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Pre-Master's programs (after Dutch HBO)

Did you just finish your Dutch HBO and do you want to extend your practical knowledge with a Master's degree from a Research University? Or don't you have the right Research University Bachelor's degree for the Master's program you are interested in? Tilburg University offers a large number of pre-Master's programs to bridge the knowledge gaps with specific Master's programs. That way you can often get the Master's degree you want within 1.5-2 years.

How does it work?

  1. On the Master's overview page you can filter the Master's programs to get a quick impression which programs have a pre-Master's program available for students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) and/or Research University students that are not directly eligible to enroll.
  2. Next, you can check the relevant application and admission pages to get an indication if you are eligible to enroll with your specific Dutch HBO or Research University Bachelor's degree. 
  3. If you enroll and you are admitted to the pre-Master's program, you will first need to finish the pre-Master's program. Most pre-Master's programs will take half a year or one year to complete (30-60 ECTS).
  4. After finishing the pre-Master's program, you are directly eligible for the Master's program. Most regular Master's programs will take one year to complete (60 ECTS).

More information about the Dutch higher education system

There are a number of differences to consider when you have a Bachelor's degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) and are considering to extend your practical knowledge with a Master's degree from a Research University.

For international students we have prepared a page with more information about these differences and higher education in the Netherlands

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