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. An applicant will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Mathematical Sciences if the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or physics or computer science with a strong component in mathematics, comparable with a major part of the Utrecht University Bachelor's of Mathematics. Furthermore, the applicant can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and command of methods and skills in the relevant field.
Additionally we consider:
- Motivation and talent (also on the basis of average grade and past studies progress);
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability;
- Command of the English language (see below).
Applicants should possess:
- A solid basic knowledge of mathematics at the bachelor level, including single-variable and multi-variable real analysis, linear algebra (theory and applications) and probability. Moreover we require more advanced knowledge (comparable with second- and third-year courses in the Mathematics bachelor’s program of Utrecht University) of at least three of the following subjects: differential equations and dynamical systems, complex analysis, probability theory and statistics, numerical analysis, functional analysis, mathematical modelling, geometry and topology, algebra and number theory, discrete mathematics, optimisation and logic.
- The ability to analyse mathematical problems;
- The ability to understand, reproduce and apply mathematical theorems and proofs;
- The ability to communicate findings verbally and in writing, in an appropriate mathematical manner.
Bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- a BSc with a major in Mathematics
- a BSc with a major in Physics, Computer Science, or Science, with a strong component in mathematics
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module (IELTS Online is not accepted). 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.
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.
You will receive a written notification of the decision of the Admissions Committee. You will be notified if you still have to fulfill certain conditions.
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.
Programme starts in September
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship recipients | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
Programme starts in February
| Applications open | 1 July |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 September |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 15 October |
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)
The contact details of two referees (if you are applying for the February 2024 intake, you will have to upload your reference letters manually)
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
Passport copy
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 20 working days.
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.