To apply for this Master's programme, you will need to register in Studielink and subsequently apply through the application system SIS before the mentioned dates, even if you have not yet completed your Bachelor's programme. 

Start your application procedure on time

We strongly advise you to apply as early as possible, a week before the deadline at the latest, as registration in Studielink and SIS, paying the required application fee and arranging for all documents will take several days. 

Please note, applications received after the deadline will not be considered for admission. 

Deadlines

Applying is possible from 1 October on.

* Are you a current Bachelor's or Master's student at a Dutch higher education institution? Then the deadline mentioned under “EU/EEA students” applies, i.e. 30 April 23.59 CET.

Deadline with a UvA Scholarship

Please note that if you want to apply for a UvA Scholarship, other deadlines for application to the Master's programme apply. 

You are eligible to apply for the Master's programme Earth Sciences if you fulfil the following entry requirements:  

1. Prior education

Students are eligible to apply if they have a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences, or in Future Planet Studies combined with a major in Earth Sciences, or an (international) equivalent. Admission with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Sustainability & Environmental Sciences is also possible under certain conditions. (Please contact the track coordinator of your preferred track for advice).

All students go through an admissions procedure in which potential gaps in the students' knowledge and skills are identified. If necessary, students must be willing to study extracurricular course material, depending on your background, before starting the track.

2. Required level

A sufficient Bachelor's degree from a university. Our International Team and the Admissions Board will verify whether a non-Dutch degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university. If your degree is assessed as less you are not eligible for admission. All international Bachelor’s degrees are evaluated based on standards set by the NUFFIC 

Grades

We are seeking students who have demonstrated strong academic ability and can manage the high level and workload of the programme.

One of the key criteria we consider during the selection process is your Grade Point Average (GPA). While there is no fixed minimum GPA requirement, we assess your overall academic performance in relation to all selection criteria to make a well-informed decision. You are advised to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:

• 3.0 (American system)
• 2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system)
• C (ECTS-system)

3. English language proficiency

All information regarding the English language proficiency obligations can be found here:

Deadlines for English test results

The deadline for submitting a sufficient English proficiency test result is the same as the application deadline for the selected Master's programme. Applications submitted without a sufficient English proficiency test result will be kept on hold.

Before you can apply to the UvA, you will need to submit an enrollment application through Studielink. Studielink is the national online system for students who aim to enroll in a degree programme at a Dutch institute of higher education. 

Check your DigiD (before starting in Studielink)

A DigiD (Digital Identification) is an online ID that provides access to government administration websites. 

• Students who do not live in the Netherlands can use Studielink without a DigiD.
• Students who currently live in the Netherlands will need their DigiD to use Studielink. We strongly recommend you to apply for your DigiD at least three weeks before registering in Studielink.

Important: While selecting the Master's programme of your interest in Studielink, make sure to select the regular programme (option 1). Do not select option 2 (after a temporary termination of enrolment) or option 3 (elective) if you are a degree seeking student. You will select the track of your interest later on in SIS. 

After submitting your enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive an email with your UvAnetID. This can take up to 48 hours. Follow the instructions in the email to activate your UvAnetID as you will need it to complete your UvA application. 

After submitting an enrolment request in Studielink, you will receive an email within 48 hours with a link to submit your application in SIS. To log in to SIS, you will need your activated UvAnetID. Please fill out the application form, upload the required documents, pay the application fee (if applicable), and submit your application before the application deadline. 

Please note: Completing all the steps may take a few days. You might also need to look for or request certain documents. We therefore strongly recommend that you start well in advance. 

Documents should be uploaded in PDF format. A complete application consists of the following documents: 

1. A self-written motivation letter in English (max. 500 words). 
2. Your curriculum vitae in the English language. Please ensure that all previous education, including high school, is included. 
3. A copy of your Bachelor's transcript in Dutch, English, German or French and in the original language. 
4. A copy of your Bachelor's diploma/certificate or an official graduation statement in Dutch, English, German or French and in the original language. Please include a (self-made) list of courses in your final year, if you have not yet completed your current academic programme.  
5. A summary of your Bachelor's thesis/project in English (if applicable).  
6. One email addresses of a referee. Please make sure they are notified and available for contact via email. We need to receive the reference letter within two weeks after submitting your application. Important: no reference letter will be accepted or dealt with after the application deadline. 
7. Proof of English proficiency.  

In case any of the above-mentioned documents are missing, your application will be considered incomplete, and we cannot continue with your application.   

All students applying for a Master’s programme with an international Bachelor’s diploma are required to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Paying the application fee is the last step in submitting your application. 

You can pay the €100 application fee by credit card (Mastercard, Visacard), PayPal, Bancontact or iDEAL/Wero. Only after payment of this fee, you will be able to submit your application. 

You don't have to pay the application fee:  

• If you have of will obtain a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences (HBO).   

• If you have already applied and have paid the application fee for another Master’s programme at the UvA for the same academic year.   

• If your tuition fee will be paid by the Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF). If so, your application fee will be refunded. 

The application fee is non-refundable. You are not entitled to a refund even if you do not submit your application form, or if you submit an application form after the deadline (which will not be taken into consideration), or if you submit an incomplete application.   

As soon as you have submitted the (sufficiently) complete online application in SIS, it will be evaluated by our Admissions Board. We strive to process each application within 6 weeks. You can track the status of your admission using the checklist in SIS. 

Accept  

If you meet all the entry requirements and the Admissions Board has approved your application, we will send you a letter of conditional acceptance by email. Please accept your offer in SIS within 2 weeks. If you do not respond to your offer within 2 weeks, we cannot continue with your admission process (and visa request if applicable). Please note that accepting the offer does not oblige you to start the programme. You will still be able to withdraw your enrolment request in Studielink until August 31st. 

Decline  

Please remember to cancel your Studielink enrolment request if you reject the offer in SIS. 

Defer  

It is not possible to defer your admission to the next academic year. A new enrolment is required for each academic year as entry requirements may change. 

If you are (conditionally) admitted to a Master’s programme, we must verify your previous education. Please click on the link below for more information on how to do this. 

You will need to arrange a variety of practical matters before starting your studies Master's programme. This includes your visa or residence  permit, insurance and housing. 

After your (conditional) admission you will receive information by means of email on how to complete your registration and how to apply for a visa or residence permit, if needed. 

A student ID card is a personal card which serves as proof of identity for examinations or borrowing library books. You will receive instructions on how to request your student ID card.

In order to complete your enrolment for a degree programme at the UvA, you will need to pay the tuition fee.