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.
Please note: Please apply for the Master’s Urban and Economic Geography in Studielink (step 5). After submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive information for Osiris Online Appliciation (step 6). Please note that Osiris shows the old name of the Master's programme (Human Geography), since the Master's Urban and Economic Geography started in September 2023.
With a degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO), you may be eligible for admission to the Master’s programme after having successfully completed a tailor-made Pre-Master’s programme.
In order to qualify for admission with the Pre-Master’s programme, you must have a HBO diploma in a discipline closely related to Urban and Economic Geography, and you should be able to show that your courses (and/or related work experience) have equipped you with sufficient conceptual and empirical knowledge of Urban and Economic Geography. You must also have achieved an average grade of 7 to qualify for admission with the Pre-Master’s programme. A good command of English at B2-level, both verbal and written, is required in all cases. When making a decision on admission with the Pre-Master’s programme, the admission committee will consider your relevant work experience, the specific grades for courses related to the field of Urban and Economic Geography, the overall development of grades during the HBO-Bachelor’s programme, study duration, and motivation for continuing studies.
The tailor-made Pre-Master's programme for students with a diploma from a university of applied sciences (HBO) generally comprises 30 EC and is necessary to fulfil the analytical and methodological requirements for admission to an academic Master’s programme. After successful completion of the Pre-Master’s programme, you will be admitted to the Master’s programme.
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 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 Pre-Master’s programme consists of courses from the Dutch language Bachelor’s ‘Sociale Geografie en Planning’. 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:
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)
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.
Please note that Osiris shows the old name of the Master's programme (Human Geography), since the Master's Urban and Economic Geography started in September 2023.