International Communication

Find here the step-by-step guide

If you want to apply for the Master International Communication (or any other Hanze programme), you must first submit your request in the Dutch national registration system Studielink. After this, we will start the admissions process through our own application system 'Hanze Apply'.

In Hanze Apply you will be asked to fill in information about yourself, including your prior education. This is also where you must submit documents such as your previous diploma, your certificate of English proficiency (if applicable), motivation video link and CV.

Please note: If you do not yet have one of the required documents (because you have not yet graduated from your previous education, for example), you must still continue the application in order to be processed! Fill in the date you expect to receive the missing document, and continue the application. Don’t forget to click ‘submit’. You will be able to log in and add any missing documents when you receive them.

Application deadlines

• Dutch and EU students: 15 August
• Non-EU students*: 1 June

There are exceptions for whom the deadline may be earlier. You can find the most updated information and exceptions here.

Please take into consideration: 

• Most scholarship deadlines are between March-May, strive to complete your application for the MIC before then if you want to be eligible for scholarships. 
• It takes time to find accommodation in Groningen. The earlier you complete your application, the earlier you can start looking for a room. 

Completion of enrolment deadline
You must complete your enrolment, including setting up your tuition payment and submitting all required documents (such as diplomas and certificate of English proficiency) before 1 September.

The International Communication masters programme only has September enrolment; there are no other starting moments throughout the year. Missing the 1 September deadline means you must apply for the following year’s September enrollment if you still wish to join the programme.

Please note that the result will only be issued after the Admissions Committee and Student Administration have assessed the application in full. You will receive an admissions decision within two weeks of submitting your application (note that during peak moments it may take longer). There are three possible outcomes:

• Letter of Acceptance – You are fully admitted and can start preparing for your studies. Visit the International Office for help with housing and immigration.
• Letter of Provisional Acceptance – You are conditionally admitted, pending submission of missing documents by the final deadline.
• Letter of Rejection – Unfortunately, you do not meet the programme requirements.

Selection Procedure 
We use a holistic admissions process that looks at the full picture of who you are — your academic background, language skills, personal experiences, motivation, and future goals.

If further clarification is needed, the Admissions Committee may request:

• Additional documents
• An intake interview

Click here to check whether you qualify

To join most Dutch higher education programmes, including International Communication, you simply need to have the required level of prior education.                                                                                     

Because the International Communication bachelor programme is in English, you may also be required to show a certificate of English proficiency, depending on your prior education (see the tab below for details).

Prior education requirements:

Upper Secondary School diploma, at equivalent level to Dutch HAVO or MBO-4 or higher. 

Non-Dutch diplomas are verified by the Nuffic organisation. You can access their guide to international education systems to establish whether your diploma is equivalent to Dutch HAVO or MBO-4 or higher.

Some examples:

• France: Baccalaureat
• Germany: Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Fachhochschulreife
• UK:  
  • GCSE 4 subjects (A* to C or 9 to 4) + GCE with 2 AS (advanced subsidiary) levels in relevant subjects (A* to C), 6 different subjects in total, preferably including maths and English.
• Or
• GCSE 4 subjects (A* to C or 9 to 4) + GCE with 2 relevant subjects at A (advanced) level (D-E), 6 different subjects in total, preferably including maths and English.

Depending on where you received your previous education, you might have to provide proof of English proficiency. Please check this very carefully! These language requirements are set nationally, and we are not allowed to give any exemptions (beyond the existing agreed exemptions shown via the link below).

First check if you are exempt from needing an English proficiency certificate by going to this page and scrolling down to the last section.

If you are not exempt, you must take one of the following English exams (minimum required scores listed):

• IELTS – 6.0 average, no sub scores lower than 5.5, and no more than two 5.5 sub scores.
• TOEFL paper – 550
• TOEFL Internet – 80, no sub score below 17
• Cambridge ESOL – 169
• TOEIC – Listening & Reading 670, Speaking & Writing 290
• LanguageCert Academic – 65
• Pearson PTE Academic - 61

Your certificate must not be older than two years at the time of submission.