Application and admission: Research Master in Economics - procedure for all applicants

Educational background/diplomas

When you apply for admission to the Research Master's program in Economics, you need to have completed / will complete before the end of the academic year:

• An academic Bachelor's or Master’s degree program in economics, econometrics, or business studies, or another relevant field that is deemed a quantitative equivalent to the previous education profile.
• You have completed your previous degree with an excellent GPA.

English language proficiency

An adequate knowledge of English is required, to be demonstrated with one of the following test results. The test results must not be older than two years at the time of application.

• Academic IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 for each section.
• TOEFL iBt with a minimum score of 100  for the traditional TOEFL iBT test at a test center or the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition. 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) with a min. level of B.
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE).

Please note

• All English tests must be taken at an authorized exam center, we do not accept online versions of tests like IELTS Online.
• We do not accept a combination of test results on different test dates, e.g., TOEFL's 'My Best Scores'.

Exemption for the English language proficiency test can be granted, if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

• You hold a passport from one of the following countries:
  Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• You have completed a 3-year Academic Bachelor’s program (of at least 180 ECTS credits) fully in English in an accredited Research University within the EEA or in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• You are citizen of India or Singapore and have completed a 3-year Academic Bachelor’s program (of at least 180 ECTS credits) fully in English in an accredited Research University.

It is compulsory* to submit your GRE General Test score.

• Applicants must have a score of at least 164 for the quantitative reasoning (QR) part of the GRE. 
• The GRE institution code for Tilburg University is 0730.
• The test must not be older than two years at the time of application.

*Only in exceptional cases, if we have strong additional information, an exception can be made.

During the application process, you must upload the following documents in pdf format only.

1. Copy Passport / ID card 
   Please check the exact requirements, including the minimum validity of your passport or ID card, on the webpage Documents to verify your identity.
2. A copy of your Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma. If you still have to graduate, you should instead submit the expected graduation date or a graduation statement. In our online application system this document is referred to as Diploma Statement.
3. Transcript of Records
   This is a list from your University of the courses you have taken in your Bachelor's (and Master's) degree, with the grades you have achieved.  This must be an official list from your University, not your results downloaded from the University’s student system. If you have not yet completed all courses at the time of application, please provide the Transcript plus a list of the courses you still need to complete before graduation.
4. Official translations of the Transcript of Records and diploma(s)
   If your Transcript of Records and diploma are not in English, a certified translator must translate the documents (with the exception of the thesis/research paper).
5. An English Language Certificate according to the admissions requirements above. The test must not be older than two years.
6. A copy of your GRE General Test score report according to the admissions requirements above. The test must not be older than two years.
7. Letter of motivation according to the format (one letter per program you are applying for!).
8. At least two letters of recommendation. (These should be submitted directly by their writers. A link will be sent to the e-mail addresses you provided once you submit your application.)
9. Curriculum Vitae.
10. Relevant written work, such as your Bachelor's or Master's thesis or written assignment.

Register in Studielink

You must register in Studielink, the Dutch national registration system for higher education, including the information below. Please do so correctly or we will not be able to process your application.

• Make sure you register for the correct study program.
  • The name of this Research Master's program in Studielink is M Research Master in Economics (research) (croho: 60909).
• Add your personal details (including your full name) as stated in your passport. 
• Add details of all your educational programs leading to your Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree, even if you have not completed the program of study.
• Enter an e-mail address that you use regularly. Tilburg University will send you important information via this e-mail address, so please check it regularly.
• For instructions on how to register via Studielink, please watch our video How to register in Studielink and read the Studielink Manual.

Register in Studielink

Please note: you must follow the application procedure in step 3 to be considered for admission. Registration in Studielink alone is not sufficient. Both processes must be completed by the deadline stated above.

After you have registered in Studielink, you must continue your application in OSIRIS Aanmeld, our online application system.

Within 48 hours of your registration in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail confirming your login details to OSIRIS Aanmeld. 

• You can prepare for this e-mail by confirming noreply@tilburguniversity.edu as a safe sender in your e-mail system. You should also check your spam/junk inbox.
• If you have not received this e-mail within 48 hours of your registration in Studielink, please contact your Education Coordinator via tisem-msc-rm@tilburguniversity.edu.

