Degree from a Dutch research 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.
You are welcome to apply for the Sustainable Development Master’s programme. Please take into account that this is a selective Master's degree. You will be considered for admission to the programme if you hold a university Bachelor's degree and can demonstrate a high level of knowledge, motivation and command of methods and skills in the field.
With regard to the educational requirements you should possess knowledge on:
- Sustainability issues (drivers, pressures, impacts, responses)
- Mathematics (basic algebra, functions, powers and roots)
- Natural processes (earth system processes in soil, water, atmosphere, ecosystems)
- Academic and research skills
- Statistics (means, variance, probability tests (T-test), correlation)
Next to the educational requirements we consider:
- Motivation and talent (also on the basis of average grade, past performance in relevant coursework and studies progress)
- Subject of your Bachelor’s thesis
- Experience with sustainability outside your Bachelor’s programme
- Command of the English language (see below)
If you are missing one of the educational requirements the admissions committee might propose an extra test before the start of your programme in order to prove your knowledge on the subject.
In exceptional situations, a tailor-made Pre-Master’s programme will be proposed to compensate for deficiencies in your previous education.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements. The Admissions Committee also assesses whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the set time frame. This means the decision on your application is based on a thorough, case-by-case analysis. If you are admitted you will be notified if you still have to fulfil certain conditions, such as a Pre-Master’s programme.
Other degrees
You may still be eligible for admission if you have a degree other than those listed above. In some situations a Pre-Master’s programme will be proposed to compensate for gaps in your previous education.
English language requirements
You are exempt from the English language requirement because you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch Research University.
If you have a Bachelor's degree from a Dutch research university and do not fully meet the entry requirements, the Admissions Committee may propose a tailor-made Pre-Master’s programme to compensate for these deficiencies in your previous education. The Pre-Master's programme generally comprises 15-30 EC. After successful completion of the Pre-Master’s programme, you will be admitted to the Master’s programme.
If you would like to prepare for the Master’s programme Sustainable Development during your Bachelor’s studies, then the following Bachelor’s courses are relevant to the Sustainable Development programme. Please note: successful completion of these courses does not guarantee admission.
| GEO1-2411 | Mathematics and System Analysis |
| GEO1-2412 | Natural Processes |
| GEO2-2143 | Global Climate Change |
| GEO1-2415 | Research Skills Global Sustainability Science |
| GEO3-2123 | Environmental Impact Assessment |
You cannot specifically apply for a Pre-Master’s programme. Please follow the regular application procedure for the Master’s programme. The Admissions Committee will then decide whether you will be admitted with a Pre-Master’s programme, and if so, which courses you must take. Only then may you register for the Pre-Master’s programme in Studielink.
Please note:
- A Pre-Master's programme is only available for students with a Dutch educational background who do not need housing, and who do not have or require a residence permit for study purposes. When in doubt about your residence permit, you can send an email to Utrecht University's Admissions Office, including a copy of both sides of the permit. Do not forget to state clearly that you are referring to a Pre-Master’s programme.
- The language of instruction is Dutch. Therefore, you must master the Dutch language at an academic level.
- There is no guarantee that a Pre-Master’s programme will be offered. Making up for any insufficiencies before applying is always recommended.
| 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 (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
Copy of your International Diploma Supplement (IDS) OR if you are about to graduate, then please send us a current transcript of your results from Osiris (including GPA)
Degree from another Dutch research university
Diploma or certified graduation statement (with graduation date and without any conditions)
Copy of your International Diploma Supplement (IDS) OR if you are about to graduate, then please send us a current transcript of your results (stamped and signed, including GPA)
You are strongly encouraged to also use your Motivation Statement and/or your CV to explicitly address the extent to which you fulfill the programme’s entry requirements. You could do that by referring to your course work and/or extracurricular activities. Also, if applicable, do mention the topic or title of you undergraduate thesis. In case of a partial deficiency regarding the entry requirements for the programme, you may be offered the opportunity to compensate by means of one or several (online) admission tests.
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 enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.