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. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Environmental Biology if you can demonstrate:
1. A relevant Bachelor's degree
Bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- Biology
- Environmental Sciences
- Other relevant science programme
Our International Students Admission’s office will verify whether a non-Dutch academic degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree at a Dutch research university. All international Bachelor’s degrees are evaluated based on standards set by the NUFFIC. If your degree is not assessed as equivalent to a 3-year Dutch research University degree or as a bachelor from a University of Applied Sciences, you are most likely not eligible for admission.
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
6. Oral and written proficiency in English
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.
Questions about your eligibility?
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.
| 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 would like to be considered for an Utrecht Excellence Scholarship or NL Scholarship, or need an early admissions decision in order to apply for other scholarships, you should submit your full and complete Master’s application (including application fee payment) before February 1.
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.Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
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, 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 30 working days after the application deadline.
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.
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. Please note that a placement on the waitinglist can conflict with the deadline for entry visa or residence permit application. If you have received a (conditional) letter of acceptance, we expect you to accept or decline the offer within two weeks.