples of envisioned thesis projects." -- TU Delft MSc Management of Technology Application

The five components, drawn from official program pages:

1. Your motivation for choosing the MSc programme Why this specific program? Not engineering in general, not TU Delft in general -- this program specifically.

2. Why you are interested in TU Delft and what you expect to find there What does TU Delft offer that other technical universities do not? This requires research beyond the rankings page.

3. Which specialisation interests you most and why Most TU Delft MSc programs have multiple tracks or specialisations. You need to pick one and justify it.

4. What kind of thesis project you would prefer and what you want to explore Limited to three possible topics. This is the component that separates TU Delft from every other Dutch university.

5. A summary of your BSc thesis work or final assignment/project Maximum 250 words. This is effectively a condensed abstract of your undergraduate research.

The thesis project requirement: what it really means

This is where most applicants either shine or fail. TU Delft does not expect you to arrive with a fully formed research proposal. They expect you to demonstrate three things:

1. Awareness of active research at TU Delft

Your proposed thesis topics should connect to research actually happening in TU Delft labs. This means browsing faculty research pages, reading recent publications, and understanding what TU Delft's research groups are working on.

A thesis idea that has no connection to any TU Delft research group signals that you have not done your homework.

2. Technical sophistication in your area

The thesis topics you propose reveal your level of understanding. A vague topic like "I want to research renewable energy" tells the committee nothing. A specific topic like "I want to investigate the aerodynamic interactions between closely-spaced floating wind turbines in the North Sea environment, building on the recent OrcaFlex modeling work from the Offshore Engineering section" tells them you understand the field.

3. Intellectual curiosity beyond coursework

TU Delft is a research university. Even for taught MSc programs, the thesis is the capstone of the degree. By asking for thesis ideas upfront, TU Delft filters for students who are genuinely excited about research, not just completing a credential.

How to develop thesis topic ideas

Step 1: Visit the specific department's research pages on tudelft.nl. Each department lists its research groups and current projects.

Step 2: Read 3--5 recent publications from faculty in your target specialisation. You do not need to understand every detail -- focus on the research questions and methodology.

Step 3: Identify gaps or extensions. What follow-up questions do those papers raise? What would be the next logical step?

Step 4: Frame 2--3 topic ideas at the intersection of your background and the department's active research. Each idea should be one or two sentences explaining the question and a brief indication of approach.

This process parallels how PhD applicants identify potential supervisors. For more on this approach, see our guide on how to find and contact PhD supervisors.

What counts as a "good" thesis topic idea

Word count and formatting requirements

Standard range: 1,000--1,500 words (some programs allow up to 2,000 words)

This is substantially longer than most Dutch universities, where 500--700 words is typical. The length reflects the additional content TU Delft requires, particularly the thesis project ideas and BSc summary.

Practical word allocation

Based on the five required components and the typical word range, here is a reasonable allocation:

The thesis project section deserves the largest share. This is what differentiates TU Delft from generic motivation letters. If you are spending more words on why you like the Netherlands than on what you want to research, your priorities are wrong.

For general guidance on managing essay word counts, see our Statement of Purpose length guide.

How TU Delft evaluates motivation letters

TU Delft does not publish a formal rubric for motivation letters, but the evaluation criteria can be inferred from their requirements and the broader Dutch admissions framework.

The evaluation hierarchy at Dutch technical universities

1. Academic qualifications and grades -- This is the primary filter. Your motivation letter cannot compensate for missing prerequisite courses or a significantly low GPA.
2. Motivation letter content -- Assessed for fit, seriousness, and technical awareness.
3. English language proficiency -- IELTS/TOEFL scores.
4. CV and additional documents -- Supporting evidence.

Within the motivation letter itself, the implicit weighting is:

• Program-specific motivation and fit: Do you understand what this MSc program involves? Have you studied the curriculum?
• Research awareness: Do the thesis ideas demonstrate genuine engagement with the field?
• Academic preparedness: Does your BSc summary show relevant technical capability?
• Professional direction: Are your career goals logical and connected to the program?

