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.
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to this Master's programme if you can demonstrate:
1. A relevant Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's programmes that meet the requirements are:
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Science
- (Bio)chemistry
- (Molecular)Life Sciences
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Bioinformatics
- Other relevant science programme
o Such as Physics or Mathematics with proven interest or experience in biological sciences
2. Relevant knowledge, insight and skills
- Basic knowledge in the field of Life sciences (minimum level Bachelor year 1)
- An in depth understanding of molecular biology and an understanding of biological processes within a cell and at the level of an organism (Bachelor level 3)
- Basic laboratory skills and knowledge and understanding about the current high-throughput experimental techniques that produce large amounts of biological data,
- A good understanding in bioinformatics (Bachelor level 2)
- A good level in computational skills (R, python, command line) (Bachelor level 2)
- A good level of understanding of (bio)statistics and mathematics (Bachelor level 2/3)
3. High overall score (GPA, average grade, grading tables) and high grades for relevant courses.
A GPA ≥ 3 or average grade ≥ 7, is used as the standard requirement*.
4. High level of academic competences, specifically:
- Time to degree in previous education*
- Study progress (grade development over the years)*
- The ability to design, carry out and report on research projects
*If you fail to meet requirements under 3-4, please indicate why you feel you are still eligible for admission in your motivation letter.
5. Personal competences
- A clear motivation for participation in this Master's programme
- Genuine research interest in understanding how molecules work in health and disease in key life processes (such as neurobiology, development, metabolism, reproduction)
- A broad interest in advances from cell biology & biochemistry, biophysics & technology, bioinformatics, theoretical biology and computer science
- Relevant extracurricular activities
6. Oral and written proficiency in English at an advanced level (UU guidelines)
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.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements. The Admissions Committee also assesses whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the set time frame. This means the decision on your application is based on a thorough analysis.
The programme admits a maximum of 40 students each year. If the number of selected candidates exceeds the number of available places, the Admissions Committee will select only the most eligible candidates. This means that students who are eligible may still not be admitted in the end. Ranking of candidates takes place on the basis of the above mentioned criteria.
You will receive a written notification of the decision of the Admissions Committee. You will also be notified when you are placed on waiting list and/or if you still have to fulfil certain conditions. All applicants are notified in a timely manner, but not at the exact same time. Please note that a placement on the waitinglist can conflict with the deadline for entry visa or residence permit application. If you have received a (conditional) letter of acceptance, we expect you to accept or decline the offer within two weeks.
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 April |
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.
If you would like to be considered for an Utrecht Excellence Scholarship or NL Scholarship, or need an early admissions decision in order to apply for other scholarships, you should submit your full and complete Master’s application (including application fee payment) before February 1.
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.
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
Passport copy
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 30 working days after the application deadline.
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.