Admission Requirements for Masters Degree in Netherlands

Master’s degrees in the Netherlands last for around 1 to 4 years and totals 60 to 240 credits. In research universities, these programmes last 1 to 3 years. For those students whose English language skills are not enough to complete the programme of their choice, one needs to apply for a preparatory course. Universities in Holland offer preparatory courses for Dutch as well as English medium programmes. These programmes increase proficiency in the academic sphere as well as helping student sot adapt and live in the nation. Many universities provide students completing their prep courses with guaranteed scholarships for further education. English language exams need to be passed and the results have to be sent to the admission office even when applying for the preparatory courses. Application procedures for Dutch universities differs depending upon which country the student is from. It is therefore advisable to heck requirements as well as deadlines and application methods for students of a particular nation.

Entrance/Test Requirements of Master’s Degree Programmes in Dutch Institutions

Universities in The Netherlands are offer programmes in Dutch as well as English medium. While intake assessments are rare in Master’s programmes here, foreign students need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language via the following exams: 
  • The TOEF Test/Test of English as a Foreign Language
  • Academic IELTS test/the International English Language Testing System
  • A Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)/ Proficiency of English (CPE)/First Certificate in English
English exams such as these are important for showing the ability to communicate in this language for students who want to receive this education in Holland. Exceptions are allowed for students who are either native speakers of the language or those who have completed their higher secondary education in this language. European high school diplomas and those from English native speaking countries will also be exempt from the language proficiency tests such as TOEFL.

Requirements for prospective students are clearly indicated and there are no intake examinations. Most Dutch Universities require students to have secondary or higher education diploma, Bachelor’s degree diploma, IELTS or TOEFL test scores and finances to study. The latter includes tuition and housing fees. 

Documents needed for application to universities in Holland include: 
  • Diploma or certificate of secondary/highs school with list of subjects and hours per subject for these undergraduate Bachelor’s programmes
  • College or university diploma with list of subjects plus hours per subject for Masters Programmes
  • TOEFL as well as IELTS may be needed though some universities also accept other language proficiency tests. 
  • Dutch medium programmes require passing of the Dutch language Test NT2. Database for international study programmes include language requirements for individual programmes.
  • CV, reference letters and letters of introduction as well as statement of purpose or motivational essays also need to be provided. Photocopies of these documents in English, French, Spanish or German which are then certified by schools or notarised should be sent to the universities for application processes as well.  

Courses Offered at Master’s Level in Dutch Universities

There are 3 basic kinds of master’s degrees when it comes to Dutch universities. The Academic Master’s offer advanced training in preparation for employment. Research master’s programmes are those where students engage in scientific research. Teacher’s training master’s degrees help students to teach at all levels of secondary school.

Admission Procedure for Master’s Degree at Dutch Universities

Application procedure for the Master’s degree includes the following. Students must first choose the university as well as the study programme. Following this, they must arrange the documents for the application process and pass the IELTS or TOEFL exam. The results are needed for admission with the exception of native English speaking students or those with higher education in English prior to application for the course.

Universities have varying admission deadlines and students can check the website of their chosen university through Studielink, via the university website or both. This can be initiated even before the Bachelor’s degree diploma is received. In case students are completing their prior education in the same year as they are applying for higher studies to Dutch universities, you need toe sure that the document must be send from the school or institution that provides confirmation of the pending graduation. Documents sent for application must be translated into English/French. Dutch/German/ Spanish and notarised /certified by schools. All students can follow the instructions of applications as given on the university website and find out which documents are specifically required by the particular institution. 

Admission Calendar for Master’s Degree in Dutch Universities

Documents must be arranged for students and some such as insurance and finances are the responsibility of the individual student. Others such as visa and residence permit are arranged in conjunction with the authorities and the universities. Citizens of countries outside the EU have started application earlier than EU residents usually by around 2 to 3 months. 

Certain universities in the Netherlands offer study programmes with restricted number of places available. In case the limit is reached, the application process may close even before the deadline expires. Admission is generally on the basis of first come first serve.Many Dutch universities have enrolled twice a year in September and February. Application deadlines differ for universities of applied sciences, universities of research studies, university colleges and B-schools in the Netherlands. 

International Students in Holland

With over 90,500 students coming for higher studies to the Netherlands, students can be sure that they have adequate competition for admission to higher studies here, as per the figures provided by Study in Holland. EU as well as non EU students flock to this country for higher studies. Holland remains a preferred destination for academic and research as well as applied courses.

Higher education in the Netherlands is systematic. Many courses from varying disciplines are available in master’s degrees here which can last from 1 to 4 years or 1 to 3 years. Master’s degrees in the Netherlands are the perfect choice for students who want research based as well as applied studies. There are many opportunities for professional advancement in the Netherlands following completion of postgraduate education here. 

For test score requirements see Standardized Tests
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