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 Religious Studies if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the humanities or in one of the social sciences.
- Proven interest in Religious Studies, as evidenced in a minimum of 30 EC in a relevant field at the Bachelor’s level.
- Strong motivation to carry out academic research and the ambition to follow a programme that trains you to become a researcher (demonstrated in your motivation letter).
- Knowledge of basic concepts in Religious Studies and insight into relevant methods.
- A high standard of academic achievement, as evidenced in an overall grade point average and a Bachelor’s thesis grade equalling “good” or better in the applicable national system. (Typically, Dutch grade 7.5; US grade B; ECTS grade C.)
- Proficiency in English, both orally and in written text, as demonstrated by a writing sample and possibly an interview.
Those with a strong interest in the programme who do not meet the entry requirements are encouraged to contact the Programme Coordinator.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will evaluate your application on the basis of the documents submitted by you. The decision for admission is based on the following criteria:
- Motivation and talent.
- Past performance.
- Level of required knowledge and mastery of methods and techniques used in the subject area.
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability.
- Command of English.
An interview (possibly via Skype) may be part of the selection procedure. Alternatively, the Admissions Committee may ask for additional written material.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes offer a suitable background for this research Master’s programme:
- Religious Studies
- Islamic and Arabic Studies
- Anthropology
- History
- Area Studies
- Gender Studies
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Cultural Studies
- Theology
- Humanistic Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with courses in Religious Studies or other relevant disciplines
- General Social Sciences
- Sociology
Are you currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and thinking about applying for this Master’s programme? Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information.
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.
| 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
- 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.