Admission and application

This programme has a numerus fixus with a maximum capacity of 600 students. The application deadline for academic year 2025-2026 was 15 January and application is now closed. You can apply for academic year 2026-2027 from 1 October.

Application period

Please select your nationality and previous education to view the application periods.

Application period

Please select your previous education to view the application periods.

Application period

September intake

Applications open from

01 October 2024

Application deadline

15 January 2025

Transferring from another Psychology programme

Are you currently studying Psychology at another Dutch university, have you completed the first year and are you considering transferring to the second year of the Psychology programme at Radboud University? This transfer is only possible at the start of the academic year. Please contact our admissionsocialsciences [at] ru.nl (Admissions Office Social Sciences) to find out more about the conditions and to submit your request.

Unfortunately, transferring to our second year from a university outside the Netherlands is not possible, since curricula tend to differ a lot. However, you are more than welcome to apply for our first year in Psychology.

Application period

Please select your previous education to view the application periods.

Application period

Please select your previous education to view the application periods.

Please select your previous education to view the admission requirements and application procedure.

Admission requirements

Pre-university

You are admissible with a Dutch vwo diploma.

Culture and Society
Economics and Society
Science and Health
Science and Engineering

We do recommend Biology.

University of applied sciences (HBO)

Students who apply with a degree obtained at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands (HBO Propaedeutic certificate or HBO Bachelor’s degree) are admissible provided that they meet additional requirements for mathematics and English by 31 July 2025.

You do not need to have met these requirements upon applying for our programme or before participating in the Psychology Selection Process.

Mathematics requirements

The mathematics requirement can be fulfilled with a sufficient certificate from the following test providers.

OMPT: an Online Mathematics Placement Test certificate (OMPT-E or OMPT-C) with a minimum score of 55%;
CCVX: a VWO Mathematics A or B certificate (Dutch only) with a minimum final grade of 6 out of 10;
Boswell-Bèta Institute: a James Boswell Access Exam in VWO Mathematics A, B, or C with a final score of 5.5 out of 10.0.

English language requirements

Students who are enrolled in a 100% English-taught HBO programme already meet the English language requirement for our programme.

For all other students, the English language requirement can be fulfilled with a sufficient certificate from the following test providers:

TOEFL iBT certificate with a total score of at least 80, and all four sub-scores at least 20;
IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall score of at least 6.0, and all four sub-scores at least 6.0;
Cambridge C1 Advanced with overall score ≥169 and all subscores ≥169;
Cambridge C2 Proficiency with overall score ≥180 and all subscores ≥169.

Note that the TOEFL Home Edition and the IELTS Online are not accepted.

Colloquium doctum

Students whose previous education is not sufficient, as well as students who have not obtained any secondary qualification, can be offered conditional admission through the colloquium doctum entrance route if they are at least 21 years of age at the start of the programme. During the application process, students are able to indicate that they wish to apply via the colloquium doctum entrance route.

As part of the colloquium doctum entrance route, the following three secondary school subjects need to have been passed at the Dutch pre-university level (VWO level) by 31 July 2025:

A certificate in VWO Dutch language and literature (Nederlandse taal en literatuur) from DUO or VAVO;
A certificate in VWO English language and literature (Engelse taal en literatuur) from DUO or VAVO;
A certificate in VWO Mathematics from DUO, VAVO, Boswell-Bèta institute or CCVX. OMPTs are not accepted as part of the colloquium doctum entrance route.

Please keep in mind the following:

We expressly require that students who opt for the colloquium doctum entrance route obtain certificates that examinate the secondary school subjects VWO Dutch language and literature, VWO English language and literature, and VWO Mathematics A, B or C. The certificates in VWO Dutch and VWO English, respectively, ought not to be confused with language tests (such as NT2-II or IELTS). Similarly, for Mathematics, we only accept certificates from the above-mentioned test providers.
The exams offered through DUO and VAVO are only offered in the Dutch language and often have an early application deadline. DUO exam registration closes after December 31; VAVO registration is decentralised and usually available via ROC institutions in the Netherlands. Radboud University does not offer assistance with exam registration.
Aside from obtaining the above-mentioned certificates, participation in the Psychology Selection Process is required and access to the programme is only granted if you have received a ranking number and accepted a placement offer. Where needed, special instructions are given to colloquium doctum students during the selection process and in the Step-by-Step Guide. For more information on the Psychology Selection Process, please continue reading below.

