Tuition Fees for Participation
The tuition fee for participation in 2026 is €14,200.
Fee distribution
- Candidates matched via the programme:
If you are matched with an organisation through the programme, the organisation will contribute €12,800 towards the tuition fee. The participant will pay the remaining €1,400. - Candidates with a position:
Do you already have a relevant position, either in your current role or at an organisation you have approached yourself, and would like to join the Global Challenges programme? In that case, the division of the tuition fee is left up to you and the organisation. This allows for flexibility to tailor the arrangement to your mutual preferences and internal possibilities.
Registration
There are three routes for participation and registration:
1. Develop within your current role
Already working on complex, global challenges? Integrate the programme into your current role and strengthen your knowledge, skills and strategic thinking abilities. You register as an internal candidate.
2. Get matched through the programme
Apply and, if selected from a competitive pool of candidates, be matched with an organisation that fits your expertise and ambitions. This way you work directly on impactful projects. You register as an external candidate via matching. Registration for the selection process for the master’s programme starting in February 2026 has now closed.
Registration fee for matching
You pay €75 registration fee when applying as a candidate in the Netherlands/surrounding countries. The registration is valid for two selection attempts.
Please note: if you are placed with one of our partner organisations in the programme, your registration costs will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Selection procedure for matching
Selection is carried out by the talent managers of the Global Challenges team. The selection committee aims to select a diverse group of motivated and qualified candidates, doing so by comparing all applications against selection criteria relating to interests, knowledge, skills and experience.
Selection criteria for participants via matching
- A master's degree from a programme related to sustainable development. If you hold a bachelor's degree and have extensive relevant work experience, you may also be admitted based on assessment of your suitability for the programme;
- The master's thesis must be completed with a minimum grade of 8. International candidates must consult the Nuffic website for diploma recognition;
- Knowledge of and demonstrable affinity with sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries;
- Work experience (e.g. internship, graduation research) in an international and/or culturally diverse setting (think developing countries, countries in transition, international organisations). The minimum requirement is three months' experience, but preferably six months or more;
- Excellent active knowledge of English. Working knowledge of other languages (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic) are a clear advantage. For some organisations, active knowledge of Dutch in speech and writing is required;
- An open and flexible attitude, willingness to learn and the ability for critical self-reflection are assets that are highly valued in the selection process;
- International students wishing to participate in the Netherlands must possess a work permit and visa at the start of the Global Challenges year to be able to work and live in the Netherlands for the entire year 2026 and the first month of 2027. Global Challenges does not assist with applying for work permits and visas. Check the IND website for more information, including whether you qualify for an 'orientation year';
- If you don't (fully) meet these criteria but are convinced you stand out as a candidate due to other skills, experiences, background or your ability to learn quickly, substantiate this in your application.
For registration, you need several documents, such as a diploma and transcript.
Additionally, we ask you to record a video pitch (maximum 45 seconds) explaining your motivation for applying, what you hope to contribute to the programme, and what you aim to gain from it. The purpose of the video is to convince the selection committee of your suitability as a candidate – it is not about editing or camera work.
3. Find your own training placement
Already have an organisation in mind that aligns with your development goals? Propose participation in the programme and combine your vision with their mission. You register as an internal candidate.
If you have doubts about whether the Master in Global Challenges suits you, contact the programme coordinator: radboudcsw [at] ru.nl (radboudcsw[at]ru[dot]nl) or telephone (024) 361 61 63. We can then discuss together whether this programme is right for you.
