Institution
 | The University of Twente (UT) offers research and degree programmes in technology, and in the social and behavioural sciences. The degree programmes at the University range from business studies and applied physics, to biomedical technology and psychology. From the outset, the University of Twente has sought to put the applied sciences in a wider social context. |
The University was founded in 1961 as the Technische Hogeschool Twente, the Netherlands’ third higher vocational institute of technology later to become a university (the other two being Delft and Eindhoven). In keeping with its enterprising spirit, the University is committed to making an economic and social contribution to the region of the Netherlands where it is based. The UT collaborates with TU Delft and TU/e Eindhoven under the umbrella of the 3TU.Federation, and is also a partner in the European Network of Innovative Universities (ECIU).
The University of Twente has a world class research programme. In the applied sciences, the emphasis is on nanotechnology, process technology, engineering, information & communication technology, and the biomedical sciences. The University also has a strong track record in business studies and the behavioural sciences. UT research programmes are organised in six research institutes.
The University of Twente sets great store by the useful application of knowledge in society. Patents, life-long learning programmes, and spin-off companies testify to this commitment, as does UT’s intensive involvement in research programmes that enhance knowledge infrastructure in the Netherlands. So far, the UT has produced 600 spin-off companies; more than any other Dutch university.