How to apply for a master's programme?

Are you ready to start your journey as a student at Wageningen University & Research? Below you can find how to apply for a master’s programme, the admission requirements, the application procedure and the deadlines.

An application at Wageningen University consists of two steps:

  1. Submit an application request in Studielink
  2. Upload your documents in the application portal Osiris

Admission requirements

Previous education

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field of science relevant to your selected programme.
  • Sufficient academic performance throughout your bachelor's degree, as shown by an average unweighted mark that meets the required minimum, as determined in the International credentials evaluation guide.

English proficiency

All of our master’s programmes are taught in English. When applying, make sure that you meet the English requirements as described on this page ‘English language proficiency MSc’

Previous knowledge and skills

Individual master’s programmes may add specific requirements in addition to the general requirements. Please check the ‘admission and application’ details per MSc programme before you apply.

Application deadlines

Programmes starting in September

All master’s programmes start in September. With a few programmes, it is also possible to start in February. You can find these below.

Application Deadlines
NL/EU/EFTA students Non-EU/Non-EFTA students Students online master's
Application in Studielink 15 June 15 April 15 June
Submit application documents in WU application portal 1 July 1 May 1 July

Please note that there are different application deadlines if you wish to be eligible for a scholarship, please check the website.

Programmes that also start in February

The following master's programmes start in February each year:

  • Biosystems Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Biology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Forest and Nature Conservation
Application Deadlines
NL/EU/EFTA students Non-EU/Non-EFTA students Students online master's
Application in Studielink 15 November 15 September NA
Submit application documents in WU application portal 1 December 1 October NA

Please note that there are different application deadlines if you wish to be eligible for a scholarship, please check the website.

How to apply

Step 1: Select your programme(s) in Studielink

Students who want to make an application at Wageningen University first need to apply via Studielink. Please note that you can only apply for two different programmes per intake. Choose your programme(s) of choice well, prior to applying in Studielink.

You don’t have to upload any of your personal documents in Studielink. It is very important that you enter your personal and academic details correctly. If you are currently in the final stages of your Bachelor's degree then please do add that programme to your prior education in Studielink.

Step 2: Upload your documents in the Osiris application portal

After you submitted your request for enrolment in Studielink you will receive an email from Wageningen University within one day. This includes a student number and information on how to log in to our Osiris application portal. Upload the required documents to our portal and submit your application.

What to upload:

Bachelor's degree: Upload your bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in its original language + a certified English translation, when the original language is other than English or Dutch.

Not graduated yet? If you are in the final year of your bachelor’s programme, then please upload the most recent academic transcript. The Admission board can conditionally admit applicants based on a transcript of their academic records.

Transcript of academic records: You need to upload an original complete/up-to-date list of your marks obtained during your bachelor’s/master’s including a sworn translation if the original is not in English or Dutch. It should include your name, logo and official stamp of your university.

Proof of English proficiency: Unless you can be exempted you have to provide us with one of the official tests accepted by Wageningen University. Before applying, make sure you meet the English language requirements.

Curriculum Vitae: Curriculum Vitae or brief personal history (maximum two pages and in English). There is no specific format or structure you need to use.

(Optional) Personal Statement regarding prior education: If you doubt whether your transcript of records / degree will be perceived as relevant for the chosen master's programme, or if you are interested in one particular specialization of the master's programme, please feel free to submit a personal statement.

Step 3: Wait for the assessment of your documents

Your application and uploaded documents will be evaluated by the Admissions Office. You receive an email within two weeks if one of your uploaded documents is rejected or if we need additional information for your application.

Step 4: Receive the decision on your admission

If the Admissions Office checked all your documents, your application is forwarded to the Admissions board of your chosen programme(s). You receive the result within 6 to 8 weeks after submitting your application.

After your admission you will be informed about the enrolment process.

Procedure for submitting an appeal

When you disagree with the decision about your admission to a programme, you can submit an appeal. You need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Get in touch with the Admissions Office through the contact form. Indicate that you do not agree with the decision and ask for an explanation.

Step 2: The Admissions Office will reply and will refer you to the concerning Admissions Board if necessary. If you are unable to reach a solution within 3 to 4 weeks, you may consider starting a formal procedure to submit an appeal.

Step 3: You have to submit your formal appeal within 6 weeks after the initial decision about your admission was made. View this webpage for more information about submitting an appeal. Please note that the appeal period is not suspended during steps 1 and 2.