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 degree
Bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- Biology
- 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
6. Oral and written proficiency in English at an advanced level (UU guidelines)
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 with at least a score of 24 reading, 22 listening, 20 speaking, 20 writing (internet-based test), institutional scores are not accepted.
- 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
or - You obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
or - You obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
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.
There is a Pre-Master's programme available for this Master's.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 December |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 April |
Your application is complete when you have (1) fully submitted your OSIRIS application, (2) uploaded all required documents and (3) paid the application fee (if applicable). After the deadline has passed, incomplete applications will be cancelled.
Early admission for scholarships (deadline 1 December)
If you need an early admissions decision in order to apply for a scholarship, you should submit your full and complete application (including application fee payment) before 1 December (you can then apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship or the Holland Scholarship until 1 February).
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.
Visit Studielink and complete the online enrolment application.
Afterward, you will receive login details for OSIRIS online application, where you can upload the required documents. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here.
After 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 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.
If you are admitted, your admission letter will describe the next steps towards enrollment. In most cases your admission is conditional, which means you will have to submit certified digital documents.