Log in to OSIRIS Aanmeld using your login details as stated in the confirmation e-mail. Follow the instructions to complete your application.

Make sure to upload the correct documents, or your application can not be processed. Details about the format and content of the required documents can be found in 'Step 1: Prepare your application documents'.

Some tips for your application:

• In OSIRIS Aanmeld, the name of the application process in the Type column is "Application pre-Master + Master" for all applicants. This is independent of the type of program you have registered for in Studielink.
• We recommend that you use Chrome as your web browser.
• If you want to upload a document with more than one page, scan each page of the document into one PDF.
• In order to assess your application, we only require the documents listed above.
• You do not have to complete your application in one go. You can save your application and return to it later.

You will also receive an e-mail with login details for Tilburg University's computer network

In addition to the e-mail with login details for OSIRIS Aanmeld, you will also receive an e-mail with login details for Tilburg University's computer network from our Library and IT Services department.

• This e-mail has, among other information, your student number and Tilburg University e-mail address.
• You will not need these details for your application, but please save them carefully, as you will need them after your admission to complete your enrollment.

Submit your application before the deadline as stated above

When you have completed your application, you can submit it. If you submit your application either close to or on the deadline, but have not uploaded the correct documents, Tilburg University reserves the right not to process your application.

After submitting your application

Our Admissions Coordinator will check that your application is complete, according to the requirements above.

If your documents are not complete, you will be asked to submit any missing or replace any illegible document(s). Your Admissions Coordinator may request additional information from you during the assessment process.  Please check your e-mail regularly (including your spam folder) to avoid a delay in the processing of your application.

You can check your application status anytime you log in to your account in OSIRIS Aanmeld.

After your application is complete, your application will be assessed to determine whether your academic background meets our admission requirements, based on your application documents.

Within six weeks after the deadline, you will receive the Admissions Committee's decision by e-mail.

Below are the possible outcomes of your application:

• Admission to the Research Master's program
  In case you have been accepted into the Research Master’s program, you will receive a conditional admissions offer.
  • Conditionally accepted means that you are admitted to the Research Master's program, provided that you finish your current degree (if applicable) and send the originals or certified copies of your documents.
  • The conditional admission letter will state what you need to do to turn your conditional admission into unconditional admission. Please read this carefully and contact your Admissions Coordinator if you have any questions.
• Rejection
  This means that the Admissions Committee considers your academic background to be unsuitable for admission to our Research Master's program. Your registration in Studielink will be cancelled.

Send in originals or certified copies of your documents

• Once you decide to accept the admissions offer, you should send all the original/certified copies of the required documents.
• After receiving the original/ certified copies of your documents, the Admissions Coordinator will proceed the application, administration and immigration procedure.
• During the entire application, administration and immigration procedure, the Admissions Coordinator will keep in touch with you through e-mail. Make sure you read and respond to the instructions of the Admissions Coordinators in time. 

Admitted? Congratulations! We hope you are exited to start your studies at Tilburg University.

Complete your enrollment at Tilburg University

After your conditional admission, you must turn your conditional admission into unconditional admission and complete your enrollment.

• You can check your enrollment status and/or see any 'To do' items that are still pending in OSIRIS Student. You can use your login details for Tilburg University’s computer network to access OSIRIS Student.

Practical matters

Before you start your studies in Tilburg, there are some important things you need to arrange, such as your visa (non-EEA nationals only), housing, payment of your tuition fees, and more. You will receive more information about all these things from your Admissions Coordinator, before your arrival.

Participate in the introduction activities

All Tilburg University students are encouraged to arrive in Tilburg during our Registration Days that will take place in mid-August.

Why do we ask for GRE scores?

The GRE scores are considered to be an indicator of likely success in graduate level programs as they demonstrate an applicant's ability to think clearly and analytically. We receive applications for admission from all over the world and from a wide variety of educational systems and standards, and the GRE provides an objective and uniform indicator to gauge academic preparedness and general knowledge, considered fundamental to the rigors of a graduate school education.

What is the minimum GRE score required for admission to CentER?

