The applicant should normally have at least a Bachelor's or an equivalent degree in one of the following fields:

• computer science
• artificial intelligence
• mathematics
• philosophy
• linguistics

In exceptional circumstances, applicants with degrees in other relevant disciplines may also be considered, provided they have a sufficiently strong background.
All applicants must have a reasonable background in logic, affinity with mathematical and formal thinking and some familiarity with mathematical proofs. In practice, this means that we expect that incoming students have had a formal introduction to logic up to the completeness theorem for first-order logic and have taken courses requiring mathematical or formal reasoning.

In addition, applicants are required to have a strong academic record, and must satisfy the English language requirements (see below). The tight schedule of the programme leaves very little room to compensate for deficiencies.

Advanced students (typically students who already have an MSc or MA degree in a related subject) can apply for transfer credits on the basis of a strong academic record and relevant courses they have taken by contacting the Programme Manager. Each application will be individually judged by the Board of Examiners. Depending on the transfer credits granted it is possible to complete the MSc programme in one year.

Additional entry requirements for international students

Students from outside the Netherlands must also fulfil additional requirements regarding academic background (university ranking), grade point average (GPA) and proficiency in English.