Admission requirements

International

If you have completed or will complete a study programme outside of the Netherlands, your previous education will be assessed on an individual basis to determine whether the level is sufficient. If the level of your previous education is assessed as sufficient, you are considered admissible.

Keep in mind that all admissible students are required to participate in the Psychology Selection Process and need to be selected for a place in order to begin studying the programme.

Diploma-specific requirements

To see whether you may be admissible, please fill out the Eligibility Check form by clicking the button below. The Eligibility Check gives you an indication as to whether or not you are eligible for admission.

Radboud Eligibility Check

Note that the Eligibility Check offers a useful but non-binding indication; no rights can be derived from the results.

For more extensive, diploma-specific admission requirements, please consult our separate diploma-specific admission requirements document (see below).

Mathematics requirement

If your previous education has not offered sufficient preparation in the area of mathematics, the Psychology Admissions Board will require you to pass a mathematics test before the enrolment deadline.

Keep in mind that this requirement concerns your admissibility and is separate from the Psychology Selection Process. You do not need to have satisfied the mathematics requirement upon submitting your application and/or participating in the Psychology Selection Process.

The tests that are accepted and the minimum passing scores are listed below. Please note: certificates of attendance or registration do not suffice.

OMPT: an Online Mathematics Placement Test certificate (OMPT-E or OMPT-C) with a minimum score of 55%;
SAT: an SAT with a minimum score of 600 (out of 800) points on the mathematics section;
CCVX: a VWO Mathematics A or B certificate (Dutch only) with a minimum final grade of 6 out of 10;
Boswell-Bèta Institute: a James Boswell Access Exam in VWO Mathematics A, B, or C with a final score of 5.5 out of 10.0.

Note that the notational differences (6 out of 10 vs. 5.5 out of 10.0) between CCVX and the Boswell-Bèta Institute do not indicate a stricter pass requirement for CCVX; both represent the same minimum pass requirement.

English language requirement

Your level of English needs to be sufficient in order for you to succeed in the programme. If your previous education has not sufficiently prepared you in this area, the Psychology Admissions Board will require you to pass an English language proficiency test before the enrolment deadline.

Keep in mind that this requirement concerns your admissibility and is separate from the Psychology Selection Process. You do not need to prove English proficiency upon submitting your application and/or participating in the Psychology Selection Process.

The English language requirement can be fulfilled with a sufficient certificate from the following test providers:

TOEFL iBT certificate with a total score of at least 80, and all four sub-scores at least 20;
IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall score of at least 6.0, and all four sub-scores at least 6.0.
Cambridge C1 Advanced with overall score ≥169 and all subscores ≥169;
Cambridge C2 Proficiency with overall score ≥180 and all subscores ≥169.

Please note that the TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Online are not accepted.

For further information on international secondary education qualifications that satisfy the English language requirement, please refer to the diploma-specific admission requirements document that is listed below.

Diploma-specific admission requirements Psychology.pdf

pdf 149.65 KB

Application procedure

Numerus fixus application procedure - Dutch previous education

To apply for a numerus fixus programme, you need to submit an enrolment application in Studielink by 15 January at the latest. Follow the steps below.

