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.
If you obtained your degree at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (‘Hogeschool’ or ‘HBO’) you must first complete a Pre-Master’s programme of 45 EC.
To register for the Pre-Master’s programme, you must first apply for the Master’s programme Sustainable Finance and Investments. The Admissions Committee will then decide whether you will be admitted to a Pre-Master’s programme. To be eligible for the Pre-Master we require:
1. A relevant ‘HBO’ programme
A relevant HBO programme includes sufficient courses in economics (microeconomics and macroeconomics), finance, and quantitative methods courses.
Examples of HBO programmes that are considered relevant are International Business, Business Administration, Accountancy, Finance and Control, Commerciële Economie, (Technische) Bedrijfskunde. HBO programmes with a heavy focus on a specific industry or branche, for example Hotel Management, Hospitality, Event Management, Communication or Tourism are most likely not eligible for admission to the pre-Master’s programme.
2. An average grade of at least 7.5 (non-rounded off)
Your average grade must be shown in your official transcript.
If your average grade is lower than 7.5 you may demonstrate your excellence by submitting one of the following standardized tests (at your own expense):
- GMAT Exam total score of at least 600 (verbal + quantitative scores ), or GMAT Focus Edition (minimum score 555) or;
- GRE score of at least 315 (verbal + quantitative reasoning).
3. Demonstrable knowledge of Mathematics A or B at 6-VWO level
You can demonstrate your knowledge of Mathematics by submitting a certified copy of your VWO diploma or international equivalent (see https://www.uu.nl/bachelors/en/economics-and-business-economics/entry-requirements/int).
If you do not have a VWO diploma (or international equivalent) you may submit one of the following tests (at your own expense):
- Boswell-Bèta: http://www.boswell-beta.nl/vwo/math-a, or;
- CCVX (in Dutch only): http://www.ccvx.nl/, or;
- Online Mathematics Placement Test: https://www.omptest.org/ OMPT-A with a minimum score of 7,5, or;
- GMAT Exam total score of at least 600 (verbal + quantitative scores ), or GMAT Focus Edition (minimum score 555) or;
- GRE score of at least 315 (verbal + quantitative reasoning).
4. A good command of English (level B2 or higher of the CEF)
You will be considered to be proficient in English if you:
- Have a VWO diploma, or international equivalent (see https://www.uu.nl/bachelors/en/economics-and-business-economics/entry-requirements/int), or;
- Obtained your secondary school diploma in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa, or;
- Obtained an IB diploma or EB diploma (taught in English), or;
- Have a German Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife (Abitur) with English, or a Belgian Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with English, or;
- Have followed at least 60 ECTS of your HBO programme in English.
You may also submit one of the following standardized tests (at your own expense):
- IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.0 overall band, with at least a 5.5 for writing. IELTS is the test preferred by Utrecht University.
- TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 83. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- Cambridge Certificates:
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum score: 169 total, 162 writing.
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum score: 180 total, 162 writing.
- GMAT Exam total score of at least 555 (verbal + quantitative scores ), or GMAT Focus Edition (minimum score to be announced shortly) or;
- GRE score of at least 315 (verbal + quantitative reasoning). The GRE institution code for Utrecht University is 7946.
The final decision on all applications will be made by the Admissions Committee.
| 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 or certified graduation statement, or a Proof of anticipated degree
Certified transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp/signature and contact information of the institute.
During the online application procedure you will be asked to fill in the name and contact (email and telephone number) of two referees. Your referee should not be related to you (as a friend, member of your family, etc). At least one of them should be an academic who is able to comment on your performance as a student.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English and that you fulfill the Mathematics requirements.
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.