Application and admission

Applications will be carefully evaluated by the admissions committee. The committee determines whether or not all entry requirements as specified below are met and assesses the quality of each application compared to the other applications received.

International diplomas are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the diploma should be equivalent to three years of Dutch academic education.

Specific entry requirements

Bachelor's degree
The Master's Programme in Contemporary Asian Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, humanities or economics. 

Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of Asian studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study. Applicants are also expected to have sufficient knowledge of social sciences in general evidenced by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 10 ECTS credits during previous study. Dutch Bachelor students with a less optimal background can increase their chances for admission by completing the undergraduate level minor in Asian Studies before applying to the programme.

Completion of the minor however, does not automatically lead to admission to the Master's programme. Selection tends to be highly competitive reflecting the number and quality of applications received for each selection round.

Research methodology
Applicants should have sufficient knowledge of social sciences research methodology reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 10 ECTS credits during previous study.

Grade average
Study results obtained in previous eduction should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain a good to excellent level, especially in the field of Asian studies. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B/3.0 (American system), second class, lower division Honours degree (British system), C (ECTS system), 7.0 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

General entry requirements

English language proficiency
All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

Applicants who are nationals of countries other than the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit an English test score that meets specific requirements. Inability to do so will prevent enrollment. For more information, please see the link below.

Limited capacity and selection

The number of available places is limited to 30 students per year. If more qualified students apply than there are places available, candidates with the most convincing academic standing are selected. This is based on:

• previous study results
• the relevance of their previous studies
• previous knowledge of social sciences research methodology
• motivation
• job experience
• previously written academic work

Application procedure and  forms

For more information on the application procedure and required application forms for one of the English-taught (research) Master's programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, please see the link below.

Deadlines for application for the English-taught (research) master's programmes vary per programme and the academic qualifications of a student. Below you can download a document in which these deadlines are specified.

Questions

Consult the frequently asked questions if you have questions regarding application and admission. If you have questions that are left unanswered, please contact the Admissions and Registrar's Office at apply-gsss@uva.nl.