Steps

Step 1: Submit an enrolment application in Studielink
If you wish to apply for a numerus fixus study programme, you will need to make sure that you submit your enrolment request in Studielink by 15 January at the latest. You can apply for a numerus fixus programme for the following academic year from 1 October onwards. When doing so, do not forget to list your complete chosen set of courses in Studielink.
Apply in Studielink
You may not apply for more than two numerus fixus programmes per year
You may apply for a maximum of two numerus fixus programmes per year. However, you may not apply simultaneously for either of the following combinations of study programmes:
- The Medicine programme at Radboud University + a Medicine programme at another university
- The Dentistry programme at Radboud University + a Dentistry programme at another university
All other combinations of study programmes are permitted.
Please note: make sure you have a DigiD
You need to have a DigiD to apply for a programme in Studielink. If you do not have your own DigiD, you need to request one via digid.nl; you will need to do this well before the application deadline. It usually takes five working days before you have received your activation code for your DigiD. If you do not live in the Netherlands or you still have to move here, you will not be able to use a DigiD and you will have to use your username and password to log in to Studielink.
Step 2: Complete the questionnaire (only if you are not directly admissible)

If you do not directly meet the admission requirements for taking part in the selection process, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Application, where you will find a digital questionnaire about your previous education. You have 56 days to upload your documents and submit a complete application. If you have not submitted your application after this period, it will be automatically cancelled. Please note that if you apply close to the deadline, you will have fewer than 56 days. We aim to send you the additional conditions that apply to your situation within three weeks.
Please note: make sure that you have met the admission requirements by 31 July at the latest or that you have requested a postponement from the Academic Affairs division of Radboud University. If you have requested a postponement, the deadline for meeting the prior education requirements is 31 August.
Step 3: Take part in the selection process

If you are (conditionally) admitted you will receive information by email about the selection process shortly after 15 January. This procedure differs for each programme. You can find all information about the selection process on the programme page under Admission & application. If you are already on this page, scroll down to read more about the procedure. You can also read about it in the Regulations Selection and Placement. The selection process assignments will need to be completed in February or March.
Step 4: Receipt of your ranking number

On 15 April, Studielink will announce the assigned ranking numbers. If you have been assigned a ranking number that falls within the number of available places, you will be offered a place via Studielink.
If your ranking number is higher than the number of available places, we will automatically place you on our waiting list. Do not withdraw your application in Studielink. If you do so, we will no longer be able to offer you a place. If someone declines a place, does not accept a place in time or fails the final exam, their place will be offered to the next person on the ranking list. This means that you can still be offered a place after 15 April. In this case, Studielink will send you a message. So, keep a close eye on your email (including your spam inbox) and your account in Studielink. The very last day that Radboud University will still be able to offer you a place if one becomes available is 31 August.
Questions about ranking numbers
Questions about the selection procedure (e.g., questions about ranking numbers and assessment results) may be addressed via email to the relevant study programme.
Objecting to an assigned ranking number
If you would like to object because of the ranking number that you have been given, you may do this via the Complaints Office within six weeks of receiving your ranking number.
Step 5: Accept your placement offer

If you are offered a place, you will need to either accept or decline via Studielink within two weeks. Otherwise, your place will be forfeited. If you wish to decline your place, you will need to cancel your enrolment application in Studielink as soon as possible. Your place can then be given to another student.
Applying for two numerus fixus study programmes
If you applied for two numerus fixus programmes and you have been offered two places, you will need to accept one and decline the other within two weeks. If you accept the last place that was offered, the first place that you accepted will automatically be forfeited. If you would like to attend the study programme that you were first offered, you will then need to cancel your enrolment application for the study programme that you were subsequently offered.
For example: suppose that you apply for programmes A and B. You are informed in April that you have been offered a place on programme A, and you accept this place within two weeks. In July, you are subsequently informed that you have also been accepted into programme B. If you accept your place on programme B within two weeks, your place on programme A will automatically be forfeited. Do you still wish to continue with programme A? You will then need to cancel your enrolment application for programme B in Studielink. After all, you can only attend one Numerus Fixus programme.

Finalise your enrolment

Once you have accepted your place, you can go to the enrolment procedure and follow the steps to enrol.

Application procedure

Numerus fixus application procedure - International previous education

To apply for a numerus fixus programme, you need to submit an enrolment application in Studielink by 15 January at the latest. Follow the steps below.

