You are eligible to apply to this Master’s programme, if you have an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree in: 

• Business Economics or Economics, or 
• in another field, as long as it has a strong quantitative focus. 

Each specialisation also has specific subject requirements. 

Managerial Economics and Strategy 

You must have proven knowledge of all the following topics at an intermediate level: 

• Microeconomics (including market structure (Industrial organisation) and Game theory)  
• Mathematics and statistics  
• Econometrics or Quantitative research methods  

Neuroeconomics 

For this specialisation, coursework in microeconomics or industrial organisation is expected. If you do not have this, you may still apply if you have proven knowledge in at least one of the following topics: 

• Behavioural economics  
• Psychology  
• Affective neuroscience  
• Cognitive neuroscience  
• Game theory  

Sustainability 

For this specialisation, coursework in microeconomics or industrial organisation is expected. If you do not have this, you may still apply if you have proven knowledge in at least one of the following topics: 

• Behavioural Economics  
• Earth sciences  
• Environment or Climate change  
• Biodiversity or Ecosystems  
• Renewable energy  
• Responsible business innovation

Not sure if your degree qualifies? 

Are you unsure whether your academic background is considered equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor's degree? Find a list of equivalent degrees here.

Does your previous education not fully meet the requirements? 

• If you have an EU degree and EU/EEA nationality, you may be eligible for our pre-master’s programme.
• If you have a non-EU degree and non-EU nationality, you can consider the Master’s-qualifying programme at the Cambridge Education Group.

This Master’s programme is taught in English, so strong English skills are essential. To help you succeed in class, we ask you to show your English proficiency through one of the approved tests listed below:

• TOEFL iBT Test: minimum total score of 92 with a minimum of 22 per subscore. You can use the institution code 9011 to have your score report sent to us. 
• IELTS Academic: overall band score of 6.5. Minimum score per subscore: Speaking and Writing a 6.5 and Listening and Reading a 6.0. Please note that the IELTS Indicator test is not allowed. 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: overall score of 180 and a minimum of 180 per skill. 

Other test versions or modules are not accepted. Examples of this include but are not limited to: IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL MyBest Scores, etc.

Test validity 

Test scores may not be older than 2 years, counting back from the start of the programme. So for the September 2026 intake, we only accept tests taken on or after 1 September 2024.  

Waiting for your score? 

We accept scores submitted after the application deadline, as long as you took the test before that deadline.

Exemptions   

• You obtained your previous education in one of the following countries: the Netherlands, Australia, Canada (except for Quebec), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. This only applies to these countries, no other exemptions are made.  
• You have an English proficiency test older than 2 years and you have attended an exchange programme of at least 6 months in one of the above mentioned countries. 
• You have an English proficiency test older than 2 years, and you have obtained an academic degree that was completely in English. You need submit a proof of the language of instruction of your academic degree. If the language of instruction is not mentioned on the transcript or diploma, submit a certified letter from your higher education institute, stating that the curriculum is completely taught in English.

Why does the UvA ask for English proficiency tests?

We are looking for students who have shown academic potential to keep up with the high level and workload of the programme. Therefore, one of the criteria on which your application will be assessed is the Grade Point Average (GPA).  You need a minimum GPA of 7.0 (rounded). We especially value strong grades in: 

• Microeconomics 
• Econometrics or quantitative research methods  

If your GPA is lower than 7.0, we will still take your application into account, but you will need excellent grades on the above-mentioned mentioned courses. 

How to calculate your GPA 

Your GPA should be calculated over: 

• all Bachelor's degree results (year 1-3). Any additional Bachelor’s courses have to be included as well. 
• your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree that is most relevant to the entry requirements. If you have both, you need a GPA of at least 7.0 in either your Bachelor’s or your Master’s. 

Not sure how your grades compare?

Strong analytical writing and quantitative reasoning skills are essential for this Master’s. To ensure this, you need to provide a sufficient Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test result. In some cases, a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is accepted.

GRE test and required scores

GRE: Minimum score: 155 and preferably 158 in the Quantitative Reasoning section.

• Please note that completion of all sections of the exam is required. 
• You can use the institution code 7878 U Amsterdam School of Economics to have your score report sent to us. 
• The GRE at home test is allowed for the September 2026 intake. 

GMAT test and required score

Instead of a GRE, a GMAT test score may be accepted if you have already obtained a GMAT score, or it is difficult to take the GRE test on short notice in your country.  

GMAT Focus Edition: Minimum score: 585 with 79 points in the Quantitative Reasoning section, and preferably 595 with 82 points in the Quantitative Reasoning section. 

GMAT test (old edition): Minimum score: 620 with 45 points in the Quantitative Reasoning section, and preferably 640 with 48 points in the Quantitative Reasoning section.

• Please note that completion of all sections of the exam is required. 
• You can use the institution code 0500 to have your score report sent to us. 
• The GMAT (Focus) Online Exam is allowed for the September 2026 intake. 

Deadline of handing in test scores 

Your test scores should be submitted before your application deadline. Please keep in mind that receiving these results can take up to two weeks. 

Exemptions

Based on mutual agreements with certain universities, students might be exempted from the GRE requirement. Check the list of universities to see whether this applies to you.

The motivation letter (max. one A4)  allows you to explain why you would be a good fit for the Master’s programme and which experiences have led you to this decision.