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.
The Admissions Committee selects students based on their competences, interests and academic excellence. In order to be admitted to this programme you must demonstrate:
- Knowledge and competence in Economics as shown for instance by an academic Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 EC (1 EC = 28 hours) in Economics or related fields. Applicants with academic degrees in a quantitative field are encouraged to apply;
- Academic excellence as shown for instance by proof that you belong to the top 10% of your cohort or a minimum average grade of 7,8 in a ten point scale (equivalent to a GPA of 3.4). Students with an average between 7 and 7,8 will also be considered for admission if they compensate this lower average with other capacities. The Admissions Committee will decide if the compensation suffices; If your GPA is not clearly mentioned in your transcript of records, the Admissions Committee may ask you to provide an official statement with your GPA.
- Solid quantitative skills as shown for instance by a minimum of at least 30 EC (1 EC = 28 hours) in statistics and mathematics. Grades for these courses are particular relevant, as this Master’s programme has a strong quantitative component. Successful applicants usually score at least 7,5 in quantitative courses, including advanced statistics and mathematics. Applicants can also demonstrate their quantitative skills by submitting a GRE General tests (Princeton Graduate Record Exam). Successful applications usually score within the top 20% of all test takers in the quantitative part. The GRE institution code for Utrecht University is 7946.
We specifically encourage applications from students with a background in Natural Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics. Other degrees (e.g. LAS, PPE) are also welcome to apply provided they have a substantial quantitative element. In all cases, students are expected to have knowledge of the fields listed above.
As part of your application to the programme, you should submit a clearly written statement that outlines your motivation for wanting to follow this particular Master’s programme and your future ambitions. An interview with the programme coordinator may be part of the selection procedure.
If you do not fulfill all requirements listed above but you have strong quantitative skills and academic excellence please contact the programme coordinator Elena Fumagalli.
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.
| 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
A copy of the result of your GRE General test (Graduate Record Exam)
Questions about the application procedure?
Please check our FAQ or contact the International Student Admissions.
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.