In principle, we require a score of 164 or higher on the quantitative section of the GRE. In exceptional cases, we accept applicants without a score (or with a score below 164). This only happens if there are very strong counter-balancing factors, such as an outstanding undergraduate academic performance in a renowned program, or compelling evidence of extenuating circumstances.

Are copies rather than originals of GRE/IELTS/TOEFL results accepted?

If you are getting close to the application deadline, you may upload the unofficial test score. However, before you can be formally accepted, you have to send us the official test score.

Can I apply for enrollment at CentER before taking the GRE/IELTS/TOEFL?

Generally not, but you can apply with your provisional test scores. You do not have to wait until you receive the official scores before applying. 

Where can I get information on preparing for and taking the GRE?

Information on preparing for and registering to take the GRE can be found at: http://www.ets.org/gre.

Where can I get information on taking the IELTS?

Information on IELTS is available at www.ielts.org. Please note that we require you to take the academic part of this test.

Where can I get information on taking the TOEFL?

Information on TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org. The TOEFL institution code for Tilburg University is 9860.

My GRE/IELTS/TOEFL test results are older than two years. Will they be accepted?

Test results older than two years can unfortunately not be accepted. Please make arrangements to re-take these tests.

Do I have to have completed my undergraduate degree before applying to CentER?

You may submit your application before completing your degree as long as you have satisfactorily completed it by August 31st of the year of admission.

Does CentER admit students year-round?

No, students are admitted once a year - in Spring - for the beginning of the academic year in the Fall.

How long does the application process take and when can I expect to be notified if my application has been approved?

The Admissions Committee will assess the complete application packages immediately after the deadline. The entire assessment procedure will take up to 6 weeks after the deadline. The Graduate Officer will inform you about the Admission Committee’s decision regarding your application.

How many and what types of references are required?

Two personal references are required: at least one from a college or university professor, the other one can be from another person who can attest to your academic capabilities.

Should my referees send their letters directly to CentER or can they be included with my application?

You can invite your referees to upload the documents using the online application system.

I have been denied admission; is it possible to re-apply?

The admission committee will reconsider a previously denied application only if circumstances have changed significantly since the initial application – for example by means of additional qualifications.

Is it possible to take individual courses offered at CentER without being enrolled in a degree program?

Yes, qualified individuals who are not enrolled in a degree program can enroll in CentER courses. Depending on your study program or job, a fee per course may be charged.

What are the tuition fees for the Research Master's program at CentER?

Information on the tuition fees

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes. You can find detailed information on the scholarship webpage.

Is it possible to get a waiver of the tuition fees?

All non-EEA students admitted to CentER are automatically granted a partial tuition fee waiver.

Am I allowed to seek paid employment while pursuing a degree at CentER?

Due to the intensive nature of the programs, most Research Master students are discouraged from working for pay outside the university. However, Research Master students in possession of a student visa are allowed to work up to a maximum number of hours per week/year. 

Many Research Master's students get a job as a teaching or research assistant at the university. If you are a student from outside the Netherlands and are offered a teaching or research assistant's position for more than a maximum number of hours per week, you will need to apply for a work visa through the University personnel office. This is a time-consuming process, which must be completed before commencing work. The regulations governing work permits vary depending on your country of origin. You can get further details from the University personnel office if and when the need arises.

If you have finished the RM and become a PhD student, the situation is very different. PhD candidates are usually employees of Tilburg University. They receive a monthly salary based on a structure that adheres to collective bargaining agreements between the University and the labor unions representing University employees. All of the necessary documentation, including work permits, will be taken care of by the University personnel office.

More information about working while studying

What types of insurance coverage are required?

When living in the Netherlands, you must, by law, have appropriate health insurance. We strongly recommend that you have the appropriate liability and travel insurance as well. Organizing these insurances is your own responsibility, but we have set out some general information/guidelines.

Do I need a visa to enroll at CentER?

Non-EEA students will need a visa to stay in the Netherlands during their course of study, and the Immigration Office will arrange this for you once you have been accepted. More information about the immigration procedure.

How do I open a bank account?

In order to assist you with opening a Dutch bank account, Tilburg University has made an agreement with ABN AMRO bank. More information about opening a Dutch bank account.