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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 academic year 2023-2024.

All diplomas will be assessed by the Office of Diploma Evaluation. You will have to complete a selection procedure. Selection takes place on the basis of your quality and suitability.

Admission requirements 2022-2023
For the admission requirements of academic year 2022-2023 (start September 2022 or February 2023), please click here, go to Maastricht Science Programme and open the PDF on admission requirements.

Contact the MSP Office of Admissions
Send an email
+31 (0)43 38 81 179

Important deadlines for study programme application

When you want to apply or are applying for this study programme, it is important that you inform yourself of the deadlines that you need to meet. The important deadlines when applying for this study programme are provided in the table below.

Note: if you are viewing this webpage on your phone, we recommend that you use landscape mode.
 

Start in September 2023, academic year 2023-2024

Date What you need to know about this date
1 October 2022 Studielink is open for applications for the academic year 2023-2024 (study start in September 2023)
 
Up to and including 1 April 2023, 23:59 CET Deadline for completing the entire application process for non-EU/EEA applicants (these applicants require a visa or residence permit)
 
Up to and including 1 May 2023, 23:59 CET Deadline for completing the entire application process for applicants from the EU/EEA and Switzerland

Please note regarding Studielink:
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 2023 in the pulldown menu if you want to start in September 2023. 

General requirements: prior qualifications

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, which are an international equivalent of the Dutch VWO diploma.

List of diplomas equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma 2023/2024

Selection

All diplomas will be assessed by the Office of Diploma Evaluation. 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).

Apply now

Foundation Programme

International applicants who do not meet the admission requirements:
Foundation Programme

If you are an international prospective student applicant, and you do not meet the admission requirements, then you may be eligible for the Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme will provide you with intensive training in academic skills, courses relevant to your chosen bachelor's programme, and English language skills (depending on your level).

After successfully completing the Foundation Programme, you will qualify for admission to this bachelor’s programme. Additionally, the Foundation Programme offers support outside of the classroom and organises events that will help you make new friends and adjust to life in the Netherlands and at Maastricht University.

Learn more about the Foundation Programme

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
    The passport picture must satisfy certain requirements
     
  • 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 (500-800 words - in English)

    This is an important part of your application as it is a means to introduce yourself to the Board of Admissions. In the letter, you have to explain why you want to study at the Maastricht Science Programme and why you think you would be suited for the Maastricht Science Programme. Include what subjects you are interested in, and what it is that makes these subjects interesting for you. You could also include plans you have for after graduation.

 

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

  • Outcome of your language test with sufficient result (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 documents 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 registrations 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 study programme application’ on this page).

All documents must be in Dutch, English or German.

Please also send a certified copy of your diploma by regular post to:
Maastricht University Student Services Centre
Admissions and Registration Office 
PO Box 616
6200 MD Maastricht
The Netherlands

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 here.

The Board of Admissions will review and assess your application in case all required documents are uploaded. You will be informed whether 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. After one year (two semesters), you must have obtained a minimum of 45 out of 60 ECTS credits. As part of these 45 ECTS, you must successfully complete the academic core courses to be able to continue your studies.

Students who fail to meet these 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.

Download the Maastricht Science Programme Education and Examination Regulations

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