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Maastricht Science Programme

Admission requirements

On this page, you will find important details of the application process (such as deadlines, admission requirements, required documents and application assessment) for the Maastricht Science Programme (MSP) for the academic year 2025-2026.

 

Important deadlines for application

The Maastricht Science Programme starts in September. Please note that it is no longer possible to start this programme in February.

The deadlines below are applicable for applicants who want to start their studies in September 2025.

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Date What you need to know about this date
1 October 2024 Studielink is open for applications for the academic year 2025-2026
1 April 2025, 23:59 CET Deadline for completing the entire application process for non-EU/EEA applicants (these applicants require a visa or residence permit)
1 June 2025, 23:59 CET Deadline for completing the application process for applicants from the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Note: The 2025 application deadline for this programme has been extended from 1 May to 1 June.
6 June 2025, 17:00 CET Deadline for completing the entire selection procedure (including interview)
 

Please note regarding Studielink:

  • At MSP, we review applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time up until the deadline. However, with limited spots available, we highly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. By submitting your application early, you maximize your chances of securing a place and joining our vibrant community. Don't wait until the deadline - take the initiative and apply today!

  • All applications which have not been completed by the deadline (by uploading all required documents, see ‘Documents required for application process’ on this page) will not be taken into consideration.

  • For Maastricht Science Programme, please choose Liberal Arts & Sciences (MSP) in Studielink

  • In Studielink you need to choose the starting moment. Please make sure to select September 2025 in the dropdown menu if you want to start in September 2025

For questions about the admission requirements, please contact the UM Student Services Centre:
study@maastrichtuniversity.nl
+31(0)43 388 5 388

For questions about the study programme, please contact the MSP Admission Office
msp-admissions@maastrichtuniversity.nl
+31(0)43 38 81 179

Are you a non-EU citizen requiring a visa/residence permit for study?
 

Please note that Maastricht University can only formally apply for your visa/residence permit if you have met all admission and enrolment requirements.

This means you have to have completed all admission and enrolment tasks in the MyApplication portal (except the ‘visa/residence permit’-task and the ‘send certified copy of diploma’-task) before we can send your application to the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service).

We have to send the application to the IND before 1 July if you are starting your studies in September. Please note: a few pre-master and master programmes offer a start in February. If you’re study programme offers a start in February and you want to start your studies in February, we have to send the application to the IND before 1 December. You can find out if your study programme offers a start in February on the admission requirements web page of that programme (pre-master’s, master’s).

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you reconsider applying for this study programme if you are not sure that you will meet the following requirements before 1 July/1 December (if applicable in your situation): 

  • Having remedied all subject and/or language deficiencies (if applicable)
  • Having qualified for admission to your study programme, including being selected (if applicable to your study programme) AND
  • Having paid the tuition fee for your study programme

General requirements: previous education

You qualify for admission to MSP if you have a Dutch VWO diploma or an international equivalent thereof, including evident proof on science and calculus courses.
Below you can find an overview of diplomas that are recognised as an international equivalent of the Dutch VWO diploma.

List of diplomas equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma 2025-2026

All diplomas will be assessed by UM. If you have not yet obtained the diploma, you can still apply with your most recent grades transcript.

Selection

To apply to MSP, you will have to complete a selection procedure. Selection takes place on the basis of your quality and suitability. For this, your motivation (motivation letter and interview) and previous education (diplomas, grades, science courses) are important. As MSP offers a broad science programme, you need a profound interest in the sciences. This should be evident from the courses you completed in your previous education. Having a mathematics education including calculus, especially fundamentals of differentiation and integration, is highly recommended (this is equivalent to the Dutch wiskunde B VWO).

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Additional requirements

Language requirements for this English-language bachelor's programme

As English is the language of instruction in this study programme, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake intensive and challenging academic courses that are taught and examined in English.

Answer the questions below to find out if you meet the language requirements.

Applicants who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country (handling fee)

Applicants to this study programme who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country will have to pay a handling fee. More information on this handling fee and how to arrange this payment can be found on the Handling fee page.

Credit transfer

You can apply for a credit transfer if you have completed courses at a recognised and accredited higher education institution after secondary school.

Please note. Your request for credit transfer will only be taken into consideration when you have completed the admissions procedure and you are enrolled in the Maastricht Science Programme. Credits needed for meeting the basic admissions criteria cannot be considered for transfer.

The maximum amount of credits that can be transferred is 30 ECTS, or one semester. Only courses completed with a sufficiently high grade can be considered for credit transfer.

Documents required for application process

During the application process for this study programme, you will need to complete a number of tasks for which you will often have to upload documents. The list below gives you an insight into what documents you will (and might) need to prepare.

Required documents for all applicants to this study programme

  • A recent passport picture
    This picture must satisfy certain requirements. You can find these requirements in the task description 'Upload portrait photo' in the MyApplication portal.
     
  • A copy of your valid passport or your EU/EEA identity card
    Make a copy of the page with your personal details. Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ and not as ‘passport picture’.
     
  • A copy of your most recent grades transcript
     
  • A certified copy of your diploma if you have obtained it
     
  • A motivation letter in English
    The format can be found in the MyApplication portal

 

Documents that might be required depending on your (academic) background

  • Document(s) that demonstrate your proficiency in English (if applicable)
    Answer the questions concerning language requirements under ‘Language requirements for this English-language bachelor’s programme’ on this webpage to find out if you need to provide additional documentation. The outcome of your answers will indicate which document(s) you can use to prove your proficiency.

Please note:

  • Please make sure to upload all of the required documents, otherwise your application will not be taken into consideration. Only complete applications will be taken into consideration.
  • All required documents must be uploaded/sent before the application deadlines (for those deadlines, see the paragraph ‘Important deadlines for application’ on this page).
  • All documents must be in Dutch, English or German.

How do we assess your application?

When you want to apply or are applying for this study programme, it is useful to know how we assess your application. You can find more information about this in this section.

The Board of Admissions will review and assess your application only when all required documents are uploaded. You will then be notified if you are invited for an interview.

The admissions interview

The interview focuses on your academic plans and how you intend to accomplish these through an education at MSP. The interview is conducted in English by one MSP staff member and lasts approximately 10-15 minutes. The interview takes place online.

After the interview

The Board of Admissions decides whether you are invited to attend MSP. Within three weeks after the interview, you are informed about their decision.

Finalisation of your application at MSP

After accepting our invitation to attend MSP and successfully completing the application process, you will receive an email informing you on the steps to take in order to finalise your registration at UM. Furthermore, you will receive a request to pay your tuition fee.

Binding Study Advice

MSP has a Binding Study Advice in place. Students who fail to meet the study progress criteria will receive a negative Binding Study Advice that leads to exclusion from the programme for a period of six years. All students who are at risk of receiving a negative Binding Study Advice will receive a warning after the first semester.