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.
Candidates for the Research Master’s programme should hold either:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from a Dutch university
- A national or University College Utrecht Bachelor’s Degree in one of the related disciplines (General Social Sciences, Business Administration, Policy Studies, Communication, Cultural Anthropology, Organisation Science, Human Resource Management, Social Sciences, Sociology, Political Science)
- An international Bachelor’s Degree in one of the above mentioned disciplines
- A one-year (inter)national Master’s Degree in one of the above mentioned disciplines.
Curriculum specific requirements
Students with a Bachelor’s or Master's degree other than in Public Administration should have completed:
- chosen courses in their programme on public administration, public policy and organisation theory and management
- at least a basic introduction to social scientific research methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods, and be able to set up and carry out empirical research.
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.
Visit our for Master’s degree programmes to find the accepted tests and required scores. Here, you can also see which diplomas qualify for an exemption from this requirement.
Utrecht University does not offer a Pre-Master’s programme for this Master’s programme. Applicants for the Research Master’s programme should hold either:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from a Dutch university;
- A national or University College Utrecht Bachelor’s Degree in one of the related disciplines (General Social Sciences, Business Administration, Policy Studies, Communication, Cultural Anthropology, Organisation Science, Human Resource Management, Social Sciences, Sociology, Political Science);
- An international Bachelor’s Degree in one of the above mentioned disciplines;
- A one-year (inter)national Master’s Degree in one of the above mentioned disciplines.
Curriculum specific requirements
Students with a Bachelor’s or Master's degree other than in Public Administration should have completed:
- at least a minor in Public Administration and Organisation Science or should have chosen courses in the Programme that are equivalent to the minor courses (For Dutch students, see the )
- at least a basic introduction to research methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods of Public Administration and Policy and Organisation research, and they should be able to set up and carry out empirical research.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline | 1 April |
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.
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink . After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
Application file
After you have submitted your application in 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 the contact details of your referees. Once you have uploaded all documents in OSIRIS and submitted your file, the International Student Admissions of Utrecht University will check whether your application is indeed complete and correct and will evaluate your diploma. Your application file will then be forwarded to the Graduate School. The Graduate School will check whether you meet all the entry requirements of this particular programme. We strive to do this within 20 working days.
Selection
If you submitted a complete application before the application deadline and the Graduate School concludes that you are eligible for admission, you will be invited for a selection interview. These interviews will be held in April or in the beginning of May. After all selection interviews have been held, the admission committee will make the final selection of candidates. You will receive notification of the selection outcome via email by the end of May/beginning of June.
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.