Degree from a non-Dutch university
This page outlines the step-by-step process for completing your application to a Master's programme at Utrecht University. Please read this information thoroughly before starting your application.
Please note: 60 credits equals one year full-time study load (European Credit Transfer System, ECTS).
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the research Master’s programme in Art History if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university or foreign equivalent (research university degree) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of art history, as demonstrated by a relevant research paper or Bachelor’s thesis.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse, and report on scholarly research in art history, as demonstrated by a relevant research paper or Bachelor’s thesis.
- You have a strong motivation to do independent research, which is discussed convincingly in your motivation letter.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written from, as demonstrated by your motivation letter, an interview, and if possible a writing sample (which can be one of the papers mentioned above).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee takes into account:
- Motivation and talent.
- Level of required knowledge and mastery of methods and techniques used in the subject area.
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
The Admissions Committee bases its decision in part on the documents you submit with your application. In addition, an interview (preferably in person, otherwise by telephone or Skype) is part of the selection procedure. The interview will be conducted in English. Possible discussion topics include your motivation letter, expectations of the programme, research interests, and experience as a student until now.
Previous education
The following academic Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
- Art History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in Art History
- Another Bachelor’s programme in the humanities (for example, History), with a substantial number of courses in Art History, or related topics such as museology and cultural heritage (preferably 45 EC or an equivalent)
If you are currently enrolled in a different academic Bachelor’s programme and are thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible.
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module (IELTS Online is not accepted). Minimum score 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing, speaking, listening and reading.
- TOEFL, iBT. Minimum score 93, at least 24 for reading, 22 for listening, 20 for speaking, 20 for writing. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- Cambridge Certificate
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum score: 176 total, 169 writing
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum score: 180 total, 169 writing
You are exempt from the English language requirement if:
- you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch Research University.
- you obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
- you obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
You can already start your application without having your English test results. Make sure that you include your test date in Osiris Online Application.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [CET/CEST] 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.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline:
A scan of your diploma (if necessary with official translations) or Proof of anticipated degree
A scan of your transcript (if necessary with official translations)
Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
Writing sample: Research paper or Bachelor’s thesis (preferably written in English, but papers or theses in Dutch, German, French and Italian will be accepted)
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here. After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
Apply via StudielinkAfter submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive an email with login details for OSIRIS Online Application. Here you can upload all required documents, check the status of your application, enter contact details of your referee(s) and pay your application fee.
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, International Student Admissions will verify them and send them to the Graduate School for evaluation. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.
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.
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.