Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)
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. You will first have to pass a pre-Master's programme in order to start the Master's programme. You will be considered for admission to the pre-Master's programme Drug innovation if you can demonstrate:
1. A relevant Bachelor's degree
Bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biomedical sciences
- Molecular life sciences
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Other relevant life sciences programmes
2. Relevant knowledge, insight and skills
In depth (level Bachelor year 3) knowledge, insight and mastery of methods and techniques in:
- biochemistry, biotechnology and cell biology;
- pharmacology (including pharmacokinetics);
- organic chemistry and analytical techniques; and
- anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
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*
- The ability to design, carry out and report on research projects
*If you fail to meet some of the 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 research Master’s programme
- Relevant extracurricular activities
English language requirements
You are exempt from the English language requirement because you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences.
If you do not meet the requirements
If you do not meet the entry requirements you might be considered for a tailored Pre-Master's programme . This is for the Admissions Committee to decide.
If deficiencies are found which can be remedied with a course load of 30 EC, you may be eligible for a Pre-Master's programme. The Admissions Committee decides if you can do a Pre-Master’s programme and determines which courses are required in your specific case. This means it is an individual/tailored programme, rather than a fixed set of courses.
Costs
Read about the costs of a Pre-Master’s programme (in Dutch).
Application procedure
It is not possible to apply for a Pre-Master's programme. You need to apply according to the regular Master's application procedure. The Admissions Committee can decide to offer you a Pre-Master’s as outcome of your application. In that case you get conditionally admitted for the Master’s programme (under the condition that you first successfully complete the Pre-Master’s programme).
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 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 need an early admissions decision in order to apply for scholarships, you should submit your application before February 1. In addition, please send proof of your scholarship application to the Biosciences Administration Office at science.gsls@uu.nl.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline:
Diploma or certified graduation statement (with graduation date and without any conditions)
Certified transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp/signature and contact information of the institute.Motivation statement Please ensure your motivation letter reflects your personal experiences and aspirations, making it uniquely yours.
Curriculum Vitae Please include 2 academic referents on your CV. Provide their contact information: name, institution, function, and email.
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 and, if applicable, enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 30 working days after the application deadline.
Selection procedure
Please apply for the Master's programme. You will be notified whether or not you are eligible for the Pre-master's programme after the selection procedure has been finalised. Instructions on registration for the Pre-master's programme itself will follow afterwards. 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 analyses. In some cases you may be asked to participate in an intake interview.
The programme admits a maximum of 48 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. Ranking takes place on the basis of the above mentioned criteria. All applicants are notified in a timely manner, but not at the exact same time. If you have received a (conditional) letter of acceptance, we expect you to accept or decline the offer within two weeks.