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 40 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, at least 24 for reading, 22 for listening, 20 for speaking, 20 for writing. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- 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.
- you obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
- you obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
You can already start your application without having your English test results. Make sure that you include your test date in Osiris Online Application.
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.
| 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.
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 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) 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.