What TU Delft does NOT care about

Based on the official requirements and Dutch academic culture:

• Childhood origin stories. Dutch academic culture values directness. Skip the narrative about building robots as a child.
• Emotional appeals. "My dream has always been..." does not resonate in Dutch admissions culture.
• University rankings flattery. Telling TU Delft it is a "world-renowned institution" wastes words. They know their ranking. Tell them what you plan to do there.

For more on what admissions committees consider problematic in application essays, see our analysis of SOP mistakes and "kisses of death".

Program-specific variations

TU Delft has over 30 MSc programs, and while the general framework is consistent, individual programs emphasize different aspects.

Engineering programs (Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)

These programs most strongly emphasize:

• Technical depth in thesis project ideas
• Specific lab or research group awareness
• BSc thesis relevance to the chosen specialisation

The connection between your undergraduate research and your proposed thesis topics matters more here than in any other program type.

Architecture and Built Environment

These programs value:

• Design portfolio context (the motivation letter complements your portfolio)
• Awareness of TU Delft's specific design methodology
• Integration of technical and creative thinking

Management of Technology / Industrial Design Engineering

These programs balance:

• Business and management awareness alongside technical content
• Industry relevance of proposed thesis topics
• Interdisciplinary thinking between technology and management

Applied Sciences (Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, etc.)

These programs expect:

• Stronger research orientation
• More detailed thesis proposals
• Clear connections to fundamental research questions

The BSc thesis summary: 250 words that matter

The 250-word BSc thesis summary is essentially a condensed abstract. It serves two purposes:

1. Demonstrating research capability. You can formulate a research question, choose methodology, and communicate results.
2. Establishing your technical baseline. The committee needs to see what you have already done to evaluate whether your proposed thesis topics are realistic.

Structure for the 250-word summary

• Research question or objective (1--2 sentences)
• Methodology (2--3 sentences)
• Key findings or results (2--3 sentences)
• Significance and connection to MSc interests (1--2 sentences)

If you do not have a BSc thesis

Some bachelor's programs (particularly in the US or certain Indian universities) do not require a formal thesis. In this case:

• Substitute your most substantial undergraduate project or capstone
• If you have industry experience, describe a technical project with clear methodology and results
• Be honest about the nature of the work -- do not inflate a class project into "research"

For applicants with limited research experience, our guide on writing an SOP without research experience covers strategies that apply to motivation letters as well.

Common mistakes applicants make

Mistake 1: Treating it as a generic motivation letter

The most common error is writing a letter that could apply to any Dutch technical university. TU Delft's requirements are specific and structured. A letter that does not address all five components will be immediately flagged as incomplete.

Mistake 2: Proposing thesis topics disconnected from TU Delft research

If your thesis ideas do not connect to any active research group at TU Delft, the committee will question whether you understand what TU Delft actually does. Check department research pages before writing.

Mistake 3: Exceeding the word count significantly

Dutch academic culture values conciseness. While TU Delft allows 1,000--1,500 words (generous by Dutch standards), submitting a 2,500-word letter when the limit is 1,500 signals poor communication skills.

Mistake 4: Using overly emotional or flowery language

"Avoid all kind of platitudes, flowery phrases and flattery." -- The Netherlands Education Group

Dutch readers expect clarity and purpose from the first paragraph. "I am super pumped to apply!" or "It has been my lifelong dream to study at TU Delft" will not land well.

Mistake 5: Repeating your CV in narrative form

The motivation letter should supplement, not duplicate, your CV. The committee has already seen your transcript and resume. The letter should explain the "why" behind the facts, not restate them.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the BSc thesis summary

Some applicants skip the 250-word BSc summary or treat it as an afterthought. It is a required component and one of the few places where you can demonstrate concrete technical capability.

