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 research Master’s programme in History if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You have a strong overall academic record and a clear interest in historical research, shown by having taken at least 45 EC in History at the Bachelor’s level (or equivalent) and high grades in relevant courses.
- You are able to design, perform, and report on research based on primary or secondary sources, as evidenced by a relevant research paper or Bachelor’s thesis.
- You have experience locating primary historical sources and analysing them critically, as evidenced in your writing sample and/or motivation letter.
- You have a proven ability to do independent historical research, which is discussed in your motivation letter and/or clearly evident from your CV.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, as demonstrated by an English writing sample and motivation letter.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee takes into account:
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability.
- Level of required knowledge and mastery of methods and techniques used in the subject area.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
- Motivation for participating in this Master’s programme and match between intellectual interests of the applicant and expertise of programme staff.
- For those students who have written a BA thesis, we expect a grade of 7.5 or above (NL) or international equivalent, e.g., A- or above (US) or 2.1 or above (UK).
The Admissions Committee bases its decision on the documents you submit with your application.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this Master’s programme:
- History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in History
If you are currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are 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
Utrecht University uses the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system to asses applicants’ English language skills, which distinguishes three proficiency levels: EMI-ready, EMI-experienced and EMI-advanced.
The required English level for admission to this Master’s programme is EMI-advanced.
Please visit our EMI-advanced page for Master's degree programmes to find the accepted tests, required scores and exemptions for EMI-advanced programmes.
| 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 June |
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)
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
Passport copy
Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
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.