Entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
You must have at least a Bachelor's diploma, preferably in economics, econometrics, mathematics, or physics. The Bachelor's program should have been completed before the start of the Research Master program.
GRE
Valid GRE (revised) General Test results are required from applicants with a non-Dutch BA/MA degree (all 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing). Successful applicants typically perform among the top-10% of test-takers on the quantitative part of the GRE; applicants with a Q score below 160 will not be considered. Tinbergen Institute's code number for the GRE is 3811.
Please note: research master applicants holding a Dutch BA/MA degree on 1 September (2021), do not need to submit GRE test scores.
Language
An excellent command of English is crucial. Students whose native language is not English are therefore required to demonstrate English proficiency by:
- holding a degree from a Dutch university or an institution at which English is the language of instruction, or
- scoring at least 100 on the TOEFL iBT test or 7 on the IELTS test.
Note: Chinese nationals should meet the institute's TOEFL iBT or IELTS requirement; this is a condition for obtaining a NUFFIC Certificate. Chinese nationals (unless already enrolled at a university in the Netherlands) are required to register with the NUFFIC in Beijing to obtain a NUFFIC Certificate (see FAQs for more information). Tinbergen Institute's code number for the TOEFL is 3811.
Strong motivation
Students should be strongly motivated to pursue a PhD in economics, econometrics or finance at the Institute. Such motivation will be assessed by a written Statement of Research Interests and Purpose of Study.
Recommendations
Two reference letters are required to support your application.
An interview may be part of the selection process
Other qualifications being equal, preference is given to candidates who show capacity for higher academic performance.
Note: after conditional acceptance, we require that official test scores be sent to us directly from the GRE or TOEFL/IELTS organization or can be verified online by us.
