Early Bird Applications
For the enrolment period for the academic year 2026-2027, first-year applicants to the regular Bachelor’s programmes at the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Arts can take advantage of the Early Bird application option. If you have a non-Dutch (or international) prior education and complete your application in Studielink and the Progress Portal (including all requested admission information and documentation) between October 1 and February 28, you will receive a decision on your (conditional) admission within one month.
When does your application meet the Early Bird requirements?
- You apply for a regular Bachelor’s programme (not fixed quota)
- You apply as a first-year student
- You apply for programme at either the Faculty Science & Engineering or the Faculty of Arts
- You apply on the basis of a non-Dutch or international prior education
- You complete your application in Studielink and the Progress Portal - including all requested application information and documents - between 1 October and 28 February
- You have paid the application fee between October 1st and February 28
Why is it smart to apply early?
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More time to arrange housing and other practical matters
The student housing market is tight. Starting your search early significantly increases your chances of finding a room. Landlords often also require proof of (conditional) admission. -
More time to meet all requirements
If you are conditionally admitted—meaning you need to fulfill certain requirements—you may need to obtain specific certificates. The sooner you know whether you need to achieve a (new) language certificate or a partial certificate in subjects like mathematics, biology, physics, or chemistry, the more time you have to arrange, study, and (hopefully) achieve this! -
More time to handle all immigration procedures
If your application is completed on time, you will have enough time to arrange your residence permit and visa (if applicable to non-EU students).
And if you meet the Early Bird requirements, you will receive a digital information package and have a chance to win an I-Shop voucher worth €20.
How can I apply?
You can apply via Studielink. More information about the application process can be found on our website.
Where should I send the information and documents about my prior education?
After applying in Studielink, you will receive instructions on how to complete your application in the Progress Portal. Want to know more? Visit our website.
I have a regular Dutch prior education. Why doesn’t the Early Bird option apply for me?
We usually receive information about Dutch qualifications automatically through DUO. Therefore, we generally know quickly whether you can be admitted to a programme at the UG with your prior education.
I missed the Early Bird deadline. Can I still study at RUG next year?
Yes, you can, however you no longer meet the requirements to benefit receiving your decision within a month. Make sure your application is submitted as soon as possible and no later than May 1st.
I want to apply for IRIO. Does the Early Bird procedure apply here as well?
No, the Early Bird procedure does not apply to IRIO, as it is a programme with a numerus fixus and its own (different) application deadline. If there is an Early Bird procedure for your programme, it will be mentioned on the programme page.
I applied for a programme at another faculty. Does the above information apply to me?
No, for the upcoming academic year, the above information only applies to the Faculty of Science & Engineering and the Faculty of Arts. We ensure that every application is processed carefully and as quickly as possible. The Liberal Arts and Sciences programme at University College Groningen has its own Early Bird process with a deadline of January 15th. More information can be found here.
Am I fully enrolled if I am (conditionally) admitted?
No, to become fully enrolled, first of all, you must be fully admitted. You will also need to have arranged the payment of the tuition fees, and, if you are from outside the EU, successfully complete the immigration procedure. More information can be found here.
| Last modified: | 06 October 2025 11.59 a.m. |