Pre-Master's entry requirements
The entry requirements for FEB Pre-Master's programmes vary depending on the programme you are applying for, the diploma you have previously obtained, and the level of mathematics you have acquired. Below, you will find details about the available Pre-Master’s programmes, the required mathematics level and available tests, and the necessary English proficiency certificates (if applicable).
Diploma entry requirements
Below is an overview of the available Pre-Master's programmes based on your previous educational background.
With a Dutch HBO diploma
30 EC programmes
-
Supply Chain Management and Technology and Operations Management
30/45 EC programmes
A Dutch HBO diploma on this list from the admission table qualifies an applicant for the 30 EC programme. A Dutch HBO diploma that is not on the list means that the applicant needs to follow the 45 EC programme. The following Pre-Master’s programmes have 30 EC and 45 EC variants.
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Business Administration (all profiles: Change Management, Health, Management Accounting and Control, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Innovation Management)
-
Human Resource Management
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International Business and Management
-
International Economics & Sustainable Development (previously ED&G)
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International Financial Management
-
Marketing
45 EC programmes
-
Finance
30/60 EC Accountancy and Controlling programmes
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30 EC Accountancy and Controlling for HBO-Accountancy
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30 EC Accountancy and Controlling for HBO-Finance and Control
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60 EC Accountancy and Controlling (for all other HBO-degrees)
60 EC programmes
-
Economics for HBO (all HBO degrees)
With a Dutch WO diploma
30 EC programmes
-
Supply Chain Management and Technology and Operations Management
45 or less EC programmes
-
Business Administration (all profiles: Change Management, Health, Management Accounting and Control, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Innovation Management)
-
Finance
-
Human Resource Management
-
International Business and Management
-
International Economics & Sustainable Development (previously ED&G)
-
International Financial Management
-
Marketing
60 EC programmes
-
Accountancy and Controlling
60 or less EC programmes (apply via the MSc)
-
Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies (only for specific backgrounds with advanced mathematics)
-
Economics (tailor made)
‘*’ For Pre-MSc programmes with 45 EC or less, the admissions board will assess on your request whether you can receive exemptions based on your previous education. Please fill in this form before July 1.
Please note: the standard 30 EC programmes are NOT for students with a Dutch WO diploma. If you receive exemptions your 45 EC programme will be reduced on an individual basis.
Check the customized entry packages if you are interested in one of FEB's Master's programmes, but do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
With an international diploma
30 EC programmes
-
Supply Chain Management and Technology and Operations Management
45 or less EC programmes*
-
Business Administration (all profiles: Change Management, Health, Management Accounting and Control, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Innovation Management)
-
Finance
-
Human Resource Management
-
International Business and Management
-
International Economics & Sustainable Development (previously ED&G)
-
International Financial Management
-
Marketing
60 EC programmes
-
Accountancy and Controlling
60 or less EC programmes*
-
Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies (only for students from academic universities with advanced mathematics background))
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Economics (tailor-made)
‘*’ For Pre-MSc programmes with 45 EC or less or 60 EC or less, the admissions board will assess during your application process whether you can receive exemptions based on your previous education.
Mathematics entry requirements
Mathematics is a key academic competence for programmes offered at this faculty. Academic research often involves quantitative methods based on mathematical models and analysis. To understand, evaluate and execute this research you will need a certain level of mathematical skills.
Pre-Master students no longer need to prove their math level before entering a Master's programme. However, it’s your own responsibility to ensure you have the right mathematical background. Without this, passing your courses will be challenging.
Recommended mathematical skills per MSc
The exact mathematics levels required to complete the Pre-Master’s and Master's programmes at FEB vary between programmes and depend on the nature of the programme and the type of electives that you decide to take.
WHY you need certain mathematics level per MSc
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Pre-MSc Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies (EORAS) is a highly quantitative programme; higher-level mathematics is essential to start the Pre-MSc.
