Are you naturally curious, and motivated to put the time into a truly intensive programme? Then the Mathematics programme is for you! Check here whether you meet the admission requirements and find out how to apply.
Putting the puzzle together
Check whether you meet the admission requirements and apply
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Admission requirements for non-Dutch previous education
Applicants holding a non-Dutch pre-university diploma apply via the International Office. We check if your previous education meets a number of requirements*. If you do not yet meet the requirements but expect to do so in the future (such as obtaining your diploma), you can already apply. We will evaluate your application and inform you of our admission decision.
Requirements that apply:
1. A diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO-diploma
See the Diploma Requirement List for examples of accepted diplomas per country.
Please note: this list is meant to give you an indication of admissibility; no rights can be derived from it.2. Proof of sufficient proficiency in English
You can find all accepted tests and scores on our Language Requirements webpage. Although complete applications are preferred, you can begin your application before you have completed the test and then submit your passing score once you have been conditionally admitted.
3. Proof of sufficient proficiency in Mathematics
After you've applied for the programme and uploaded the required documents in your VU Dashboard, the International Office will determine whether your diploma is equivalent to the Dutch VWO-diploma and whether your mathematics level is sufficient.
These examples of diplomas demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the subject Mathematics:- International Baccalaureate: Mathematics HL, Analysis & Approaches HL
- British GCE-A Levels: A-Level in Mathematics + A-Level in Further Mathematics (both are required) with at least grade A, B or C
- Germany: Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife, including Mathematics on erhöhtem Anforderungsniveau (eA) or as Leistungsfach
- European Baccalaureate: Mathematics; written or oral examination, at least 5 hours during the Orientation Cycle
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*Not directly eligible for admission?
If your diploma is not considered to be at the right level and/or if your proficiency in mathematics is considered to be insufficient, you will be informed if it is possible to meet the requirements with an additional certificate.
You can obtain your certificates to resolve these deficiencies at various institutions.
When advised to sit an entry exam, the following certificates are deemed equivalent to Dutch VWO Mathematics B:
Mathematics Exams in the Netherlands- Boswell-Bèta (English). Boswell-Bèta in Utrecht (the Netherlands) provides VWO Mathematics B with exams in December, May and July.
- CCVX (Dutch and English). CCVX offers VWO Mathematics B for Dutch-speaking and English-speaking applicants.
A positive result for the mathematics examination (minimum of 5,5/10 in the mathematics B exam) is compulsory for admission to the programme.
To ensure that your application is processed in time in order to study and register for the exams we ask applicants to apply for their bachelor's programme of choice before:
- 15 December if you are applying via the 21+ Entrance exam route
- 1 April for all other students
Note that in addition to these tests all applicants will need to submit proof of sufficient proficiency in English. You can find all accepted tests and scores on our Language Requirements webpage.
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Applying with non-Dutch previous education
Note that for diplomas obtained outside of the Netherlands an application fee of €100 applies.
Application fee payment options and possible exemptionsApplication documents
- Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme
- VU Application Form - Bachelor; please download the correct format from this page. In the document you are asked to provide further details about your previous education level.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results.
VU English language requirements
Application procedure
Application deadline
The final application deadline for non-EU/EEA students is 1 April and for Dutch and EU students the final deadline is 1 May. Do you have a non-Dutch nationality? Then you may be eligible for housing via the International Office Accommodation Services. An early application is then strongly recommended.Ready to apply?
Have you read the information above and are you ready to apply? Great! Click here for the application procedure.Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
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Admission requirements and applying with Dutch previous education
VWO diploma
- Natuur en Gezondheid, supplemented with Mathematics B
- Natuur en Techniek
- Economie en Maatschappij, supplemented with Mathematics B
- Cultuur en Maatschappij, supplemented with Mathematics B
Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificates must be obtained additionally:- English at 6 VWO level
- Mathematics B at 6 VWO level
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificates must be obtained additionally:- English at 6 VWO level
- Mathematics B at 6 VWO level
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
Admission requirements for 21+ entrance exam with a valid Dutch home address and residence permit
Do you not meet any of the above programme requirements, but are 21 years of age or older? Then there is the possibility of admission to the programme based on the entrance examination.
The following certificates must be obtained at 6 VWO level:
- English
- Mathematics B
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. The application deadline for 21+ Entrance exam is 15 December 2024. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
VU Study Choice Check
Once you have made your choice of study programme, VU Study Choice Check offers you the opportunity to determine if the study programme corresponds to the image and expectations that you have and whether it suits you. VU Study Choice Check is part of the application procedure for all bachelor degree programmes. For this programme the Study Choice Check consists of two parts: first you fill out a digital questionnaire on VU.nl and second you participate in the activity of the programme.
The programme activity will be organized online and will be available until the end of August 2025. In order for us to be able to send you an invitation it is necessary that you log in to VU.nl and complete and confirm the application form (progress 100%).
We start sending the invitations around the beginning of April 2025 to the email address you entered when you registered. Check your spam folder regularly to make sure you don’t miss out on any messages from us. If you have not received an invitation, for example because you filled in the registration form in VU.nl after May 1st, please mail to studiekeuzecheck.beta@vu.nl.
General information and frequently asked questions about the VU Study Choice Check can be found here: VU Studiekeuzecheck [Dutch] or VU Study Choice Check [English]. If you have questions about the Study Choice Check for this programme, please contact the Coordinator Study Choice Check of the Faculty of Science: studiekeuzecheck.beta@vu.nl.
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Binding Study Advice (BSA)
The BSA is an advice given to all Bachelor’s students on four occasions during their first year of studies concerning their study progress. The fourth recommendation, issued at the end of the first year, is binding in nature. To continue to the second year you must have obtained a certain number of credits.
To receive a positive BSA for this study programme you must have obtained a minimum of 42 EC (credits) at the end of the first year of enrolment. Every student has access to an overview of the obtained study results and assessments are available for inspection after registration of the test result.
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General questions
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