Application and admission
On this page you can find all the information you need to find out if you are eligible for this programme and which steps to take in order to apply.
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
Check here whether you are eligible for this programma. Choose the situation that applies to you.
What degree do you have?
Admission is possible on the basis of either a VWO-diploma or, if you cannot fulfil this requirement, on the basis of a successfully passed first year of HBO with supplementary proof.
VWO-diploma
A VWO diploma including Mathematics A or B (wiskunde A or wiskunde B) and a grade of 8 or higher for English. If you have not obtained your diploma at the time of applying, the grade on your final 5VWO-report will be used. If your English grade on your most recent VWO transcript, at the time of the submission, is likely to be below 8.0, you can prove your English proficiency via other factual evidence. You can qualify if you pass one of the exams below with the following scores:
Proof of English knowledge:
- IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 7.0 overall band, with at least a 6.0 for each component (writing, reading, speaking, listening).
- TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 100, with at least 23 for writing, and at least 20 for the other sections (reading, speaking, listening). Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- Cambridge Certificates:
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum score: 185 total, 169 writing
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum score: 185 total, 169 writing
Proof of mathematical knowledge:
- Boswell-Bèta (in Dutch),
- CCVX exam in Mathematics A or B,
- OMPT-A Mathematics exam with a minimum score of 75% (7,5). Note that you have a maximum of three attempts to pass this exam.
Please note the OMPT-A exam can only be used for admission to the Bachelor’s programmes Philosophy, Politics and Economics & Economics and Business Economics at Utrecht University. It will not be accepted to gain admission to other programmes.)
If you wish to use any of these options, you will have to pay for the test yourself.
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Did you complete the first year of a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO) degree programme or do you have an HBO degree certificate? Then you are eligible for admission if you meet the requirements for Mathematics and English. You can do this by completing any of the tests described above with the minimum score, or by completing a state examination (staatsexamen, through the medium of Dutch) administered by the Dutch Education Executive Agency (DUO: Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). For English, you must obtain an English grade of 8.0 minimum. For Wiskunde A or B, the minimum grade is a 5.5 (a pass).
Which diploma's qualify you for admission?
- An international diploma comparable to the Dutch VWO-diploma (such as an International Baccalaureate (IB) with equivalent exam subject(s) in Mathematics).
Examples of equivalent diploma's and levels of mathematics:
Diploma | Country | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
International Baccalaureate | Worldwide | Mathematics at Standard Level New curriculum as of 2019: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at at least Standard Level or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level. |
European Baccalaureate | Europe | Mathematics: at least 3 hours per week in the final 2 years. |
Abitur | Germany | Mathematics: at least Grundkurs. |
GCE A-Levels | United Kingdom | Three preferred (International) GCE A-Levels with a minimum score of CCC. At least an AS-Level Mathematics. For preferred GCE A levels see the diploma equivalency list. |
Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs | Belgium | All directions: with Mathematics for at least 4 hours per week in the final 2 years. |
Diploma di Superamento dell’ Esame di Stato Conclusivo dei Corsi di Istruzione Secondaria Superiore (issued by Liceo Classico/Scientifico/Linguistico/ Scienze Umane) | Italy | Mathematics up to and including the final year. |
US High School Diploma | United States | In addition to the completed High School Diploma, we require students to obtain at least 4 Advanced Placements (AP's) of the US College Board, all with a score of -3- or higher, among which at least an AP Calculus AB with a score of -3- or higher. |
If your diploma is not on the list above, you can check whether your diploma meets this requirement in this diploma equivalency list. If you are not sure about the math requirements, you can get in touch with the admissions office by reaching out to the International Student Admissions office.
English language requirements
Utrecht University accepts the following exams as proof of proficiency in English:
IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 7.0 overall band, with at least a 6.0 for each component (writing, reading, speaking, listening).
TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 100, with at least 23 for writing, and at least 20 for the other sections (reading, speaking, listening). Institutional scores are not accepted.
