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.
Applicants for this programme should hold either:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration of a Dutch research university;
- An international Bachelor’s Degree of a research university;
- A one-year (inter)national Master’s Degree of a research university.
Curriculum specific requirements
Students with a Bachelor’s or Master's degree other than in Public Administration should have chosen courses in their programme on public administration, public policy, organisation theory and management and conducted a social scientific research project.
English language requirements
Utrecht University uses the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system to assess 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-experienced.
Please visit our EMI-experienced page for Master's degree programmes to find the accepted tests, required scores and exemptions for EMI-experienced programmes.
Utrecht University does NOT offer a Pre-Master’s programme for this Master’s programme. Applicants for this programme should hold either:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration of a Dutch research university;
- An international Bachelor’s Degree of a research university;
- A one-year (inter)national Master’s Degree of a research university.
Curriculum specific requirements
Students with a Bachelor’s or Master's degree other than in Public Administration should have completed:
- at least a minor in Public Administration and Organisation Science or should have chosen courses in the Programme that are equivalent to the minor courses (For Dutch students, see the webpage on minors)
Selection procedure for Master’s programme
Once you have completed the Minor (if applicable) and have submitted your enrolment application via Studielink, an Admissions Committee will assess your documented knowledge, skills and motivation. The selection procedure will include an interview. Once the interview round is complete, the committee will select a competent and varied group of students.
Do you want more information about the Minor?
You can start the minor programme at two points in the year, in September and in February. If you like more information about the content of the Minor in Public Administration and Organisation Science, and the registration procedure involved, please check the ‘Minors’ webpage.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline | 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)
Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
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 StudielinkApplication file
After you have submitted your application in 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 enter the contact details of your referees. Once you have uploaded all documents in OSIRIS and submitted your file, the International Student Admissions of Utrecht University will check whether your application is indeed complete and correct and will evaluate your diploma. Your application file will then be forwarded to the Graduate School. The Graduate School will check whether you meet all the entry requirements of this particular programme. We strive to do this within 20 working days.
Selection
If you submitted a complete application before the application deadline and the Graduate School concludes that you are eligible for admission, you will be invited for a selection interview. These interviews will be held in April or in the beginning of May. After all selection interviews have been held, the admission committee will make the final selection of candidates. You will receive notification of the selection outcome via email by the end of May/beginning of June.
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.