Frequently Asked Questions

Application procedure Graduate School of Humanities

► When can I apply ?

The application procedure for all MA programmes of the Graduate School of
Humanities runs from early November until 1 April. These dates apply for the
academic year 2013-2014.
You should apply online via www.gsh.uva.nl and upload your application
documents before the deadline occurs (as specified below).
There are three application deadlines:
15 December (outcome available before 1 February)
1 February (outcome available before 1 April)
1 April (outcome available before 1 June)

► Whom should I contact with questions about the

application procedure ?
The admissions officers at the Graduate Office are eager to help you with any
questions you may have concerning the application procedure, requirements,
financial issues and practical matters such as accommodation and visas.

Contact details:
Graduate School of Humanities (Graduate Office)
Spuistraat 210, room 003 Amsterdam
Phone #: 0031 (0)20 525 4481 (International students)
0031 (0)20 525 3157 (Dutch students)
Email: graduateschool-fgw@uva.nl
Website: www.gsh.uva.nl
For opening hours, please check the contact page on our website

► What is a personal service page?

After you have applied online you will automatically receive a personal service
page through which you can upload your application documents, check if we
received them and view your application status. You can also communicate with
us through the message box.
You can access your page through our website: www.gsh.uva.nl

► What documents do I need to send by mail?

Apart from uploading the documents listed below on to your personal service
page, you are also required to mail us a hard copy of each.

BA transcripts
MA transcripts (if applicable)
A certified copy of your BA degree
Official English language test score

► What does a certified copy of my diploma mean?

If your official transcripts do not state the date that your BA degree was awarded,
then we require a certified copy of your BA diploma. This means that the copy of
your diploma needs to contain an official stamp and signature of either your
university registrar or a notary.

► Is my BA sufficient for acceptance into the MA programme?

On our website www.gsh.uva.nl you can find the entry requirements for each MA
programme under the MA programme information.

Your credentials will be evaluated by the UvA, after which a recommendation will
be sent to the Examinations Board. We can never state in advance if you will be
accepted for a programme. You will therefore have to apply and send us your
complete application file.

► What are the English language test requirements?

We require one of the following English language test scores:
IELTS (academic): 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 on each part of the test
TOEFL (IBT): 100 with at least 22 on each part of the test
CAE: A
CPE: B
Only students who have obtained BA degrees in native English speaking countries
are exempted from taking the test.

► Can I apply if I do not meet the English language test requirements?

We cannot accept you if you do not fulfill the English language test requirements.
We therefore advise you to apply only once you meet our English language
requirements.

The GSH can process your application without having received your English
language test score. However, you need to make sure your test score is sent to
us before 1 June at the very latest.

► What if I do not have any written work in English?

Then you need to translate one of your former papers or write an abstract of your
thesis, which should be about 15 pages in length. The samples you submit need
to show that you are capable of writing in academic level English and should also
relate to the field of studies you are applying for.

► How do I send my reference letters?

Because a reference letter is confidential, your references should send an email
with their attached reference letter to graduateschool-fgw@uva.nl. Please make
sure that your references mention your full name in their letters.
The Graduate School Office will make sure to attach your reference letters to the
rest of your application. Please note that it may take up to three weeks before
your reference letters are marked as ‘received’ and ‘approved’ on your personal
service page.

► How much is the tuition fee?

The tuition fees for the next academic year will be determined in May. For the
academic year 2013-2014 the tuition fee is set at € 1823* for EU/EEA students
and € 10.500 for non-EU/EEA students.
Tuition fee is based on your nationality (passport) and type of residence permit.
Students who have already finished an MA degree in the Netherlands will have to
pay the higher tuition fee, equal to the non-EU/EEA tuition fee.

* this fee has not been officially approved yet, therefore it may change.

► Can I apply for another MA programme if my application is

rejected?
You can apply for a maximum of two MA programmes per academic year.
Please take note of the application deadlines.

► How can I apply for accommodation and visa?

If you are accepted, you will receive an invitation to apply online for
accommodation. The University of Amsterdam applies for your visa on your behalf.
You will receive an invitation to finalise your registration and visa procedure
online. You will receive these invitations in June.