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 programme. To be considered for admission, you need:
- A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related disciplines, like
- Data Science;
- Artificial Intelligence;
- Computer Engineering;
- Mathematics;
- programmes with a major in Science (e.g. Physics) and a minor in Computer Science.
Note: 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 not, you are not eligible for admission. All international Bachelor’s degrees are evaluated based on standards set by the NUFFIC.
- General computer science knowledge and skills, including:
- the ability to analyze and model computer science problems; and
- the ability to communicate facts and findings verbally and in writing also using information and communication technology and audio-visual means.
- The following basic knowledge and skills, related to the programme:
- reasonable experience in the use of several modern programming languages (both functional and object-oriented languages);
- competency in Data Management Systems
- knowledge of basic mathematics such as; statistics, probability, logic and linear algebra
- proficiency in modern software construction;
- algorithms and data structures, their design and analysis;
- knowledge of the working of computer systems and information networks;
- computer science and logic; and
- the ability to reason formally.
Note: this needs to be demonstrated with university-credited courses. We do not accept online (non-credited) courses as substitutes.
- A strong motivation (especially regarding research) plus knowledge, skills, and competences, demonstrable through your CV and course grades.
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.
If you do not meet all requirements
- If you have a minor deficiency, you must follow a deficiency course (7.5 EC) which replaces a secondary elective course.
Please note that a Pre-Master's programme (to cover up various deficiencies) is not available for international students since the instruction language is Dutch.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements. They also assesses whether or not you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the set time frame.
Questions about the application procedure?
Please 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)
The contact details of two referees (if you are applying for the February 2024 intake, you will have to upload your reference letters manually)
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 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.