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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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)
Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
Passport copy
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, 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.