FAQ Pre-Master's programmes

These programmes consist of 45 EC max, but have a reduced number of 30 EC credits for HBO students with specific educational background. Check the overview of Pre-Master's programmes. Academic BSc students (WO) always get an individualized offer.

No, you cannot choose this yourself. When you apply for one of the Pre-Master’s programmes, we will check whether you are eligible for the 30 EC or the 45 EC programme and then send you an offer. Please read the section ‘How to apply’.

For students with an academic (WO) Bachelor's, we always start with the 45 EC programme and look individually whether elements of the programme are already covered in your earlier studies. For example, statistics is a course that most Bachelor's students have had adequate training in. When you apply, you should also send us a mail so that we can give you an individualized package. For more information on applying as a WO graduate click here.

If you are interested in the Pre-Master's Economics or EORAS, your mathematics level will be assessed during your application process.

For all other Pre-Master's programmes we have recommended levels of mathematics that students need to successfully complete the Pre-Master's. It is your own responsibility to have the recommended mathematics skills.

For students with an international diploma, the admissions board will look at your mathematics background, so provide clear information about that with your application.

Please check the entry requirements page to find out the Mathematics levels we recommend for the Pre-Master's of your choice.

For all students that are uncertain about their mathematics skills we advise to take the FEB spring or summer math course.

I will obtain an international diploma. Do I have to send an English language proficiency certificate?

• Yes, it is necessary to send proof of your English language proficiency if you have an international degree. The tests and the scores are presented on this page.

Can I get exempted from providing an English language proficiency certificate?

• If you have obtained a Dutch WO or a HBO degree, you are exempted from providing an English language proficiency certificate.

I am a student with an international diploma degree. Can I apply for a 30 EC programme?

• As an international student you have to apply for the MSc of your choice and cannot directly apply for a Pre-Master's.

If I am an international student with a Dutch HBO-diploma, can I apply for the Pre-Master's?

• Yes, you can apply to our Pre-Master’s programmes. More information on ‘Dutch diploma -> HBO diploma’.

Students with a HBO diploma

If you applied for one of our Pre-Master’s programmes, the university can only process and assess your application once you have finished your HBO degree. For most students, this might mean that their applications will be processed during the summer months. In August, you can check in your dashboard whether your application is processed. Please note that the deadline to apply for all Pre-master's programmes (September start) is 1 July.

Students with a Dutch WO diploma

When you apply in Studielink, the university can only process and assess your application once you have finished your degree. For most students, this might mean that their applications will be processed during the summer months. To get an earlier offer with an individualized package you ALSO have to apply directly at FEB. Please see this page for further instructions. Also note that the deadline to apply for all Pre-master's programmes (September start) is 1 July.

Students with an international diploma

If you have an international diploma, you cannot apply directly to the Pre-Master’s programmes. You have to apply for a regular Master's programme at the Faculty of Economics and Business. Once you have completed your application, it will be reviewed by the Admissions Office and the Admissions Board. Please note that the deadline to apply is 1 May. Assessment for the Master's application may take up to 6 weeks or longer during the busy application months. If you are eligible for the Pre-Master's, the Admissions Office will inform you by email including the next steps you need to take.

Yes, you can. However, you can only participate in Pre-Master’s courses (which are officially Bachelor's courses) with a Bachelor's enrolment. So if you are not enrolled in a Bachelor's at the University of Groningen, you have to register for the Pre-Master’s through Studielink and you can start per 1 September of the next academic year. If you have a Dutch Master's degree, please follow the instructions for students with a Dutch WO diploma on this page.

Pre-Master's programmes are specifically designed by universities to match their Master's programmes. So Pre-Master's programmes from other institutions usually do not give direct access to any of our Master programmes. However, you may be eligible for a reduced Pre-Master's package. Please send an email to premsc.feb rug.nl to discuss your situation.