Mistake 7: Using AI to generate the letter

UvA has explicitly warned about AI-generated content in applications, and TU Delft likely evaluates for this as well. The thesis project ideas in particular require genuine technical knowledge that AI-generated text typically gets wrong -- vague, non-specific, and disconnected from actual research groups.

If you want AI to help you improve your letter rather than write it for you, GradPilot's review service provides feedback on clarity, structure, and fit while keeping your voice authentic.

Application timeline and practical details

Deadlines for 2026

TU Delft generally follows these deadlines for MSc programs:

Some programs have earlier or different deadlines. Always verify on the specific program page.

The application process

TU Delft applications follow the standard Dutch two-step process:

1. Register on Studielink -- the national enrollment platform. You can register up to 4 programs.
2. Complete your application on TU Delft's portal -- upload your motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and other documents here.

The Studielink registration alone does NOT complete your application. Many international students make the mistake of registering on Studielink and assuming they are done. The motivation letter and other documents must be uploaded through TU Delft's own system.

Language requirements

All TU Delft MSc programs are taught in English. Your motivation letter must be written in English. Language test requirements:

• IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall (program-specific minimums may be higher)
• TOEFL iBT: minimum 90
• Cambridge: minimum C1 Advanced (CAE) Grade C

What happens after you submit

TU Delft evaluates applications holistically but with a structured approach:

1. Eligibility check -- Do you meet the minimum academic requirements (relevant bachelor's degree, prerequisite courses)?
2. Document review -- Is your application complete?
3. Qualitative assessment -- This is where the motivation letter is evaluated alongside your transcript, CV, and other materials.
4. Decision -- Admit, conditional admit (e.g., pending final grades), or reject.

TU Delft does not typically conduct interviews for taught MSc programs. Your motivation letter is the primary vehicle for conveying your personality, goals, and fit beyond your grades.

International student context at TU Delft

TU Delft is one of the most internationally oriented universities in the Netherlands. Understanding the applicant pool helps you calibrate your letter.

Who you are competing against

Over 55% of international students in English-taught Dutch master's programs choose engineering, business, or social sciences. TU Delft attracts applicants from across Asia, Europe, and increasingly from Africa and Latin America. The most common nationalities among international MSc applicants include Chinese, Indian, German, Italian, and Spanish students.

This means your motivation letter needs to differentiate you from a large pool of technically qualified applicants with similar backgrounds. The thesis project ideas section is where this differentiation happens most effectively.

Tuition and funding context

TU Delft offers several scholarship programs for non-EU students, including the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships. Some scholarship applications require a separate motivation letter with different criteria than the program application letter. Check TU Delft's scholarship page for current opportunities and their specific requirements.

For broader context on international student funding, see our guide on TA/RA/GA funding realities for international MS students.

TU Delft vs other Dutch technical universities

How does TU Delft compare to the other two Dutch technical universities (the "3TU" federation)?

TU Delft is significantly more demanding in its motivation letter requirements than either TU Eindhoven or the University of Twente. If you are applying to multiple Dutch technical universities, you cannot reuse the same letter -- TU Delft requires substantially more content.

For a complete overview of all Dutch university requirements, see our Netherlands Masters motivation letter guide.

TU Delft resources you should use

TU Delft provides more application support resources than any other Dutch university:

Motivation letter checklist PDF

Download from TU Delft Career Toolkit -- a quick guide with dos and don'ts specifically for TU Delft applications.

Free online CV/motivation letter check

TU Delft Career Centre offers free online reviews of CVs and motivation letters. This is primarily for current students, but admitted students can use it for future applications.

Program-specific research pages

Each MSc program page on tudelft.nl includes curriculum details, specialisation descriptions, and links to associated research groups. These pages are your primary source for writing program-specific content.

Faculty research profiles

Browse individual faculty profiles to understand current research directions. This is essential for developing realistic thesis project ideas.

