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 master’s programme in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering for the academic year 2026-2027. Questions about admission? Contact us via campusvenlo-admissions@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
The information on this page is for students who would like to start in academic year 2026-2027.
See the admission requirements for the academic year 2025-2026.
Application deadlines
The master’s programme in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering starts in September.
The deadlines below apply to those starting in September 2026.
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| Date | What you need to know about this date |
|---|---|
| As soon as possible after 1 October 2025 | Apply via Studielink* (open for applications for the academic year 2026-2027 from 1 October) |
| 1 May 2026, 23:59 CET | Deadline for completing the entire application process if you have a non-EU/EEA nationality (in most cases, you will need a visa and/or residence permit) |
| 1 June 2026, 23:59 CET | Deadline for completing the entire application process if you have an EU/EEA or Swiss nationality |
| 1 August 2026 | Strongly recommended deadline for paying the tuition fee |
| 31 August 2026, 23:59 CET | Deadline for completing all tasks in the MyApplication portal** If you need a visa and/or residence permit, you must complete most tasks by an earlier date |
*Studielink is the national registration system for higher education.
**The MyApplication portal is Maastricht University’s application and enrolment platform.
Please note:
- In Studielink you need to choose the starting moment. Select September 2026 in the dropdown menu to apply for the upcoming academic year.
Are you a non-EU/EEA national 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
The admission requirements for the academic year 2026-2027 for the master’s programme in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering depend on your previous education. This is a selective master’s programme. In addition to qualifying for admission, you must also take part in a selection procedure. Please check below which requirements apply to you.
Direct qualification for admission
If you have one of the following degrees, you qualify for direct admission to this master’s programme:
- Maastricht University bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Bioscience, with a concentration in Agricultural Systems
- Radboud University bachelor’s degree in Biology
Graduates from a relevant university bachelor’s programme
You qualify for admission if you have a university bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- biology
- biotechnology
- engineering
If you do not hold a degree in one of these disciplines, you may still qualify for admission if you have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, provided you can demonstrate a clear interest in biology, biotechnology and/or engineering, along with sufficient mathematical background, as shown in your diploma, grades transcript and motivation letter.
Additional requirements
Requirements in Mathematics for Biology, Biotechnology and Engineering graduates
To be admitted to this programme, you will need to meet the following subject requirements:
- You completed at least 9 ECTS credits of mathematics/statistics/programming courses at the bachelor’s level
Requirements for graduates of bachelor's programmes that are not Biology, Biotechnology or Engineering
To be admitted to this programme, you will need to meet the following subject requirements:
- You completed at least 9 ECTS credits of mathematics/statistics/programming courses at the bachelor’s level
AND
- You completed at least 9 ECTS credits of engineering courses at the bachelor’s level AND/OR you completed at least 9 ECTS credits of biology/plant biology courses at the bachelor’s level
Language requirements for English-language master's programmes
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 whose diploma is based on a non-EU-EEA curriculum (handling fee)
Applicants for this study programme whose diploma is based on a non-EU/EEA curriculum are required to pay a handling fee. This applies even if the educational institution is located within the EU/EEA, as the fee is based on the curriculum, not the location of the institution. More information on this handling fee and how to arrange this payment can be found on the handling fee page.
Documents required for the 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 portrait photo.
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/diploma
If you have not graduated yet, you can upload your official grades transcript from your bachelor's programme.
- A letter of motivation
Please provide good arguments about why you want to do this master's programme at Maastricht University and why you believe that you can successfully complete the programme.
*As a UM student, it is not necessary to upload these documents in the MyApplication portal unless your passport will not be valid on 1 September 2026. In that case, you do have to upload a copy of your passport.
Documents that might be required depending on your (academic) background
- Document(s) that demonstrate your proficiency in English
Answer the questions concerning language requirements under ‘Language requirements for English-language master’s programmes’ 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.
- Proof of mathematics, engineering and biology courses (if they were part of your bachelor’s programme)
Proof of all relevant mathematics, engineering and biology courses that you followed during your bachelor’s programme AND a separate Word document with the following information:- Name of the course(s)
- Number of credits you received
- Short description of the course(s) (max. 10 sentences per course)
- Permission for document verification form
If your diploma is not verified by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch government agency responsible for education-related matters), you will need to upload the form ‘Permission for document verification’ in the MyApplication portal. This form allows Maastricht University to verify your diploma, grades transcript or other required documents directly with the issuing institution or relevant qualification registry.
How do we assess your application?
The master’s programme in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering is a selective programme. Admission is based on your suitability for the programme, with both your academic background and your motivation playing an important role.
Interview
In most cases, an interview is part of the admissions process. The interview focuses on your academic plans and how you intend to accomplish these through this master's programme. The starting point for the interview is your motivation letter and grades transcript.