Information for refugee students
As a student with refugee background, you can study at UU in two ways.
- You can apply for a bachelor's or master's programme. You can read more about admission to master's programmes below.
- You can follow single bachelor courses through Incluusion. This education is free and you do not receive any credits for it. All of Incluusion's courses are offered in English. Most students who choose this option are still in an asylum procedure.
On this page you will find more information about both options. Additionally, you will find information on how to prepare for studying at a (Dutch) university, and where you can get support in choosing a study programme that suits you.
Do you want to pursue a master's programme at UU?
The admissions requirements for each master’s programme are described online on the respective programme pages. The requirements vary by programme, so read them carefully for all programmes you are interested in.
Following courses through Incluusion
Incluusion is UU's refugee programme. Incluusion offers refugee students the chance to further develop themselves by following single courses at Utrecht University free of charge. Unfortunately, you will not receive any credits for this.
You can sign up for a course at Incluusion several times a year. It is important that your academic study background matches the course you choose. Also, your English must be good enough, as we only offer courses in English.
Most of the courses we offer are at a bachelor level. In the summer period, we also offer courses through the Utrecht Summer School. These can also be courses at master's or even PhD level. Stricter admission requirements apply to these courses. For example, to take a master's course, you must have completed a bachelor's degree.
The number of courses and places is limited, so unfortunately we cannot admit everyone who wants to follow a course. Incluusion courses are often taken by students who are still in an asylum procedure, so that they can get a taste of academic education in the Netherlands.
Prepare for your studies
Restart is a two-day preparatory training, offered by Incluusion, that prepares you for studying at UU. All new Incluusion students follow Restart. However, students with a refugee background who are accepted to or are already following a bachelor's or master's degree at UU are also welcome to follow Restart. Restart is offered 4 times a year.
Are you admitted to a degree programme at UU? Then email us at incluusion@uu.nl to see if you can join Restart.
Support with your study choice
During our open days, you can learn more about our programmes and meet UU students and teachers. You can get a taste of the atmosphere and get acquainted with the degree programmes that we offer. There are also interesting workshops, for instance about choosing the right programme for you (speed coaching), studying with a disability or participation in honors education. You can also participate in a campus tour. There are separate open days for Bachelor programmes and open days for Master programmes.
The organization UAF can also support you with your study (choice). They can explain to you how the Dutch education system works and offer personal study choice guidance, specifically for people with a refugee background.
Questions?
Do you still have questions about admission and enrollment after reading this page? If so, please contact International Student Admissions. For other questions, for example about working alongside your studies, facilities and student organizations, please contact Student Services. Both International Student Admission and Student Services only provide information about matters related to studying at Utrecht University. You cannot contact them for information about, for example, asylum procedures and family reunification.