Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)
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.
With a degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO), you may be eligible for admission to the Sustainable Development master’s programme.
In order to qualify for admission, you preferably hold a HBO diploma in a discipline closely related to Sustainable Development, such as:
- Environmental Sciences
- Energy and Sustainable Development
- Spatial planning and the Built Environment
- Nature, Ecology and Biodiversity
- Agriculture, Food and Land Use
- International Development
- Sustainability-oriented Engineering and Technology
Please note: students with a degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) may be required to complete a tailor-made pre-master’s programme.
English language requirements
You are exempt from the English language requirement because you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences.
You cannot apply specifically 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 directly, or are required to complete a pre-master’s programme first. The content of the pre-master’s programme will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Only then may you register for the pre-master’s programme in Studielink.
The tailor-made pre-master's programme for students with a diploma from a university of applied sciences (HBO) generally comprises 15-30 EC. After successful completion of the pre-master’s, you will be admitted to the Susdtainable Development master’s programme.
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.
| 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:
Diploma or certified graduation statement (with graduation date and without any conditions)
Contact details of two referees. Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
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. Please check your spam folder too.
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, if applicable, 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.