Degree from a Dutch research 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. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Environmental Biology if you can demonstrate:
1. A relevant Bachelor's degree
UU bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- Biology
- UCU / UCR bachelor with relevant science major
- Environmental Sciences
- Other relevant science programme
2. Relevant knowledge, insight and skills
- Basic knowledge in the field of Biology (minimum level 1 bachelor)
- Sufficient knowledge in biostatistics
- In depth knowledge (level 3 bachelor), insight and mastery of methods and techniques in ecology (track Ecology & natural resources management), plant physiology or molecular aspects of plant biology (track Plant biology), microbiology (track Fungal biology) and/or behavioural biology (track Behavioural ecology).
- A good match with the programme as a whole: based on your interest and eligibility (eg: clear motivation and relevant previous education) for all indicated tracks.
3. Academic performance
- Overall score (GPA, average grade, grading tables), and grades for relevant courses.
4. High level of academic competences, specifically:
- Time to degree in previous education
- The ability to design, carry out and report on research projects
5. Personal competences
- A clear motivation for participation in this 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 Research University.
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 (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
Transcript from OSIRIS
Motivation statement Please ensure your motivation letter reflects your personal experiences and aspirations, making it uniquely yours.
Degree from another Dutch research university
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.
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 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
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. In some cases you may be asked to participate in an intake interview.
The programme admits a maximum of 60 students each year. The Admissions Commitee uses the matching criteria to match your interest and competences to the available places in a specific track. 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.
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. In some cases you may be obliged to first complete a premaster programme. If you have received a (conditional) letter of acceptance, we expect you to accept or decline the offer within two weeks.