Applicants with a non-EU/EEA nationality
1 March 2022

Applicants with a Dutch or other EU/EEA nationality
15 May 2022

Please note: if you are an applicant with an EU/EEA nationality and wish to apply for housing, you must submit your application by 1 March.

If you are interested in a scholarship, you need to apply for both the Master's programme and the scholarship before 15 January. Learn more at:

The Master's programme in Language and Society is open for application to all students with:

A university Bachelor's degree

The Master's in Language and Society is open for application to all students holding a Bachelor’s degree from the UvA or from another accredited university, in: 

• One of the languages in which the candidate wishes to specialise (target language) with preferably 15-20 credits in linguistics.
• European Studies, with at least 30 credits of coursework in the target language.
• Linguistics, with at least 30 credits of coursework in the target language.

Student profile

You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme if you meet the entry requirements and/or can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:

• Basic demonstrable academic knowledge in the field of (theoretical) linguistics. If you do not have a substantial amount of credits/academic knowledge related to the field of study (see above) you will not be admitted. 
• Good research skills at Bachelor’s level. You are able to conduct research independently (i.e. collecting material, applying theory, and writing a thesis). 
• The wish to contribute eagerly and critically to the academic and interdisciplinary environment within the Graduate School of Humanities, as shown in a convincing motivation letter in which you explain why you think you would be a good candidate for this specific programme. 

Pre-Master's 

If you do not meet the entry requirements above, for example if you have a relevant degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) or an equivalent thereof, you can eliminate your deficiencies by completing the pre-Master’s programme Linguistics. 

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, you are advised to get in touch with the programme coordinator before applying.

English language requirements

New Master's students should be able to speak, read, write and understand English at an advanced academic level. Please check carefully whether you already meet the English language requirements or whether you need to arrange to take an official English language test. See the English language requirements on the Graduate School of Humanities website.

All students applying will need to start their application by submitting an enrolment request in Studielink, the Dutch online system for students applying for a degree programme at a Dutch university.

Applicants for Language and Society need to submit an enrolment request in Studielink for the Master's in Linguistics 60 EC or Taalwetenschappen 60 EC. Please note: if you will follow the pre-Master's programme, you need to start your application by submitting an enrolment request for the Master's in Linguistics 60 EC, and not for the pre-Master's programme.

It is extremely important that you register in Studielink at least 48 hours before the application deadline (see above). This is to ensure that you receive your login information (UvAnetID) in time to fill in your UvA application in MyInfo (see next step).

After enrolling in Studielink, you will automatically receive an email with a link to your MyInfo UvA application form. To log in to MyInfo you need your UvAnetID. Please fill out the application form, upload the required documents and submit your MyInfo application form before the application deadline.

Application fee

All applicants holding a nationality outside the EU/EEA are required to pay an application fee of €100 per Studielink enrolment before submitting your MyInfo application form. You will find payment instructions on your application form.

Application documents

Make sure you are well prepared before you start your application, and you have all necessary documents ready. You are asked to upload the following documents:

• curriculum vitae;
• proof of language proficiency (if required, see language requirements);
• transcript of records, up-to-date and issued by your home institution (if you are already a student at the UvA, a screenshot from SIS is sufficient);
• diploma (if already obtained)* or list of courses yet to complete;
• translation of your diploma and transcript of records (if they are not in English, Dutch, German or French);
• motivation form (PDF).

This programme does not require additional programme-specific documents.

*Please note: If you have not yet obtained your diploma but are in possession of all other application documents, you may proceed with your application - as long as you obtain your Bachelor's degree before 1 September.