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.
Please note: 60 credits equals one year full-time study load (European Credit Transfer System, ECTS).
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme in Literature Today if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of Literary Studies, as demonstrated by at least 30 EC of completed courses and a 7.5 EC Bachelor’s thesis that focused on literary theory and/or (European) literary history, from either a comparative or a language-specific perspective. At least 15 EC of coursework should be at an advanced Bachelor’s level.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse, and report on scientific research in the field of Literary Studies (Comparative, Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, or equivalent), as demonstrated by a Bachelor’s thesis in one of these areas.
- You have communicative skills that permit you to adjust to the setting/situation in which you present your knowledge or insights, and you are able to express yourself clearly and correctly in the language of the programme, both orally and in written form. This can be demonstrated by completed courses and/or a Bachelor’s thesis in the field of Literary Studies (Comparative, Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, or equivalent).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. Based on the documents you submit, the committee will assess whether you have the competencies required to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. In the event of an earlier extension of the study duration or with a grade average of less than a 7, the committee will assess the motivation of the delay and the opportunities for growth of the candidate.
The programme admits a maximum of 20 students each year. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the Admissions Committee will select those candidates who best combine academic achievement and capacity for research. In their overall selection, the committee will also strive for a balance between international and Dutch students.
Previous education
If you are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s programme outside of the Netherlands and thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible.
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.
Language requirements tracks
We require that you have a good command of the language of the programme and the track that you wish to follow.
- For track 1, this means a good command of English
- For track 2, a good command of Dutch and English
- For track 3a, a good command of French and English (Dutch optional)
- For track 3b, a good command of German and English (Dutch optional)
- For track 3c, a good command of Spanish language and English (Dutch optional)
The Admissions Committee will assess this on the basis of your Bachelor’s programme, the specific courses you have completed, and your letter of motivation.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact us with questions about your eligibility.
Pre-Master's programme
With a non-Dutch degree you are not eligible for a Pre-Master's programme.
| 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 |
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.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline:
- A scan of your diploma (if necessary with official translations) or Proof of anticipated degree
- A scan of your transcript (if necessary with official translations)
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
- Passport copy
- Motivation statement
- Courses yet to be completed
- Relevant courses
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.