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.
Admission to the programme is contingent on the content of your Bachelor’s programme.
There is no set limit on the number of students accepted. The programme allows students to use up to 15 ECTS (two courses) to remedy any deficiencies (”catch up” courses).
In order to be eligible for the Master’s programme in Climate Physics, you should have:
- solid basic knowledge in classical physics, especially fluid dynamics, as well as in the mathematics required for studying scientific topics at an advanced level;
- the ability to work independently as well as in groups to solve physical problems, present the results of solved problems, and to read (in English) physics literature at the level of graduate textbooks; and
- intermediate problem-solving skills in the field of physics and its applications.
Required degree
Applicants to the Master’s programme should hold one of the following degrees:
- a BSc with a major in physics;
- a BSc with a major in science, including a substantial number of credits in advanced undergraduate physics and calculus; or
- a bachelor’s with at least second-class honours (or equivalent honours, GPA, or other rating) issued by an accredited institution of higher education in the Netherlands. An Admissions Committee will determine whether to offer you admittance to the programme. You can learn more about the application procedure on the Applications page.
Admission of applicants will be decided upon by the Admissions Committee on an individual basis, taking into account level of knowledge, academic skills, motivation and performance during previous education.
This is a selective Master's programme. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Climate Physics if you hold a University bachelor degree and can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and command of methods & skills in the relevant field.
Additionally we consider:
- Motivation and talent (also on the basis of average grade and past studies progress);
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability;
- Command of the English language (see below).
Specifically, you should possess:
- Solid basic knowledge in classical mechanics, especially (geophysical) fluid dynamics, and, more importantly, knowledge in the mathematics required for the study of such topics at an advanced level. These essential mathematical knowledge includes calculus, linear algebra, vector calculus and (partial) differential equations.
- Basic knowledge of programming, ideally in Python.
- The ability to work independently as well as in groups on solving physical problems, present the results of solving problems and to read (English) physics literature at the level of graduate textbooks.
- Intermediate problem-solving skills in the main fields of physics and/or their applications.
Bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- A BSc degree in Physics,
- A BSc degree in Physics and Astronomy,
- A BSc degree with a major in Physics,
- A major in Science with a strong component in physics.
Applicants with a BSc and background in related fields like chemistry, earth sciences, geophysics, mathematics can be admitted if their background level in physics and mathematics is sufficient.
In all cases completion of an advanced course on geophysical fluid dynamics e.g. is beneficial for your eligibility and study progress during the master if admitted.
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module. 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 (not available to students from China)
- 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.
You will receive a written notification of the decision of the Admissions Committee. You will be notified if you still have to fulfill certain conditions.
Please contact the Programme Coordinator with questions regarding eligibility for this Master’s programme.
Questions about the application procedure?
Please check our FAQ or contact the International Student Admissions.
There is no set Pre-Master’s programme at Utrecht University; however, your Master’s programme will allow you to use up to 15 EC (2 courses) to learn the necessary skills within the Master’s Programme. Regularly, this deficiency course is an introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics.
A pre-Master's programme of 30 ECTS is usually necessary to gain the required proficiency in mathematics.
The Admissions Committee will determine whether to offer you admittance to the programme and whether a Pre-Master is required.
This Master's programme admits students based on the following requirements:
- motivation, talent and learning ability;
- level of knowledge and general and research skills in the relevant field.
- general academic level of thinking and working;
- command of the language or languages of instruction.
We will also assess whether you are capable of completing the Master's programme within the set period. If deficiencies are found with regard to the required knowledge and skills, which can be remedied with a course load of max 30 ECTS, you first must successfully finish a premaster programme before you can start this Master’s programme. The Admissions Committee will determine which courses are required in your specific case. Read more about the fees for a pre-master programme.
Please note: a Pre-Master's Programme is only available for:
- Dutch students
- Non-Dutch students with a Dutch educational background who do not need housing, and who do not have or require a residence permit for study purposes
- Refugee students with a Dutch residence permit or a W-document who do not need housing
When in doubt about your residence permit, you can send an email to Utrecht University's International Student Admissions (ISA), including a copy of both sides of the permit. Please state clearly that you are inquiring about a Pre-Master’s programme.
Programme starts in September
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship recipients | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
Programme starts in February
| Applications open | 1 July |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 September |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 15 October |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [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.
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)
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
Passport copy
Nuffic certificate (Chinese students only)
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 and check the status of your application.
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. 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.