Can I apply before having completed my Bachelor's?
Many applicants to Master's programmes have not finished their previous education when they apply. If this applies to you, then you can upload a transcript of records with the courses and grades obtained so far. Make sure to also include a list of courses from your Bachelor's that you still need to complete. This applies to the scholarship applications as well.
Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, the Admissions Office is not able to answer individual questions regarding eligibility. Once you have completed the application proces the Admissions Board will determine whether you are found eligible. The Admissions Board determines whether you are either admitted to the Master's programme, admitted to the pre-Master's programme or not admitted.
Should I submit reference letters in my application?
No. The Graduate School of Humanities does not consider recommendation and/or reference letters for any of our programmes. Therefore, additional letters will not be taken into consideration.
Can I apply for more than one Master's programme?
Yes, you can apply for up to a maximum of four Master’s programmes. Some Master’s programmes offer different tracks. You may apply for a maximum of two tracks. If you wish to do so, you can select a second track in the MyInfo application form. Note that we will start by processing your first track. Only if you are not conditionally admitted to your first track will we continue to process your second track. If you are conditionally admitted to your first track, your application to the second track will be cancelled.
Please note that it is not possible to choose a selective track as your second choice option. If you are interested in a selective track or programme, be sure to put that as your first choice.
When will I hear the admission decision?
Most of our non-selective Master’s handle the concept of ‘rolling admissions’. This means you will receive your admission decision within 10 to 12 weeks after you submitted your application. Most of our selective (research and dual) Master's programmes do not handle ‘rolling admissions’. For these programmes, we aim to inform you between 10 to 12 weeks after the application deadline.
Can I hand in my language test after the deadline?
Our language requirements (English or Dutch, depending on your programme’s language of instruction) are extremely strict and unfortunately the Admissions Office is in no position to grant exemptions or to extend the application deadline for the language proficiency requirement. If you believe you have good reason to apply for exemption, we advise you to contact the Examination Board at your earliest possible convenience. Arranging your proof of language proficiency in time so you can have one during your application is the applicant’s responsibility.
Do I have to take a language test?
Unless you meet one of the criteria for automatic exemption from the language requirements, we need to receive a scan of a language test taken less than two years ago that meets our requirements or an official digital letter of exemption sent to you by our Examinations Board.
Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, the Admissions Office is not able to answer individual questions regarding eligibility. Once you have completed the application proces the Admissions Board will determine whether you are found eligible. The Admissions Board determines whether you are either admitted to the Master's programme, admitted to the pre-Master's programme or not admitted.
When will I hear the admission decision?
Our non-selective Master’s handle the concept of ‘rolling admissions’. This means you will receive your admission decision within 10 to 12 weeks after you submitted your application. Most of our selective (research and dual) Master's programmes do not handle ‘rolling admissions’. For these programmes, we aim to inform you between 10 to 12 weeks after the application deadline.
How do I apply for a pre-Master’s programme?
If you need to do a pre-Master’s programme in order to meet the entry requirements of the Master’s of your choosing, you must submit an enrolment application for the Master’s programme rather than for the pre-Master’s. The application deadline and requirements for a pre-Master’s corresponds to that of the Master’s you wish to do.
Do I need to send in certified documents?
Yes, unless you completed your Bachelor's at a Dutch university. If you did, please send us a message via uva.nl/questionform when your graduation for your previous education is registered by your Dutch home university, or ask a representative of your Dutch university to send us an email with your Statement of Graduation and your full transcript of records.
What is a certified document?
A certified document is an official copy of the original document. Photocopies of an official document are therefore not the same as a certified copy of your documents. It must show your full name, the name of the institution that issued the document and the inked stamp of your school or university, and the signature of the representative working at this institution.
How can I send my certified documents?
Check the page below for all methods of submitting your documents. We strongly prefer receiving your certified documents digitally.
The fastest way to get in touch with the Admissions Office is to submit your question online.
You can contact us by phone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 14:00–16:00 CET.
Tel. +31 20 525 4481
University of Amsterdam
Admissions Office, Graduate School of Humanities
PO Box 93055, 1090 BB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
There is one Examinations Board for all Master's programmes offered by the Graduate School of Humanities. The Examinations Board is responsible for the implementation and realisation of the 'Teaching and Examination Regulations for Master's Degrees' and monitors the quality of the exams.