General questions

How long does it take to process my application?
If you submit a complete application file, you can expect the outcome within two or three weeks. In case of missing documents or if there is some uncertainty about your pre-education the procedure will last longer. In the latter case we will inform you about the delay. You can check the status of your application status in the Track Status header at the Embark homepage. 

Do you require GMAT/GRE?
For the MSc in Business Studies and the MSc in Accountancy and Control a GMAT score is required. For all other programmes a GRE score is required. Students with a Dutch degree are exempted from the GRE/GMAT requirement.

What is the latest moment I can hand in my GMAT score?
Deadline for the GMAT/GRE scores is August 1 2012

What is the minimum GMAT or GRE score?
There is no minimum score requirement. The GMAT/GRE score is just one amongst other selection criteria. We therefore accept a wide range of scores. Our new students' average GMAT score is 604. The average GRE scores are 440 (verbal), 678 (quantitative) and 3,75 (writing).

What is the institution code for GMAT?
The code is 0500, Amsterdam Business School, Master Business Administration.

What is the institution code for GRE?
The code is 6739, Amsterdam Business School

I graduated from an English-taught university programme. Does the language requirement still apply?
You are exempted from taking the test if you have a Bachelor's degree from one of the following countries: Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. All other applicants are required to submit a valid English test score which is not older than 2 years.

I have an English test score report that is older than 2 years. Do I need to take the test again?
You may be exempted from taking the test again if you have obtained a degree from an English-taught university programme completely taught in English or if you have attended an exchange programme in an English-speaking country.

My English proficiency score is not sufficient. Do you provide English language courses in summer?
The University of Amsterdam does not provide this service.

What is the handling fee?
We charge this fee for administrating and handling your application.

Who should write the reference letters?
References should be written by former or current teachers.

Will the handling fee be refunded?
If you are accepted and enrolled in the programme the fee will be refunded. If you are not accepted in the programme or if you decide to withdraw your application the fee will not be refunded.

Do I need to pay the handling fee twice if I apply for two programmes?
You only need to pay the fee once if you are applying for more than one Master's programme.

What is a certified copy?
It is a copy of the original document stamped and signed by your university or a notary.

I would like to enroll in the spring semester. Is that possible?
For students with a foreign degree this is not possible. For students with a Dutch degree we offer a spring intake  for the Marketing Management and International Management Tracks in the MSc in Business Studies. 

I have a limited economical or business background. For what Master's programme am I eligible to apply?
For the Master in Operations Research economic courses are not a strict requirement. With a bachelor in computer science or engineering you can apply.

What is the first day of lectures?
The academic year 2012-2013 starts on Monday, 3 September 2012

I have an academic degree but not in the required field. However, I have many years of working experience in the field. Can I apply?
Preliminary education outweighs working experience. Without an adequate academic pre-education there is unfortunately no point to apply.

I want to apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. How should I proceed?
You should add an AMS motivation letter to your online application explaining why you would like to receive the AMS scholarship.

Do you offer any other scholarships?
For other scholarships we advise you to refer to the following websites:

Specific questions about the Embark system

While trying to create an account, I get the message: 'your account already exists'. What can I do?
This probably means that you have registered with Embark before (because you have applied to a university working with the same application system). You don't need to register for a new account but you simply can use your existing account for your UvA application. If you forgot your password you can ask to send it to your email adress.

How can I see the status of my application?
As soon as we have received your application we will send you an email with a link to the Track Status service of the Embark system.

I'm asked to pay the handling fee in dollars instead of euros. Why?
Embark is American system and charges in American dollars. Embark uses the actual exchange rate to convert the € 100 to the equivalent amount in dollars.

I don't have a credit card. Can I still apply?
As payment by credit card is the only option we advise you to look for someone that can help you with a credit card payment.