Step 1: Entry requirements
Our entry requirements can be divided into three different blocks:
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Previous education
We will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. -
Language requirements
You need to start off with a good command of English. Therefore, a proof of proficiency in English is required. -
Level of mathematics
For one specific Bachelor's degree programme, a higher level of mathematics is required.
Previous education
In order to be eligible for admission to one of the above programme, you will need one of the following pre-university education:
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an International/European Baccalaureate diploma;
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or a secondary school / pre-university diploma that is equivalent to a Dutch VWO diploma (academic stream) that permits admission to an undergraduate programme in Economics and Business in the Netherlands. Please consult our list with international and country-specific qualifications that are VWO equivalent.
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Important to know: Your application will be assessed on an individual basis by our Admissions Office. The admission procedure includes evaluating your pre-university or academic credentials. You need to apply for the programme of your choice in order to for the Admissions Office to evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. |
Language requirements
For our Bachelor's programmes which are taught in English, you will need to have a good command of the English language.
Accepted English tests and scores
IELTS Academic
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Overall score 6.0
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Speaking 6
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Writing 6
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Listening 5.5
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Reading 5.5
TOEFL internet-based test (iBT)*
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Overall score 4
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Speaking 4
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Writing 4
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Listening 4
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Reading 4
* for TOEFL iBT tests taken before 21 January 2026, the requirements are an overall score 80, speaking 20, writing 21, listening 17, reading 18.
Cambridge
C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency accepted with the following requirements:
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Overall score 169
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Speaking 165
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Writing 165
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Listening 160
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Reading 160
LanguageCert Academic
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Overall score 65
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Speaking 65
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Writing 65
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Listening 60
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Reading 60
Pearson PTE Academic
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Overall score 61
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Speaking 60
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Writing 60
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Listening 46
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Reading 47
The English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, LanguageCert and Pearson) cannot be older than 2 years. Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the admission procedure, nor are IELTS One-Skill Retake results.
Exemptions for language tests
For more information on possible exemptions from our language requirements, please consult our exemption policy.
How to submit your test results?
Depending on the test you decide to take, you need to send the following documents:
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IELTS: a scan of the score report can be uploaded in the Progress Portal or sent by email. The Admissions office can verify the score online.
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TOEFL: initially, a scan of the score report can be uploaded in the Progress Portal. If you are admitted, we need to receive an original score report. Please ask the Educational Testing Service to send it to us, using institution code 7191.
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Cambridge Certificate: initially, a scan of the score report can be uploaded in the Progress Portal. The Admissions office can verify the score online.
If you already have taken a language test you can directly upload it with your application.
You may apply for a degree programme, even though you have not yet taken an English language test or if your test score is still insufficient. In that case, you might be conditionally admitted with one of the conditions for final admission being that you take and pass a (new) test.
Also mention any other proof of English proficiency (for example, if you have spent a year studying in the UK or the USA in your final year of secondary school).
For the BSc Bedrijfskunde (Business Administration), which is taught in Dutch, you will also need to prove your proficiency in Dutch with the following options:
- State Examination in Dutch as a Second Language (NT2-II);
- C-Test from the University of Groningen Language Centre (only applicable for Dutch native speakers);
- Certificate Dutch as a Foreign Language (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (CNaVT)) – minimum B2-level.
Possible exemptions for the Dutch proficiency requirement:
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with ‘Dutch A’ (SL or HL);
- at least 3 GCE A-levels from one of the accredited British examination boards, including an A-level Dutch;
- a Belgian Diploma van Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (ASO).
Deadlines to submit the English test results
The Admissions Office should have the test results before 20 August (for EU/EEA students).
For non-EU/EEA students the deadline to send the test results is 1 June. Otherwise, there is insufficient time left for the visa application procedure.
Level of mathematics
Mathematics is one of the important courses you need for all of our programmes. Therefore, it is important that you can prove that your level of mathematics is sufficient.
Standard/methods level subject
For BSc Economics and Business Economics, BSc International Business and BSc Bedrijfskunde (Business Administration), mathematics should have been passed as a standard/methods level subject in your secondary school education.
Higher level (advanced) subject
For BSc Econometrics and Operations Research, mathematics should have been passed as a higher level (advanced) subject in your secondary school education.
Please note that for all the BSc programmes, the level of mathematics will need to be assessed by the Admissions Board. Do you have a deficiency in your level of Mathematics?
What documents do I need to apply?
For a complete overview of all documents you need to upload, please check the application checklist.
Contact the Admission Office
Do you have questions about the entry requirements? Please feel free to contact the Admission office.