Master's Admission Requirements in the Netherlands: What Dutch Universities Check
TL;DR: What do Dutch universities check for master's admission? A bachelor's degree whose content matches the master's, not just its level; your grades; English test scores, usually IELTS Academic 6.5; and, for some business and economics programmes, a GMAT or GRE score. Non-EU deadlines for September 2027 run from 31 October 2026 to 15 May 2027 depending on the programme, and many universities charge a EUR 100 application fee for international degrees.
Dutch master's admission is programme by programme. A degree that gets you into one Amsterdam master's can be refused by another in the same faculty, because the committee checks the courses you took, not just the title on your certificate.
This guide covers what admissions committees look at, the documents to prepare and the deadlines for non-EU applicants. If you are applying from Sri Lanka, the local points are near the end.
Not sure your degree matches a Dutch master's? Check your eligibility with Prosper.
Does your bachelor's degree match the master's?
This is the first and strictest check. Leiden University requires a BA or BSc (or equivalent) for every master's, then each programme adds its own subject requirements.
- Subject content. The University of Amsterdam's MSc Economics asks for a degree in economics or econometrics, or a quantitative degree that includes intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Specific courses. Tilburg University asks for a minimum number of credits in certain courses, and some programmes use a statistics checklist.
- Maths and methods. Quantitative programmes often list maths or statistics courses you must have passed.
What grades do Dutch universities expect?
Expectations are set per programme. TU Delft's MSc Engineering and Policy Analysis asks for a cumulative GPA of at least 75 percent of the maximum on your scale, unless a country-specific rule applies. Rotterdam School of Management asks applicants with a non-Dutch degree for an above-average GPA plus a GMAT score of at least 565. Other programmes, such as the UvA's MSc Economics, set no minimum GPA but test your background through prerequisites and entrance scores.
What English scores do you need?
| University and programme | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| UvA, MSc Economics | 6.5 overall; 6.5 Speaking and Writing, 6.0 Listening and Reading | 92, with 22 in each section |
| Tilburg University, September 2027 | 6.5 overall; 6.0 in Writing and Speaking | See programme page |
| Leiden University (general table) | 6.5 is the common level; each programme sets its own | 90, with 22 in each section |
English-taught degree waivers depend on the country and the university. Leiden exempts previous education only from a short list of countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Tilburg, from September 2027, accepts any degree taught fully in English with official proof of the language of instruction.
Want us to check your degree and scores against a programme?
Which documents should you prepare?
- Transcripts and diploma. Your bachelor's transcript and, if you have it, your degree certificate.
- CV and motivation letter. The UvA's MSc Economics limits the motivation letter to one A4 page.
- Entrance test scores. UvA Economics asks for GRE Quantitative 155 or GMAT Focus 585. Tilburg business and economics programmes ask for GMAT Focus 525 or higher.
- References. Some programmes ask for recommendation letters.
- English test results unless you qualify for an exemption.
Our Studielink application guide explains the national portal, though some universities use their own route for international applicants.
When are the deadlines for September 2027?
| University | Non-EU deadline |
|---|---|
| Rotterdam School of Management | Finance and Investments 31 October 2026; International Management 31 January 2027; most others 15 May 2027 or earlier if full |
| University of Amsterdam | Often 31 January 2027 (check your programme) |
| Tilburg University | 1 April 2027 (Clinical Neuropsychology 15 January) |
| VU Amsterdam | 1 April 2027; 1 December 2026 if you want a scholarship |
| University of Groningen | Generally 1 May 2027; Psychology 1 March |
Several universities charge a non-refundable EUR 100 fee for international degrees, including VU Amsterdam, Tilburg University and Erasmus School of Economics.
What if you are not directly admissible?
A pre-master can bridge a gap in your background. Tilburg automatically considers non-Dutch applicants for a pre-master of 6 or 12 months where one exists, but not every programme offers one, and some pre-masters are open only to EU applicants. Our guide to the pre-master in the Netherlands explains how it works.
Research universities and universities of applied sciences also differ. Research master's programmes last 1 to 2 years, while applied sciences master's are mostly part-time and often expect work in the field. See research university vs university of applied sciences.
Applying from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka is not on Leiden's list of English-exempt countries, so plan to take IELTS or TOEFL even if your degree was taught in English. Check each university's own exemption list.
- Order official transcripts with a full course list and credit values early. Committees check course content, and a summary transcript slows the decision.
- Apply well before the deadline. Non-EU applicants also need time for the residence permit, which the university requests on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
Do Dutch universities accept three-year bachelor's degrees?
It depends on the programme. Committees look at the content and credits of your degree, so check the programme's admission page or ask admissions.
Is GMAT required for every Dutch master's?
No. It is mainly required for business and economics programmes at universities such as Rotterdam School of Management, Tilburg and the UvA.
Can I apply to several Dutch master's programmes?
Yes, but each may charge its own application fee and set its own deadline.
PS: Read the admission page of each programme line by line and list every required course. That one list answers most admission questions. If you would like us to compare it with your transcript, Check your eligibility with Prosper.
Sandeepani Wickramasinghe
References
- Master's admission requirements, Leiden University. https://universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/admission-and-application/masters/admission-requirements (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MSc Economics, international applicants, University of Amsterdam. https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/masters/economics/application-and-admission/students-with-international-prior-education/international-applicants.html (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MSc Engineering and Policy Analysis, non-Dutch BSc, TU Delft. https://tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/masters/epa/msc-engineering-and-policy-analysis/application-and-admission/non-dutch-bsc-degree (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Is my GPA sufficient for admission, Rotterdam School of Management. https://admissions-support.rsm.nl/support/solutions/articles/80000886951-is-my-gpa-sufficient-for-admission-msc- (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Admission and application, Tilburg University. https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/masters-programs/admission-application (accessed 23 October 2026)
- English proficiency requirements for master's programmes, Leiden University. https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/binaries/content/assets/studentenwerving/scm/admission-and-application/language-requirements/english_proficiency_masters_programmmes_eng.pdf (accessed 23 October 2026)
- How to apply, Rotterdam School of Management. https://www.rsm.nl/education/master/msc-programmes/how-to-apply/ (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Deadlines, Rotterdam School of Management. https://www.rsm.nl/education/deadlines/ (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Apply for a master's programme, VU Amsterdam. https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/apply-masters-programme (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Master application deadlines, University of Groningen. https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/application-deadlines/master-application-deadlines?lang=en (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Application fee, Erasmus School of Economics. https://www.eur.nl/en/ese/education/master/admission-requirements/students-international-diploma/application-fee (accessed 23 October 2026)
- How to apply, Study in NL. https://www.studyinnl.org/plan-your-stay/how-to-apply (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Master's degrees, Study in NL. https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/masters (accessed 23 October 2026)
