Applying for a Dutch-taught programme? Check the Dutch language requirements.

Automatic exemptions

You automatically meet the English language requirements if you possess one of the following diplomas before the start of the programme on 1 September. In this case you do not need to upload an English language score report in your MyInfo application.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited Dutch academic university;
• English-taught Bachelor's degree from an accredited Dutch university of applied sciences (hbo). Please provide proof of this as described in the final bullet below;
• Dutch-taught Bachelor's degree from an accredited Dutch university of applied sciences (hbo) combined with either a havo diploma with at least a grade of 8 for Engels, or a vwo diploma;
• International Baccalaureate diploma taught in English;
• Bachelor's degree from a university located in the USA, Canada (with the exception of Québec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.
  If you completed a Master's degree in one of these countries but obtained your Bachelor's degree elsewhere, you are not automatically exempt.
  If you have completed a double degree at Bachelor’s level which was only partly completed in one of the above-mentioned countries, please submit a formal exemption request (see below).
• Bachelor's degree, if fully taught in English and you provide proof of this in one of the following ways:
  - either your official transcript of records states that the entire programme was taught in English;
  - or you must provide a statement from your home institution that the entire programme was taught in English. This declaration needs to contain the university seal and needs to be signed by a registrar from your home institution.
  Upload this document in your MyInfo application.
  Personal statements cannot be accepted.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for an automatic exemption with the degree, transcript or statement that you have, please contact the Admissions Office. Please attach the relevant document to your request.

English language test requirements

Unless your previous education exempts you (see above), you will need to submit a copy of your official English language proficiency certificate as part of your application in MyInfo before the application deadline.

The Graduate School of Humanities only accepts English language tests taken within the past two years, counted from the moment that you submit your application. English language test results that do not meet our requirements will not be considered, and will result in a rejection of your application. All certificates will be verified with the issuing exam centre.

English language tests and minimum scores we accept:

Formal exemption request

If you have good reasons to believe you should be exempted from taking an official English language test, you will need to file an official exemption request at the UvA Examinations Board. 

You may only request a formal exemption after you have submitted a complete application dossier with all required application documents, except for proof of English language proficiency. After submitting your application, submit an exemption request within one day. If you request your exemption at a later date, you risk having your application closed as incomplete. 

Deadline for formal exemption request:

Applicants for a 1 March deadline
1 February

Applicants for a 15 May deadline
15 April

Exemption requests may take up to 4 weeks to process. Please note that:

• Your Master's application will not be processed until the exemption request has been finalised. It is the student’s own responsibility to arrange a timely exemption request.
• If you are applying for more than one programme, one exemption request is valid for all programmes at the Graduate School of Humanities.
• If you have taken multiple English language tests, and on each of these tests you do not meet the required scores for different components, this will not be considered as sufficient basis to receive an exemption.
• If you are granted a formal exemption, this will remain valid for two years.