The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum score: 185 total, 169 writing
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum score: 185 total, 169 writing
Exceptions English proficiency:
You are considered to be proficient in English and do not need to provide a test score if:
- You obtained your secondary school diploma in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa,
or - You obtained an International Baccalaureate Diploma (with English A or B as final exam subject at either Standard or Higher Level) or European Baccalaureate Diploma (with English as Language 1 or 2),
or
You had English at the required level in one of the following diploma programmes:
- You had English at the required level in one of the following diploma programmes:
- Aruban VWO-Diploma (final exam subject);
- Austrian Reifezeugnis (Prüfungsfach);
- Belgian Getuigschrift Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (up to and including the final year);
- Curaçao VWO-Diploma (final exam subject);
- Danish Bevis for Højere Hændelseksamen (HHX)/Bevis for Studentereksamen (STX)/Højere Forberedelseksamen (HF) med overbygning /Højere Teknisk Examen (HTX) (at least English B up to and including the final year);
- Finnish Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studenteksamensbevis/Matriculation Examination Certificate (final exam subject, Basic or Advanced Syllabus);
- French Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général, Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) (Section américaine or Section britannique only);
- French Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général, Baccalauréat Français International (BFI), Section Anglais;
- German Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife (Abitur) (at least Grundkursfach);
- Icelandic Studentprof of the Mentaskoli, with the Maladeild/Staerofraedideild profile (up to and including the final year);
- Norwegian Vitnemål videregåonde opplaering (at least ENG1002. From 2022 onwards: at least ENG1007);
- Surinamese VWO-Diploma (final exam subject);
- Swedish Gymnasieexamen/Yrkesexamen (up to and including the final year);
- Swiss Maturitätszeugnis/Diplôme de Maturité/Attestato di Maturitá (up to and including the final year).
Proof of mathematical knowledge
- Boswell-Bèta
- CCVX exam in Mathematics A or B
- OMPT-A Mathematics exam with a minimum score of 75% (7,5). Note that you have a maximum of three attempts to pass this exam.
Please note the OMPT-A exam can only be used for admission to the Bachelor’s programmes Philosophy, Politics and Economics & Economics and Business Economics at Utrecht University. It will not be accepted to gain admission to other programmes.
If you wish to use any of these options, you will have to pay for the test yourself.
Step 2: Follow the application procedure
Read here how you can apply for this programme.
I want to apply with a:
When to apply
We recommend that you apply as early as possible. The absolute latest date for applications AND application files to be received is 14 January 2025, 23:59 hrs CET. Application starts 1 October 2024.
Complete your application in time!
When applying online, you are asked to upload a number of documents. Please submit your application and all required documents well before the latest date of application. If you submit your documents shortly before the deadline, and it turns out that they are incomplete or do not meet our requirements, we will not be able to consider your application. It also takes time to prepare for any possible additional exams you may need to take, so the sooner you arrange this, the better!
When can you expect a decision?
After you submit your application, we will check whether you have sent in all the documentation required and your application is indeed complete. If so, we will check whether you have the right diploma, and whether you meet the subject requirements. You will receive the official admissions decision on your application before the end of April.
Application procedure
- Read the application instructions.
- Go to www.uu.studielink.nl. You can apply as of 1 October.
- Click Log in with DigiD.
If you don’t have a DigiD account yet, you can apply for one on the DigiD website. You will receive your activation code through the post within 5 days.
If you do not live in the Netherlands, you are ineligible for a DigiD account. In that case, click Log in via Studielink.
Required documents
During the online application process, you will be asked to submit documents that support your application to study at Utrecht University. You will find an overview of these documents below. The underlined forms can be completed on a computer and then uploaded in Osiris online application:
- The certified copy of your transcript
- If applicable: additional proof of your competence in mathematics or English.
- A written motivation (please note, we only accept written motivations in the linked format)
- A curriculum vitae (please note, we only accept curriculum vitae in the linked format)
The contact details and function of a current or former teacher, advisor, or mentor you would like to use as a referee. Please also include their workplace/school. Please note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure a timely submission of the reference form of your referee. Please also inform your referee that they will receive automatically generated reminders in their inbox. They should also check their spam folder, as our e-mails are sometimes registered as spam. Please note, your application file is not complete without a completed reference form. If we have not received a completed reference form by the communicated deadline, your application file will not be processed.
A competence profile test (you will receive an invitation link for this by email – please note this invitation will be sent between 15 and 17 January, and the test has to be completed by: 21 January, 23:59 hrs CET).
After your application
Utrecht University communicates primarily through e-mail. Please check your spam folder often during the application process, as we have noticed our e-mails are sometimes registered as spam.
