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Pre-Master's programmes

Do you want to start a Master's programme, but does your previous education not fully meet the entry requirements? Some Master’s programmes offer a bridging programme (pre-Master's programme) to help you bring your knowledge and skills to the required level in six months to a year.

Admission and application 

Every programme at the University of Amsterdam has its own entry requirements, application procedure and deadlines. Check the Pre-Master's list below or select your Master’s programme to see if they offer a pre-Master’s programme. 

Once you have applied, the Admissions Board will assess whether you have any deficiencies and which additional courses you need to take to address them. You may have a maximum of 60 ECTS in deficiencies to be eligible for a bridging programme (pre-Master's programme). 

Upon successful completion of your pre-Master’s programme and provided you have met all other admission requirements, you will receive an email confirming your unconditional admission to the associated Master’s programme. You will not receive a Bachelor’s degree. 

Check the Pre-Master's list below or select your Master’s programme to see if they offer a pre-Master’s programme. 

View list of Pre-Master's programmes 
View list of Master's programmes 

Admission via second Bachelor’s 

A pre-Master’s programme cannot contain more than 60 credits. If you have a greater deficiency, you are required to follow a second Bachelor's programme in order to be admitted to the Master's programme. You may in some cases be granted exemptions for parts of this second Bachelor's programme, depending on your prior education. 

Tuition fees 

The tuition fees for your pre-Master’s programme depend on the number of credits (ECTS) you need to obtain. If you also follow courses outside the pre-Master’s programme in question, you will be required to pay the full institutional tuition fee. 
Restitution is not possible for pre-Master's programmes. 

Read more about the tuition fees for pre-Master’s 

Entry visa and residence permit 

In order to study in the Netherlands, you may need to apply for a residence permit (VVR) and/or an entry visa (MVV). The UvA is not allowed to apply for a residence permit on your behalf solely for a pre-masters programme. A residence permit application is only possible if your pre-master programme grants direct admission to the accompanying master’s programme and if you start the master’s immediately after your pre-master’s. Each pre-master programme indicates whether it is possible to apply if you require a residence permit. 

For more information on visa and residence permits, please visit uva.nl/visa.