Application and admission: Research Master in Business: Operations Research track

Educational background/diplomas

When applying for admission to the Research Master's program in Business, 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 (top 10% of your class).

English language proficiency

An adequate knowledge of English is required, to be demonstrated with one of the following test results:

• Academic IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 for each section.
• TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 for the internet-based test; we do not accept the revised paper-based test.
  • The TOEFL institutional code for Tilburg University is 9860.
  • Please note: we do not accept the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (TOEFL ITP)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) with a min. level of B
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE)

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

• 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, or the United States of America.
• If you 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 exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• If 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.

GRE General Test ór GMAT test score

Dutch diploma holders

If you have obtained a Dutch university Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field - see section a)1 above - you do not need to provide a GRE or GMAT test score.

• As this is a Research Master’s program for which a solid quantitative background is required, we expect you to have taken at least 24 ECTS credits in quantitative and research methods courses during your BSc and/or MSc programs. If this is not the case, but you would still like to be considered for admission, you are welcome to hand in a GRE or GMAT test score to show your quantitative competences to the Admissions Committee.

International diploma holders

If you hold an international university diploma, it is compulsory to submit your GRE General Test ór GMAT test score.

• Applicants must belong to the 10% best test takers of either the quantitative part of the GRE, or the total score of the GMAT.
• The GMAT institution code for Tilburg University is VMV-LT-02. The GRE institution code for Tilburg University is 0730.
• The test results must not be older than two years at the time of application.

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

A. Documents to verify your educational background and motivation

1. 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).
2. Copies of your (recent) grade transcript(s).
3. 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).
4. An English Language Certificate according to the admissions requirements above. The test must not be older than two years.
5. A copy of your GRE General Test score report ór GMAT test score report according to the admissions requirements above. The test must not be older than two years.
6. Letter of motivation according to the format (one letter per program you are applying for!).
7. 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.)
8. Curriculum Vitae.
9. Relevant written work, such as your Bachelor's or Master's thesis or written assignment.
10. Chinese nationals are advised to apply for a Nuffic Certificate as soon as possible to avoid any delays in the immigration procedure. For more information, please go to the Nuffic website.

B. Documents to verify your identity

Non-EEA nationals

1. We only accept your passport to confirm your identity.
   • Please upload a scan of all pages in your passport which have a stamp or sticker on them, as well as the page with your personal details and the issue and expiry date of your passport.
   • Your passport must be valid until at least September 1, 2022.
2. Are you already living inside the EEA? In addition to your passport, please upload a scan of the front AND back of your EEA/Dutch residence permit.

EEA nationals

We accept either your passport or national identification card to confirm your identity:

• Passport: upload the page with your personal details and the issue and expiry date of your passport.
• National identification card: upload a scan of both the front AND back of your national identification card.

Please note

• Please make sure that all information in the documents requested is clear and do not cover any information in the scans of the documents you upload.  It is important for verification purposes that information including the photo, your personal details and the computer coding at the bottom of the document are visible to us.  
• In order to assess your application, we only require the documents listed above.

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 Business (research) (croho: 60908).
• 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.

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 Admissions Coordinator via Admissions@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.

• We recommend that you use Chrome as your web browser.
• Please upload the documents detailed above. If you do not upload the correct documents, we will not be able to process your application.
• 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. 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.
  • All conditions of admission will be detailed in your conditional admission letter. 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 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 are the GRE and GMAT compulsory for international diploma holders?

The GRE/GMAT 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. In addition, because we receive applications for admission from all over the world and from a wide variety of educational systems and standards, the GRE/GMAT provides a uniform method by which we can gauge academic preparedness and general knowledge considered fundamental to the rigors of a graduate school education.

What is the minimum GRE/GMAT score required for admission to the Research Master in Business?

In general, applicants must belong to the 10% best test takers of either the quantitative part of the GRE, or the total score of the GMAT. It is very rare that an applicant with a score below the 85th percentile is accepted, unless there are very strong counter-balancing factors, such as an outstanding undergraduate academic performance, or compelling evidence of extenuating circumstances.

Is it possible to get an exemption from the GRE/GMAT requirement?

Applicants for admission to the Research Master in Business, who do not have a Dutch university Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, must take the GRE or GMAT.

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

If you are getting close to the application deadline, you may upload the unofficial test score. However, if you are admitted to CentER, you have to send us the official test score in order to be accepted to our programs.

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

No, however you may 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 preparing for and taking the GMAT?

Information on preparing for and registering to take the GMAT can be found at: http://www.mba.com/mba/takethegmat.

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

No. Any 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 Admissions Coordinator 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 or other 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 selection committee will reconsider a previously denied application only if circumstances have changed significantly since the initial application - for example, substantially improved GRE/GMAT scores or additional qualifications.

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

Yes, qualified individuals who are not enrolled in a degree program can enroll in CentER courses. Please check out the Osiris Catalogue of the CentER course you are interested in for further details on how to apply. A fee per course will be charged.

What are the tuition fees for CentER's graduate programs?

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, as well as all students who already have obtained a Master's degree in the Netherlands, 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. However, Research Master students in possession of a student visa are allowed to work up to a maximum of 10 hours per week for a maximum of 48 weeks per year (or to have a full time job during the summer months). If you are a student from outside the Netherlands and are offered a teaching or research assistant's position for more than 10 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.

PhD candidates are considered employees of Tilburg University and 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.

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?

On your arrival in Tilburg you will receive an application form to open a bank account. An appointment will be arranged for you with the ABN AMRO bank in Tilburg, where you will receive a bank card, which can be used for cash withdrawals in the Netherlands. Those traveling outside the Netherlands should bring a bankcard or credit card from home.