Academic level and background

Applicants for a master's programme of the Graduate School for Humanities should have at least a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent thereof in a field relevant to the desired master's degree. The general level should be equal to three years of Dutch university education.

Grade average

If you wish to complete a master's programme or a professional master's programme successfully we recommend that you have an overall grade point average (GPA) of

• B/3.0 (American system)
• 2.1    (an upper second class degree in the British system)
• C       (ECTS-system), or
• 7.0    (Dutch system)

If you wish to apply for a research master's programme, you are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 

• A /4.0         (American system)
• 2.1 HONS (an upper second class honours degree in the British system)
• B                 (ECTS-system), or
• 7.5              (Dutch system)

Admission will not be granted based on a sufficient grade point average only.

English language proficiency

All non-native English speakers applying to the Faculty of Humanities are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to enrol in university-level courses. Students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake
written work in English.

Applicants must submit one of the following tests. Please note that no other tests are accepted, this includes TOEFL test scores. For contact information regarding these tests please visit their websites.

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS exam is offered by the British Council at least once a month upon request. Students are required to have an average score of at least 6.5, with no component of the test scored lower than 6.0. Students should contact the nearest British Council centre in their home country to register for this test as soon as possible. Original test scores should be sent either by IELTS directly or by the student to the admissions Office of the Graduate School for Humanities.

• Cambridge International Examination
Students can also take the Certificate in Advanced English exam (CAE) or the Certificate of Proficiency in English exam (CPE). The minimum scores are: 'A' for the Certificate in Advanced English or 'B' for the Certificate of Proficiency in English. Original scores should be sent either by Cambridge Examinations or by the student to the Admissions Office of the Graduate School for Humanities.


Chinese applicants are recommended to do the IELTS (academic) language test in order to apply for the NESO Certificate.