Master's programs

Top-level master's programs within an international environment prepare you for a responsible position in society.

Admission & Application


Admission requirements

  • An interest in Christianity and in the workings of religion and society;
  • A Dutch academic bachelor’s degree or an equivalent (international) qualification;
  • If you have a Bachelor’s degree from a non-university institution of higher education, you will need to complete a pre-master’s program (only offered in Dutch);
  • A basic knowledge of Christianity (a reading list is available for you to improve your basic knowledge of Christianity and theology);
  • Advanced knowledge of English.
English proficiency

International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

  • Academic IELTS (min. 6.5 overall / 6.0 on parts)
  • TOEFL (minimum: paper based: 575, internet based: 90-91). The TOEFL institutional code for Tilburg University is 9860.
  • Cambridge Proficiency Examination

The above test must be less than two years old at the time of application.

You are exempt from an English language test:

  • If you are a native English speaker, i.e. if you are a citizen of one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America.
  • If you completed all your secondary education in English. This only applies to scholars from the following countries: Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America.
  • If you completed all your university education in English. This only applies to scholars from the following countries: Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America.
  • If you have an IB or EB diploma with English as the language of instruction.
Please take note that English speakers from African countries are NOT exempted from an English language test. The Examination Committee does not make exceptions to this rule.

Application procedures

Dutch diploma
Non-Dutch diploma

Deadlines
Applications for admission are assessed throughout the year but you are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible. Deadlines are as follows:

  • Non-EEA applicants: 1 April 2012
  • EEA/EU applicants: 1 June 2012
  • Dutch applicants: 1 August 2012
  • Applicants for Tilburg University Scholarship Program (TUSP): 1 April 2012

Part-time study
Please note that part-time study is only available to EEA and Dutch students. Students from outside the EEA cannot apply for the part-time programme due to visa regulations.

Chinese applicants
If you are a Chinese national, you must apply for a Nuffic certificate (formerly NESO). Please bear in mind that it takes at least two months to obtain this certificate, so we recommend applying for a Nuffic certificate at the same time as applying to Tilburg University.