Data Science for Decision Making

Graduates from the following bachelor’s programmes qualify directly for admission:

• Bachelor’s programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (formerly known as Data Science and Knowledge Engineering) from Maastricht University
• Bachelor’s programme in Econometrics & Operations Research from Maastricht University
• Bachelor’s programme in Computer Science from Maastricht University
• Bachelor’s programme in Computer Science from Hasselt University
• Bachelor’s programme in Angewandte Mathematik und Informatik (formerly known as Scientific Programming) from Aachen University (MATSE)

Graduates from the following bachelor’s programmes qualify for admissions, depending on the courses they followed:

• Bachelor’s programme in Business Engineering from Maastricht University
• Bachelor’s programme in Maastricht Science Programme from Maastricht University (depending on curriculum)
  
• Bachelor’s programme in Brain Science (with more than 30 ECTS in the DACS minor) from Maastricht University

You may qualify for admission to the programme if your qualification provides sufficient preparation both in terms of academic level and content. The level of your degree should be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from a research university in the Netherlands. This is indicated as ‘3 years of WO’ in the Nuffic list of equivalent diplomas that we use in our assessment (Nuffic is the Dutch Organisation for Internationalisation in Education). We also take into account the national standing of your university and the grades you obtained.

Please check first whether your bachelor’s programme meets the Nuffic requirements before you apply.

The required competences are:

• Mathematics: a strong background, including, but not limited to, calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics
• Computer science: basic knowledge of data structures and algorithms, with some programming experience

The Board of Admissions will consider whether you qualify for admission if you have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent diploma in a programme such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Technical Data Science, Operations Research, Artificial Intelligence, Econometrics, Engineering or Physics.

For applicants with a non-EEA diploma, it is not possible to apply for our premaster's programmes directly. You will have to apply for one of our regular master's programmes first (to be found in Studielink with the ‘transnationale Universiteit Limburg’). If your credentials and previous education are insufficient to qualify for direct admission into one of our master's programmes, the Board of Admissions will determine whether a pre-master’s programme can be offered.

Students with a degree from universities of applied sciences (Dutch HBO or international equivalent) in a related field could gain access to the master’s programme upon successful completion of a one-semester pre-master’s programme. Admission is only possible if you meet the above-mentioned required competences on a university of applied sciences level.

We have rolling admissions. The earlier you apply, the earlier you will know whether you have a place in the programme. We advise you to apply as early as possible, especially if you think you are likely to receive a pre-master’s advice. We suggest you apply at least one month before the deadline.

More information about the pre-master’s programme for the master's in Data Science for Decision Making

• A recent portrait photo*
  The portrait photo 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*
  Scan your personal details page(s). Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ (and not as ‘passport picture’).
   
• A copy of your most recent grades transcript
   
• A copy of your diplomas if you have obtained it
  If you have obtained a diploma for more relevant studies than one, please upload all diplomas and grade transcripts.
   
• Your curriculum vitae
  List your education, relevant extracurricular activities and internship/professional experience.
   
• A motivation letter
  Give good arguments about why you want to do this master's programme at Maastricht University, and why you expect that you can successfully complete the programme.
   

^{*As a current 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, a specific task to upload a copy of your passport will appear in the MyApplication portal.}

• Course descriptions (in English) of the mathematics and computer science courses that are listed on your grades transcript.
  We always advise you to provide this document, especially if your grades transcript does not contain the same course names as the topics mentioned in the admission requirements
   
• Evidence of other courses or tests in mathematics/computer sciences that are not part of your grade transcript, but which you think are relevant to assess your application (for instance an additional online programming course)
  Advised for all applicants
   
• Document(s) that demonstrate your proficiency in English
  Answer the questions concerning language requirements under ‘Language requirements for English-language master 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.
   
• 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.