Admission & application

Check if you meet the admission criteria

The Altius Academic Pre Bachelor Programme is a 9-month full-time preparatory programme for students with an international educational background aiming to start a Bachelor’s programme at the University of Groningen.

To be considered for admission, you should (at the start of the programme):

• Completed (or are about to complete) international secondary education
• 18 years or older at the start of the programme
• Ambition to study at the Faculty of Science & Engineering at the University of Groningen
• Not yet meeting the direct entry requirements for a Bachelor’s degree or would benefit from additional preparation

You can apply for the Academic Pre Bachelor Programme even if you have not taken your
final exams yet. However, admission is only possible if you pass them.

Steps in the selection process

The selection procedure consists of the following steps and is designed to assess your academic readiness and motivation for the programme. Admission is selective and based on demonstrated academic readiness and motivation. The programme has a limited number of places to ensure quality and individual attention.

1. Online application 
Submit your application through the application portal (via the button Apply now).

2. Submit required documents 
Upload the required documents via the link in the confirmation email you will receive after applying. Applicants are required to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. This can be proven with a sufficient score for English in your transcript of records of your secondary school. Otherwise, this can be achieved by submitting a recognised language test result (such as Cambridge, TOEFL or IELTS). Arranging and completing the test is your own responsibility.

Once all required documents have been received, we will assess your application. The deadline for submitting your application and all required documents is 19 June 2026.

3. Admission decision
We will review your application and documents to determine whether you will be selected for our programme. You will be informed of the outcome no later than 26 June 2026.

*The programme will commence subject to a minimum number of participants.

Documents you need to submit

• Copy of your passport
• Secondary school diploma, or a statement of enrolment from your school confirming your enrolment, the qualification(s) to be obtained and your expected date of graduation (in English or a certified English translation)
• Transcript of records, or predicted grades (in case you do not have your diploma yet) in English or a certified English translation
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

If you are unsure about the requirements, feel free to reach out to us via our contact form.

Requirements to complete the programme

Throughout the programme, you progress will be monitored through assignments, examinations and active participations.

To successfully complete the programme, you must:

• complete all courses with a minimum required grade
• meet attendance requirements (80%)
• actively participate in academic and mentoring activities
• demonstrate readiness for university-level study

Students who complete the programme and meet the predefined assessment criteria are granted direct admission to a Bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Science & Engineering at the University of Groningen.

Arranging your visa and residence permit

Whether you need a visa or residence permit depends on your nationality (see table below). Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not require a visa or residence permit. Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a valid student visa and/or residence permit before travelling to the Netherlands. For some nationalities, only a residence permit is required.

You cannot apply for a visa or residence permit yourself. As the recognised sponsor, we will submit the application on your behalf to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) after you have been admitted to the programme. You will receive detailed instructions on the required documents and next steps.

The application process requires careful and timely preparation. You must submit all required documents and payments before the deadline of 1 July 2026. Late or incomplete submissions may result in delays or the inability to start the programme.

Typical visa requirements include a valid passport, proof of admission, proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance. You are responsible for providing accurate and complete documentation.

For the application for a visa and/or residence permit you have to show you have sufficient money to live and study in the Netherlands. The amount you need to have, is called the study norm and is currently €1,180 per month. For our programme the amount of sufficient funds is therefore €10,620. The amount does not include tuition fees. The money will be refunded once you arrive in the Netherlands and after you have opened a Dutch bank account.

Please note that admission to the programme does not guarantee that a visa or residence permit will be granted. Final decisions are made by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

EU/EEA, Switzerland 
No visa or residence permit required.

Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zeeland, Vatican City, UK, South Korea or USA 
Only residence permit required.

All others 
Both visa and residence permit required.