After admission, you will receive information on how to arrange the necessary practical matters (e.g. housing, payment of your tuition fee, etc.)
Questions about the application procedure?
Please contact us at admissions.ppe@uu.nl.
When to apply
We recommend that you apply as early as possible. The absolute latest date for applications AND application files to be received is 14 January 2025, 23:59 hrs CET. Application starts 1 October 2024.
Complete your application in time!
When applying online, you are asked to upload a number of documents. Please submit your application and all required documents well before the latest date of application. If you submit your documents shortly before the deadline, and it turns out that they are incomplete or do not meet our requirements, we will not be able to consider your application. It also takes time to prepare for any possible additional exams you may need to take, so the sooner you arrange this, the better!
When can you expect a decision?
After you submit your application, the Admissions Office will check whether you have sent in all the documentation required and your application is indeed complete. If so, we will check whether your diploma is equivalent to a Dutch VWO diploma, and whether you meet the subject requirements. You will receive the official admissions decision on your application before the end of April.
Application procedure
The following steps will help you submit a complete application for this programme:
- Check whether you meet the entry requirements for this Bachelor’s programme.
- Apply in a timely manner, preferably well before the deadline; see 'When to apply'.
- Read the application instructions.
- Register for this programme via Studielink. You can apply as of 1 October.
- You will receive an email with your login details for OSIRIS Online Application, where you can upload the required documents.
NOTE: students with a non-Dutch diploma need to apply for two different processes in Osiris Online Application:- the Credential Evaluation process
- the PPE selection process
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, on time.
If you are conditionally accepted for both of the above processes, you will be asked to send certified hard copies of your diploma and transcript (if necessary with official translations) to the Admissions Office by post, so that the authenticity of these documents can be checked.
Required documents
These are the forms and documents you must submit in Osiris Online Application.
For the Credential Evaluation process:
- A scan of your passport
- If applicable: a scan of your Dutch residence permit
- A scan of your diploma(s) or diploma statement (if necessary with official translations)
- A signed/verified scan of your grade transcript(s) (if necessary with official translations). For IB students: the Admissions Committee will not accept predicted grades, only the grades you achieved
- A scan of your official English language test report or certificate
For the PPE selection process:
For the selection procedure, you will need to upload the following documents in Osiris Online:
The contact details and function title of a current or former teacher, advisor, or mentor you would like to use as a referee. Please also include the name of the school he or she works at. Please note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure a timely submission of the reference form of your referee. Please also inform your referee that they will receive automatically generated reminders in their inbox. They should also check their spam folder, as our e-mails are sometimes registered as spam. Please note, your application file is not complete without a completed reference form. If we have not received a completed reference form by the communicated deadline, your application file will not be processed.
A written motivation (please note, we only accept written motivations in the linked format)
- A curriculum vitae (please note, we only accept curriculum vitae in the linked format)
- A competence profile test (you will receive an invitation link for this by email – please note this invitation will be sent between 15 and 17 January, and the test has to be completed by: 21 January, 23:59 hrs CET).
After your application
Utrecht University communicates primarily through e-mail. Please check your spam folder often during the application process, as we have noticed our e-mails are sometimes registered as spam.
After admission, you will receive information on how to arrange the necessary practical matters (e.g. housing, a Dutch bank account, health care insurance, payment of your tuition fee, etc.).
Please note, if you receive an email from International Students Admissions concerning the status of the Credential Evaluation Process where it mentions that you are conditionally accepted, this only means that your application fulfills the conditions for being included in the selection process.
You are qualified to start the programme when you are admitted (Credential Evaluation process) as well as selected for PPE and once you have met the requirements for both processes:
- You have been conditionally accepted for the Credential Evaluation Process (meaning you qualify to be included in the selection process)
- You have been selected for the PPE Programme during the selection process.
Questions about the application procedure?
Please contact Admissions Office.
Step 3: Participate in the selection
PPE is a small-scale, intensive programme intended for ambitious students. For this reason, a maximum of 75 students are admitted to the programme each year. This means that not everyone who wants to study PPE can be admitted. We have put everything you need to know about this selection procedure in one place. If you still have questions after reading all the information, please read the regulations or contact us.
Check the selection procedure