Steps

Step 1: Submit an enrolment application in Studielink

To apply for a numerus fixus Bachelor’s programme, you have to create an account and submit an enrolment application in Studielink (the national online registration system for Dutch universities) by the application deadline of 15 January at the latest. You can apply for a numerus fixus programme for the following academic year from 1 October onwards. First you will be asked to fill in your previous education, then select the programme you wish to apply for in the list that appears.
Apply in Studielink
You may not apply for more than two numerus fixus programmes per year
In the Netherlands, prospective students may apply for a maximum of two numerus fixus programmes per year. When you apply for a numerus fixus programme at Radboud University, it is advisable to apply for a non-selective programme as well, to maximise your chances.
Step 2: Upload documents in OSIRIS Application
After you have submitted an enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive an email with personal login details for OSIRIS Application. You have 56 days to upload your documents and submit a complete application. If you have not submitted your application after this period, it will be automatically cancelled. Please note that if you apply close to the deadline, you will have fewer than 56 days.
You will be asked to upload the following documents:
- Scan of valid passport (personal details page only) or European ID card
- Diploma
If you have graduated and received your diploma, you are required to upload it (signed and stamped) to your application. If you have graduated but have not received your diploma or if you have not yet graduated, you can indicate this in the application form. In OSIRIS Application, please list the full, official name of the diploma that you have or will receive. Please use the language and name in which the diploma is issued.
- Radboud Statement of Education form
If you have not graduated yet, we ask you to upload the Radboud Statement of Education form (found at the bottom of this page) that has been completed by you or your school. This form will give Radboud University a more complete overview of your education.
- Transcript of grades
Upload a signed and stamped transcript of grades for the past two years. Please also upload transcripts and diplomas from any post-secondary education that you have studied or are still studying.
- Sworn translations of diploma and transcript of grades
Translations need to be made by a legally sworn translator. Certified translations are not required if your diploma and transcript are originally in Dutch, English or German. If your school provides English versions of your documents, please upload those along with versions of the documents in the original language.
- Personal Statement
Your personal statement should contain, at least, a brief description of why you have chosen this specific Bachelor's programme and how it fits your previous education.
- Overview of education/experience
Please upload an overview that contains, in chronological order, information about your education and knowledge/experience acquired during an internship, training, or work; for example, a resume.
- Proof of English proficiency (see admission requirements)
A sufficient level of English language proficiency is required. You can apply without an English language certificate. However, if you are admitted to the programme and a language certificate is listed as a requirement in your admission email, you will be required to provide proof of proficiency before the enrolment deadline.
Step 3: Take part in the selection process

If you are (conditionally) admitted you will receive information by email about the selection process shortly after 15 January. This procedure differs for each programme. You can find all information about the selection process on the programme page under Admission & application. If you are already on this page, scroll down to read more about the procedure. You can also read about it in the Regulations Selection and Placement. The selection process assignments will need to be completed in February or March.
Step 4: Receipt of your ranking number

On 15 April, Studielink will announce the assigned ranking numbers. If you have been assigned a ranking number that falls within the number of available places, you will be offered a place via Studielink.
If your ranking number is higher than the number of available places, we will automatically place you on our waiting list. Do not withdraw your application in Studielink. If you do so, we will no longer be able to offer you a place. If someone declines a place, does not accept a place in time or fails the final exam, their place will be offered to the next person on the ranking list. This means that you can still be offered a place after 15 April. In this case, Studielink will send you a message. So, keep a close eye on your email (including your spam inbox) and your account in Studielink. The very last day that Radboud University will still be able to offer you a place if one becomes available is 31 August.
Questions about ranking numbers
Questions about the selection procedure (e.g., questions about ranking numbers and assessment results) may be addressed via email to the relevant study programme.
Objecting to an assigned ranking number
If you would like to object because of the ranking number that you have been given, you may do this via the Complaints Office within six weeks of receiving your ranking number.
Step 5: Accept your placement offer

