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 programme. You will be considered for admission if you hold a Bachelor’s degree from a research university, possess a suitable background, have sufficient command of the English language, and have strong motivation for our program. See details below.
Required Background
This program requires solid knowledge of computer science, with emphasis on fields relevant to the programme. In particular, we expect:
- reasonable experience in the use of several programming languages including object-oriented languages (e.g. C# or Java) and ideally a functional language
- basic knowledge of modern software construction
- basic knowledge of algorithms and data structures, their design and analysis
- the ability to reason formally (based on logic)
- the ability to communicate facts and findings verbally and in writing.
Students interested in the Programming Technology track should additionally possess a background in functional programming languages (ideally Haskell). Students interested in the Algorithm Design and Analysis track or Operations Research track should additionally possess a background in algorithm design (notably the design of dynamic programming algorithms and graph algorithms).
Degree
Research Bachelor’s programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mathematics
- programmes with a major in the above fields; or
- programmes with a major in Science (e.g. Physics) and a minor in Computer Science.
Our International Students Admission’s office will verify whether a non-Dutch degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree at a Dutch research university. If this assessment is negative, you are not eligible for admission. All international Bachelor’s degrees are evaluated based on standards set by the NUFFIC.
English language requirements
Utrecht University uses the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system to assess applicants’ English language skills, which distinguishes three proficiency levels: EMI-ready, EMI-experienced and EMI-advanced.
The required English level for admission to this Master’s programme is EMI-experienced.
Visit our EMI-experienced page for Master’s degree programmes to find the accepted tests and required scores. Here, you can also see which diplomas qualify for an exemption from this requirement.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements.
You can contact the programme coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
Questions about the application procedure?
Please check our FAQ or contact the International Student Admissions.
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 [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.
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. Please check your spam folder too.
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), if applicable, 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.