The application deadline for this selective Master's programme is 1 March 2023 (register in Studielink before 27 February, see step 3).

Please note: if you are an applicant with an EU/EEA nationality and wish to apply for housing, you must submit your application by 1 March.

If you are interested in a scholarship, you need to apply for both the Master's programme and the scholarship before 15 January. Learn more at:

The Research Master's programme in Linguistics and Communication is open for application to students with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in:

• the humanities or social sciences with a minimum of 30 ECTS (equivalent to a full-time semester of academic studies) taken in the field of Linguistics, Communication and Information Science or a language.

Although a background in the aforementioned fields is recommended and preferred, students with a Bachelor's in other disciplines requiring strong analytical skills, such as psychology or mathematics, are encouraged to apply as well. 

Student profile

• You enjoy comparing different approaches and theories.
• You like interpreting human language behaviour.
• You have strong analytical skills, which shows e.g. in you liking to solve logical puzzles.
• You are able to conduct research independently: you know how to formulate a research question, collect material, apply linguistics theories, and are able to report on this research in written form (thesis or longer paper).
• You have a strong academic interest and a desire to contribute eagerly and critically to the academic and interdisciplinary environment of our Graduate School, demonstrated in a convincing motivation letter in which you explain why you think you can successfully participate in this specific programme.

Grade average

If you wish to apply for a Research Master's programme, you are expected to have obtained at least the following grade average:

• A/3.6 (American system)
• 2.1 HONS (an upper second class honours degree in the British system)
• B (ECTS-system)
• 7.5 (Dutch system)

If you obtained a lower grade averages you can still apply, particularly if you obtained a sufficient grade average for the courses related to the research master’s programme and/or courses taken in the advanced phase of your prior education. In this case, please include an explanation in your motivation form.

Pre-Master's

It is not possible to apply to this programme with a degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (hbo). We do not offer a preparatory programme (premaster/schakelprogramma) for this Master's.

English language requirements

New Master's students should be able to speak, read, write and understand English at an advanced academic level. Please check carefully whether you already meet the English language requirements or whether you need to arrange to take an official English language test. See the English language requirements on the Graduate School of Humanities website.

Selection procedure

Because of the limited number of places available, prospective students are subject to a selection process. We will compare your file to that of other applicants. Distinguish yourself with solid basic academic knowledge in the field of study, sufficient test scores and a convincing and enthusiastic motivation.

All students applying will need to start their application by submitting an enrolment request in Studielink, the Dutch online system for students applying for a degree programme at a Dutch university.

Applicants for Linguistics and Communication need to submit an enrolment request in Studielink for Linguistics - Research Master. 

It is extremely important that you register in Studielink at least 48 hours before the application deadline (see above). This is to ensure that you receive your login information (UvAnetID) in time to fill in your UvA application in MyInfo (see next step).

After enrolling in Studielink, you will automatically receive an email with a link to your MyInfo UvA application form. To log in to MyInfo you need your UvAnetID. Please fill out the application form, upload the required documents and submit your MyInfo application form before the application deadline.

Application fee

All applicants holding a nationality outside the EU/EEA are required to pay an application fee of €100 per Studielink enrolment before submitting your MyInfo application form. You will find payment instructions on your application form.

Application documents

Make sure you are well prepared before you start your application, and you have all necessary documents ready. You are asked to upload the following documents:

• curriculum vitae;
• proof of language proficiency (if required, see language requirements);
• transcript of records, up-to-date and issued by your home institution (if you are already a student at the UvA, a screenshot from SIS is sufficient);
• diploma (if already obtained)* or list of courses yet to complete;
• translation of your diploma and transcript of records (if they are not in English, Dutch, German or French);
• motivation form (PDF);
• programme specific documents (see below).

*Please note: If you have not yet obtained your diploma but are in possession of all other application documents, you may proceed with your application - as long as you obtain your Bachelor's degree before 1 September. If you have a non-Dutch prior education, please bear in mind that you must submit your certified documents before 1 May (non-EEA students) or 1 August (EEA students).

Programme-specific documents

All applicants to the Master's Linguistics and Communication are required to submit a sample of recent work, written in English of at most 7 pages. This document should demonstrate 1) analytical skills ideally in relation to a data set from the area of linguistics and communication, and 2) the ability to write a well-structured and well-written research paper.