If you are offered a place, you will need to either accept or decline via Studielink within two weeks. Otherwise, your place will be forfeited. If you wish to decline your place, you will need to cancel your enrolment application in Studielink as soon as possible. Your place can then be given to another student.
Applying for two numerus fixus study programmes
If you applied for two numerus fixus programmes and you have been offered two places, you will need to accept one and decline the other within two weeks. If you accept the last place that was offered, the first place that you accepted will automatically be forfeited. If you would still like to attend the study programme that you were first offered, you will then need to cancel your enrolment application for the study programme that you were subsequently offered.
For example: suppose that you apply for programmes A and B. You are informed in April that you have been offered a place on programme A, and you accept this place within two weeks. In July, you are subsequently informed that you have also been accepted into programme B. If you accept your place on programme B within two weeks, your place on programme A will automatically be forfeited. Do you still wish to continue with programme A? You will then need to cancel your enrolment application for programme B in Studielink. After all, you can only attend one Numerus Fixus programme.
Finalise your enrolment
Once you have accepted your place, you can go to the enrolment procedure and follow the steps to enrol. Make sure to complete your enrolment before 31 July. Please note that non-EEA students should send in additional mathematics or English certificates (if applicable) before 1 June given their visa/residence permit application. Just like EEA students, non-EEA students have until 31 July to send in their diplomas.

Radboud University statement of education

Statement of Education form

pdf 1.89 MB

Questions?

Please contact us via admissions [at] ru.nl (admissions[at]ru[dot]nl).

Criteria for the Psychology Selection Process

The final score and corresponding ranking number are based on:

The score attained in the matching assignment (50%);
Grades obtained during your previous education (50%)

All selection candidates will receive a Step-by-step guide shortly after January 15. The Step-by-step guide describes which grades are required in your specific situation and how these grades should be sent in. Below you can find the deadlines for handing in the Matching Assignment and the Questionnaire about your grades.

You are advised to reserve some time in your calendar in advance. The study load is approximately four hours.

Having taken biology during your previous education is not a requirement, but it is recommended for our Psychology programme. Did you not have biology in your previous education, but would you like to brush up your knowledge in the field of biology? In that case, you can use our Syllabus biology at vwo level. This manual will help you make a good start with our programme!

Important dates

October 1 – January 15: apply via Studielink (deadline: January 15 at 11:59 pm CET)
January 16: candidates receive a detailed step-by-step guide.
From January 17 onwards: The selection assignments are made available in OSIRIS Application. If you’ve not applied with a Dutch VWO degree, you have already used OSIRIS Application when you applied for the programme. You can use the same login details. If you applied with a Dutch VWO you will receive login instructions on January 17.
January 23: the final deadline for candidates applying with an international diploma, a colloquium doctum, a Dutch HBO Propaedeutic certificate or HBO Bachelor’s diploma, to complete their admission file in OSIRIS Application. Keep in mind that this is separate from the selection process. If the file is incomplete after January 23, 11:59 PM CET, the application will be withdrawn.
February 16: deadline for submitting the Matching Assignment in OSIRIS Application.
February 21: deadline for submitting the Questionnaire in OSIRIS Application.
April 15: studielink announces the ranking numbers via email to all candidates.
June 1: candidates from outside of the EU/EEA must send in additional mathematics or English certificates (if applicable) and complete their enrolment before June 1 because of their visa/residence permit application. Just like EU/EEA candidates, non-EU/EEA candidates have until July 31 to send in their diploma.
July 31: deadline for candidates who do not need a visa/residence permit to meet all admission requirements and complete their enrolment. A postponement can be requested, which, if granted, extends the deadline to August 31. Note that a postponement can only be requested by candidates who have received and accepted a placement offer.

If you want more information about the setup and implementation of the selection process you can read the Selection and placement regulations.

In some special circumstances, it may be possible to deviate from the rules that are in place for Numerus Fixus programmes such as Psychology. Please see this webpage for more information.

Syllabus Biology

Syllabus biology at vwo level

pdf 9.8 MB

Apply now

Admission and application

Application period

You may not apply for more than two numerus fixus programmes per year

Please note: make sure you have a DigiD

Questions about ranking numbers

Objecting to an assigned ranking number

Applying for two numerus fixus study programmes

You may not apply for more than two numerus fixus programmes per year

Questions about ranking numbers

Objecting to an assigned ranking number

Applying for two numerus fixus study programmes

Finalise your enrolment

Criteria for the Psychology Selection Process

Important dates

Syllabus Biology