Pre-Master's Programme

This information applies for students who wish to start their pre-Master’s programme in September 2024.

Who can apply?

A pre-Master's Programme is only available for graduated HBO (University of Applied Science) students with a relevant Dutch educational background who do not need housing, and who do not have or require a residence permit for study purposes. When in doubt about your residence permit, you can send an email to Utrecht University's Admissions Office, including a copy of both sides of the permit. Do not forget to state clearly that you are referring to a pre-Master’s programme.

The pre-Master’s programme starts in the first week of September and must be concluded in one year. Please note that you cannot receive a refund of (a part of) the tuition fee if you decide to discontinue the pre-Master once you have started. If the Board of Studies however decides that you need to discontinue your studies due to insufficient progress you will be proportionally refunded.

Relevant educational background

The pre-Master’s programme was developed for highly motivated students with a Dutch ‘HBO’ (college) degree in Economics or another relevant ‘HBO’-programme with a substantial link to Economics and Finance. Further, you have a clear interest in issues pertaining to international financial markets, the function and behavior of banks and bankers, the regulatory institutions that govern banks and other financial institutions worldwide, the effectiveness of regulation, and the banks’ strategic decisions on allocation, funding and investment. For most ‘HBO’ students this will be a new focus of study, meaning that it is not directly aligned with the courses you have already completed, in terms of either content or working methods. You will need to bridge some gaps in a number of different areas in terms of methodology, knowledge and academic orientation (research elective).

Entry requirements

The pre-master’s programme has strict and specific entry requirements. 

Content

The pre-Master's programme is an English taught, 45 ECTS programme spread over one year and includes the following courses:

• Microeconomics
• Corporate Finance
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics 
• Applied Economics Research Course

Insufficient progress

The pre-Master’s programme must be concluded in one year. Students who, even after retake, have not passed a course will be excluded from the programme. 

Tuition Fees pre-Master’s programme

More information on the tuition fees for pre-Master students.

Questions?

If you have questions about the pre-Master’s programme, please contact the Graduate School of Economics by email.