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 advanced master's programme in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management for the academic year 2025-2026. Questions about admission? Contact us via study@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Important deadlines for application
The master's programme in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management starts in September.
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 June 2025, 23:59 CET | Deadline for completing the entire application process for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA applicants Please note: non-EU/EEA applicants require a visa or residence permit. |
General requirements: previous education
This programme is designed for highly educated professionals (computer scientists, lawyers, policy makers) with several years of professional experience in and/or affinity with issues in the field of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity.
The admission requirements for academic year 2025/26 for the advanced master’s programme in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management depend on your previous education. Please check below which requirements apply to you.
To be admitted to this programme, you must have completed a university bachelor’s or master’s study programme in one of the fields listed below and fulfil the conditions listed under ‘Additional requirements’.
- Law or related fields such as economics, political science or international relations
- Business or related studies
- Computer science or a related field
Additional requirements
English language requirements
In order to be admitted to this study programme, you must demonstrate a proficient knowledge of the English language (EER, Art. 21*). You can do so by submitting one of the following certificates under the task ‘Prove English language proficiency’ in the MyApplication portal:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree obtained in English
- TOEFL certificate (minimum of 6.5 overall, with at least a 6.5 in writing)
- Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE) certificate
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) certificate
Alternatively, if you attained the equivalent level of English language proficiency in the course of your professional career or, as a result of your personal life trajectory, you may request the Board of Admissions to accept other evidence of your language skills; this can be in the form of showing extensive work experience internationally (English language) or study abroad (English language, minimum 6 months).
You will find the EER (containing more information about specific requirements) here
Applicants who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country (handling fee)
Applicants for 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.
Required documents for all applicants to this study programme
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 need to prepare.
- A recent portrait picture*
This picture must satisfy certain requirements. You can find these requirements in the task description 'Upload portrait picture' 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 AND/OR a copy of your diploma if you have obtained it
If you have not graduated yet, you can upload your official grades transcript from your bachelor's programme.
- Letter of motivation
All candidates must write a well-prepared and structured letter of motivation for this specific master’s programme. The letter should explain your motivation for choosing this specific master’s programme. It should also include an overview of what you intend to learn and how this programme fits into your future professional plans. The letter must be dated and addressed to the Board of Admissions of the Faculty of Law.
- Documents that demonstrate your proficiency in English
One of the language proficiency certificates as mentioned under ‘English language requirements’ on this page.
- Curriculum Vitae
* For current UM students it is not necessary to upload a recent portrait picture in the MyApplication portal.
** For current UM students it is not necessary to upload this document in the MyApplication portal. Unless your passport is not valid on 1 September 2025; in that case you do have to upload a copy of your passport. You will be notified of this with a specific task in the MyApplication portal.
Please note:
- Only complete registrations will be taken into consideration.
- All documents must be in Dutch, English or German.
How do we assess your application?
When you want to apply or are applying to this study programme, it is useful to know how we assess your application. You can find more information about this in this section.
The selection process will be conducted by the Admissions Board consisting of at least three members of Maastricht University affiliated with the programme.
The quality of your application will be evaluated following the order of criteria outlined in Art. 24 EER. Professional experience demonstrating prior knowledge of the areas listed above will be a key factor in the assessment. In case you have no or limited professional experience, the Board of Admissions will prioritise academic merit and your motivation to follow the programme.