Maximizing chances for Master's program admissions in the Netherlands...

October 1, 2009 11:46 AM

How can I maximize my chances of being admitted to a Dutch university Master's program based on my professional merits?

I am a 29 year old Dutch national, born in Canada. I went to University at (in my estimation) too young an age, and didn't finish the first time. After some years working, I returned to University, completing a 3-year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.

Not considering my future education, I didn't "apply myself" as maybe I should have, and while I have a B.Sc, my transcripts show my performance as significantly less than stellar.

Prior to the degree, I worked for three years in the industry on some notable projects, and held positions with some real responsibility. Since completing the B.Sc, I have worked for over two years in the software industry, and I am proud of what I've achieved.

I'm now considering applying to some universities in the Netherlands for a Master's program in Computer Science. I know I have the ability to complete such a program, the only thing I'm unsure of is how I might go about *getting in* given the above.

Questions ::
1 - Given my poor B.Sc performance, should I even bother applying?
2 - How is work experience evaluated by Dutch schools for programs like this?
3 - What can I do to maximize my chances of acceptance, given all of the above?

I am in contact with the school already, but wanted some perspectives from outside their admissions department.

posted by jpziller to education (3 comments total)

The merit of the education foreign students claim to have had, may be judged by Nuffic; if a university doesn't want to accept your application directly. Don't know how Nuffic weighs in working experience -- based on what I know working experience only means you could be allowed to skip some subjects, and get exemptions for courses. Or you may have to do just a test, as a proof.

Nuffic is a good source for information anyway.

The Netherlands has recently changed to a Bachelor/Master system again, and as far as I know the only restriction for beginning a Masters, and this means almost any Masters, is having finished a Bachelors' degree. Grades don't mean a thing in this.

Some Masters allow only a limited number of students in -- medicine does that -- but no Computer or Information Science has this so called 'numerus fixus'. No university has either. They all claim to be equally good. There's no Dutch Ivy League. Students mostly choose their university based on where their friends go, or which city has the most attractive nightlife.
posted by ijsbrand at 12:10 PM on October 1 [1 favorite]

You have a bachelor degree from a real university? You will get in without problems. The university may need to check equivalence ... but I wouldn't worry.

Seriously ... don't believe me ... ask them.

I would be surprised if they even asked for your grades.
posted by jannw at 12:14 PM on October 1

These are the sorts of answers I was hoping for :)

The reason for my question is that the application process requires that I submit my transcripts from my time doing a Bachelor's degree, and I'm somewhat embarassed/reluctant to do so -- particularly if it is going to harm the process overall.

I'm waiting to hear from the admissions department -- trying to get a contact there to ask these sorts of questions directly. Once I've done that and get a straight answer, I'll post back here in case anyone else is looking for this sort of information.
posted by jpziller at 12:23 PM on October 1