Application procedure
This page explains the steps you need to take to submit an application for a Master’s programme at Utrecht University. We strongly suggest that you read through this guide thoroughly before starting your application.
The specific application procedure, admission requirements, and required documents can be found on the page of your Master's programme under 'Admission and Application'.
Read Utrecht University’s course catalogue to find a programme you are interested in. To make sure you have the right qualifications, read the entry requirements on the Admission and application page of your master’s programme. If you are unsure about your eligibility, feel free to get in touch with the contact person for your chosen programme. Although they cannot make a decision as to whether you are admissible, they may be able to give you more detailed advice.
Each programme has its own application deadline. The deadline may also depend on whether you require a student visa and/or residence permit to study in the Netherlands.
All deadlines expire at 23:59 (midnight) Central European Time on the specified date. You must complete the application process (including submitting your application documents in OSIRIS Online Application and paying the application fee) by this time.
We advise you to apply as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the more time there is for us to help you if your application file is not complete. You will also receive a decision about your application earlier.
Keep in mind that you may need to apply even earlier than the regular application deadline if you also wish to be considered for a UU scholarship or need an early admissions decision for a scholarship application in your home country. You can find more details about the specific application procedures on our Grants and Scholarship page.
The list of required application documents varies for each programme, but will always include the following:
Scan of your passport or EU national ID card, which must be valid at the start of the programme.
Evidence of previous education (such as degree certificates, transcripts or a diploma supplement) that shows that you (will) meet the entry requirements for your chosen programme.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Check the website of your programme for any additional documents you may need to submit.
If your degree certificates and transcripts are not in English, Dutch, French, German or Spanish, you are also required to submit translations made by a sworn translator. Please note that we do not accept translations by lawyers or public notaries. In case your country does not have sworn translators, a certified translator may perform the official translations. If applicable, a public notary can certify the signature/identity of the translator thereafter.
You can apply even if you have not yet obtained your degree. In this case, we will need written proof that you are indeed in the final stages of completing your degree and that it is likely that you will graduate before the start of the master’s programme. You can ask your current university or institution to issue a formal statement. Alternatively, they can use our standard Proof of Anticipated Degree form. Download the guidelines for Proof of Anticipated Degree (pdf, 472 kB).
If you do not yet have proof of your proficiency in English, you can indicate this on the application form in OSIRIS Online Application.
If you have any questions about the application documents, check our FAQ!
Studielink is the national website where students can enrol in degree programmes. To apply to Utrecht University, you must first start an enrolment application in Studielink.
If you live in the Netherlands, use your DigiD to log in to Studielink. If you live in the Netherlands but do not have a DigiD, visit the DigiD website and request one before applying!
If you live outside the Netherlands, you will need to create a Studielink account before you can apply. Click on ‘Create Studielink-account without DigiD’ under the ‘Log in without DigiD’ button to create a Studielink account.
Once you have logged in to Studielink, you will be asked to add information about your previous education. Please include all higher education degrees you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining.
If you completed part of your previous education in the Netherlands, the relevant information will be automatically entered into Studielink for you by DUO (the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Education). You may still have to enter education you completed outside the Netherlands by hand.
After completing the enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive login details for your online application to Utrecht University.
If you have any questions about Studielink, please read the Studielink FAQ.
After submitting your enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with login details and further instructions for OSIRIS Online Application.
The documents you upload must be in PDF format and must not exceed 2 MB. It is possible to upload multiple files for each question (for example, under transcript you can upload a separate file for your transcript of each study year).
You must pay the application fee before you can submit your application. You can arrange the payment in OSIRIS Online Application. Please check the application fee page for more information.
You can save and return to your application as many times as you like before submitting. We will only be able to view and process your application once you have clicked ‘Submit’ on the final page of the application form.
If you have any questions about OSIRIS Online Application, please read our FAQ.
Once you put forward your application, your files will be assessed by the Admissions Office and the Admissions Committee of the programme. Here they will reach a decision on your admissibility.
In the case of acceptance, your admission letter will describe the next steps towards enrollment, and you will be asked to accept your offer. In most cases admission is conditional, which means you have to fulfill additional requirements such as sending certified digital copies or completing additional courses. These conditions, as well as the deadline, are clearly stated in your offer letter. Read more on the steps after you apply.
After accepting your offer, our Visa Office will guide you through the visa and/or residence permit process (if applicable).
When preparing your arrival prioritize the search for housing. Finding accommodation in Utrecht can be difficult and is often underestimated. Please note that if you have not found housing before the start of the academic year, we advise you to reconsider your enrolment.