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 Philosophy if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- Familiarity with the academic study of philosophy. Although a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy is not required, you must have completed at least 45 EC of philosophy courses (and at least 22.5 EC at an advanced undergraduate level). Under some circumstances, theory courses from non-philosophy departments may count.
- Knowledge of the methods and theories employed in the study of philosophy (as acquired in specific courses taken in your Bachelor; a list of the relevant courses you have completed with brief explanations is a helpful supplement to a formal transcript).
- An excellent level of academic achievement (as shown in your grades).
- Intellectual curiosity and highly developed analytical skills (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation and writing sample).
- Strong motivation to participate in the research life of the department (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation).
- The ability to use English as a working language and an international orientation (as shown in your letter of motivation and CV).
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 level of professional and intellectual ability, as demonstrated by your previous academic performance.
- Level of relevant knowledge and mastery of relevant methods and techniques.
- Motivation for the Master’s programme.
- Communication skills, initiative, and ability to cooperate.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
The Admissions Committee bases its decision on the documents you submit with your application. In addition, you may be asked to participate in an interview (in person or via Skype).
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
- Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Intellectual History / Great Books
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
- 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.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator 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 June |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [Central European Time] 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)
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
- Passport copy
- Two letters of recommendation
- Courses yet to be completed
- Relevant courses
- Writing sample (research paper, essay or BA thesis) that demonstrates your capacity for interpreting difficult philosophical texts and arguing for a philosophical thesis. It should be +/- 10 pages and written in English.
- Nuffic certificate (Chinese students only)
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 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.