Structure template for TU Delft motivation letters

Based on the five required components and optimal word allocation:

[Opening: 50-100 words]
State the program you are applying to, your specialisation of interest,
and your primary motivation in 2-3 direct sentences.

[Section 1 -- Program Motivation: 200-300 words]
Why this specific MSc program at TU Delft?
What about the curriculum and approach appeals to you?
Connect your background to the program's focus areas.

[Section 2 -- Specialisation Interest: 150-200 words]
Which track or specialisation have you chosen and why?
What aspects of the specialisation's curriculum interest you?
How does this connect to your career trajectory?

[Section 3 -- Thesis Project Ideas: 250-400 words]
Present 2-3 thesis topic ideas. For each:
- State the research question in 1-2 sentences
- Briefly indicate methodology or approach
- Connect to active TU Delft research where possible

[Section 4 -- BSc Thesis Summary: 200-250 words]
Research question/objective
Methodology
Key findings
Connection to MSc interests

[Closing: 50-100 words]
Restate fit, forward-looking career ambitions,
strong closing sentence.

Before you submit

Use this checklist:

• All five components are addressed
• Thesis topics connect to specific TU Delft research groups
• BSc summary is within 250 words
• Total word count is within program-specified limits
• No flowery language or emotional appeals
• Specific specialisation is named and justified
• Program-specific curriculum details are referenced

Frequently asked questions

Q: How many thesis project ideas should I include? A: TU Delft's official guidance says "two examples of envisioned thesis projects," with some programs allowing up to three. Two well-developed ideas are better than three vague ones.

Q: Do my thesis ideas need to be completely original? A: No. They need to be realistic and connected to active research at TU Delft. Extending or building on existing research is perfectly valid. What matters is that you demonstrate genuine engagement with the field, not that you propose something revolutionary.

Q: What if my BSc program did not include a thesis? A: Substitute your most substantial academic project -- a capstone, final year project, or significant research assignment. Be honest about its nature. Do not call a class project a "thesis" if it was not one.

Q: Should I address my motivation letter to a specific person? A: No. Dutch university motivation letters are addressed to the admissions committee or board, not to individual faculty members. The standard approach is to begin with the content directly, without a salutation, or to use a simple "Dear Admissions Committee."

Q: Can I mention that TU Delft is highly ranked? A: Mentioning rankings adds no value. The admissions committee knows where TU Delft ranks. Use that space to discuss what TU Delft specifically offers for your research or career goals.

Q: How recent should the faculty publications I reference be? A: Focus on publications from the last 2--3 years. Citing a paper from 2015 suggests you found it through a quick Google Scholar search rather than genuinely following the research group's work.

Q: Is it acceptable to contact TU Delft faculty before applying? A: For taught MSc programs, this is not expected and not common in Dutch academic culture. For Research Master or PhD-track programs, a brief, professional email to a potential supervisor is more acceptable. See our guide on how to find and contact potential supervisors.

Q: What if I am applying to multiple specialisations within the same TU Delft program? A: Pick one. The motivation letter requires you to state which specialisation interests you most and why. If you genuinely cannot decide, choose the one where your thesis ideas are strongest and most specific.

The bottom line

TU Delft's motivation letter is not a typical European motivation letter. It is a structured document that requires genuine technical engagement with your proposed field of study. The thesis project ideas requirement is not a formality -- it is a test of whether you have thought seriously about what you want to research and whether TU Delft is the right place to do it.

The applicants who succeed are the ones who treat the motivation letter as a research exercise: reading faculty publications, exploring department research pages, and developing thesis ideas that demonstrate real intellectual engagement.

The ones who fail are the ones who write a generic letter about "the Netherlands' excellent education system" and "TU Delft's world-class reputation."

Be specific. Be direct. Be researched.

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Also see: Netherlands Masters Motivation Letter: Complete Guide to 11 Dutch Universities | How to Write a Motivation Letter for Dutch Universities