Maastricht university admission requirements
Admission requirements
UCM strives to attract highly motivated students with a genuine academic interest. Therefore, UCM has a selective admissions process that is designed to help the Board of Admissions assess whether there is a match between your academic interest and what UCM has to offer. There are 200 spots available for incoming students each year. All applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. VWO diploma or an international equivalent
You are eligible for admission to UCM if you have a Dutch VWO diploma or an international equivalent thereof. Below you can find an overview of diplomas that are recognised as an international equivalent of the Dutch VWO diploma.
UCM does not have any additional subject requirements. Eligibility for admission on the basis of diplomas is assessed through diploma evaluation. If you have not yet obtained the diploma, you can still apply with your latest grade list.
- Diplomas equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma (PDF, 192Kb)
2. Letter of motivation
All candidates should write a letter in English of 500-800 words, answering questions such as:
- Why and what would you like to study at UCM?
- What do you expect of a college education?
- What are your plans after graduating from UCM?
3. English proficiency
English is the working language in this programme. You must therefore demonstrate your proficiency in English.
No additional proof of English proficiency is required if you are a native English speaker or if you have obtained or will obtain:
No additional proof of English proficiency is required if you are a native English speaker or if you have obtained or will obtain:
- an International or European Baccalaureate
- a high school diploma in the USA
- GCE A-levels
- a VWO diploma with a minimum overall grade of 7 in English
- Zeugnis der Algemeine Hochschulreife with a minimum overall grade of 8 in English
If you do not meet one of these criteria, you have to provide proof of your English proficiency with either an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge test. You have to prepare and register for these tests yourself.
Be sure to take your test in time. It can take a while before you get the results.
When registering for the TOEFL, please use the code for Maastricht University, which is 7102.
Be sure to take your test in time. It can take a while before you get the results.
When registering for the TOEFL, please use the code for Maastricht University, which is 7102.
The required scores are:
- IELTS test: minimum overall score of 6.5
- TOEFL test: internet-based, overall minimum score of 90
- A Cambridge certificate: CPE with a minimum score of C, or CAE with a minimum score of B
Credit transfer
You can apply for a credit transfer if you have completed courses at a recognised and accredited higher education institution after secondary school.
Complete the credit transfer request form and upload it in MyUM, together with a transcript.
After you have received an invitation to attend UCM, the Examination Committee will determine the number of credits that are eligible for transfer and informs you before the beginning of the academic year. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred to UCM is 60 ECTS.
During the introduction days, you will discuss with the Examination Committee the consequences of the credit transfer for your curriculum . Please note that credits needed in order to be eligible for admission cannot be transferred, nor can credits obtained at a community college or junior college.
Complete the credit transfer request form and upload it in MyUM, together with a transcript.
After you have received an invitation to attend UCM, the Examination Committee will determine the number of credits that are eligible for transfer and informs you before the beginning of the academic year. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred to UCM is 60 ECTS.
During the introduction days, you will discuss with the Examination Committee the consequences of the credit transfer for your curriculum . Please note that credits needed in order to be eligible for admission cannot be transferred, nor can credits obtained at a community college or junior college.
Binding Study Advice
University College Maastricht has a Binding Study Advice. This means that in your first year of the programme, you must obtain a minimum of 45 out of 60 ECTS credits. Students who fail to earn enough credits will receive a negative Binding Study Advice that leads to exclusion from the programme for a period of six years. All students who are at risk of receiving a negative Binding Study Advice will receive a warning after their first semester.
Are you an international student and need help meeting the admission requirements?
To help international students meet the admission requirements for this programme, Maastricht University offers a year-long Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme will provide you with intensive training on academic skills, English language skills and on subjects relevant to the bachelor’s programme. This training will help make you eligible for admission to the bachelor’s programme. You will also participate in social and cultural events that will help you make new friends and adjust to the Dutch culture.
More about the Foundation Programme
More about the Foundation Programme