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Pre-MSc Finance, International Financial Management and Supply Chain Management/Technology Operations Management (SCM/TOM): mathematics is part of the Pre-MSc programme. This mathematics course requires prior knowledge at the HAVO B level or preferably at the level of the FEB entrance exam.
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The Pre-MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development (IE&SD), Economics and Economics for HBO apply mathematics in multiple courses; students have to actively master mathematics skills at standard/advanced level (Dutch level VWO A or B) before starting the Pre-MSc.
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For all other Pre-MSc programmes; students have to actively master mathematical skills at Dutch level HAVO A or B before entering the Pre-MSc.
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In case you want to continue with the MSc Marketing Analytics and Data Science (MADS) or Business Administration (BA-Health), or if you want to choose more quantitative electives in the MSc Business Administration- Strategic Innovation and Management (BA SIM) or Management Accounting and Control (BA MAC) you need math skills at a standard/advanced level (Dutch level VWO A or B) before starting the MSc.
The mathematics recommendations table below gives an overview of the required mathematical levels per MSc.
Dutch diploma
|
HAVO level at start Pre-MSc |
VWO level at start Pre-MSc |
VWO level at start MSc |
Higher Level at start Pre-MSc |
Accountancy and Controlling (all programmes) |
X |
|
|
|
BA: Change Management |
X |
|
|
|
BA: Health |
X |
|
X |
|
BA: Management Accounting and Control (if interested in quantitative courses) |
X |
|
(X) |
|
BA: Small Business and Entrepreneurship |
X |
|
|
|
BA: Strategic Innovation Management (if interested in quantitative courses) |
X
|
|
(X) |
|
Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies (EORAS)** |
|
|
|
X |
Economics (tailor made)*** |
|
X |
|
|
Economics for HBO |
|
X |
|
|
International Economics and Sustainable Development (IE&SD) |
|
X |
|
|
Finance |
|
X |
|
|
Human Resource Management |
X |
|
|
|
International Business and Management |
X |
|
|
|
International Financial Management |
|
X |
|
|
Marketing (MADS) |
X |
|
X |
|
Marketing (Management) |
X |
|
|
|
Supply Chain Management & Technology and Operations Management |
|
X |
|
|
‘** Pre-Master EORAS possible for studies including with higher level maths such as: BSc (applied) Mathematics, (applied) Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering & Management, (International) Economics. Apply for MSc EORAS to receive Pre-MSc offer.
‘*** Apply for MSc Economics to receive tailor-made Pre-MSc offer.
International diploma
Pre-MSc programme |
International diploma*; level at start Pre-MSc | |
Accountancy and Controlling (all programmes) |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
BA: Change Management |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
BA: Health |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
BA: Management Accounting and Control |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
BA: Small Business and Entrepreneurship |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
BA: Strategic Innovation Management |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies (EORAS)** |
Higher level mathematics | |
Economics (tailor made)*** |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Economics for HBO |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
International Economics and Sustainable Development (IE&SD) |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Finance |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Human Resource Management |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
International Business and Management |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
International Financial Management |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Marketing (MADS) |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Marketing (Management) |
Standard/advanced mathematics | |
Supply Chain Management & |
Standard/advanced mathematics |
‘* For international equivalents, see this page.
‘** Pre-Master EORAS possible for studies including with higher level maths such as: BSc (applied) Mathematics, (applied) Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Industrial
Engineering & Management, (International) Economics. Apply for MSc EORAS to receive Pre-MSc offer.
‘*** Apply for MSc Economics to receive tailor-made Pre-MSc offer
How to demonstrate and improve your mathematic skills
Dutch diploma
How do I demonstrate my mathematics level?
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For Pre-MSc EORAS, your mathematics level will be assessed by the Admissions Board during your application process.
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For all other Pre-MSc programmes, it is your responsibility to attain the mathematics level indicated in the table. If you do not meet this level, you will likely struggle to pass all obligatory courses. If mathematics is not your strong point, or it has been several years since your last mathematics course, we strongly recommend refreshing your skills, for example, by taking the FEB Mathematics Spring or Summer Course.
I do not have the recommended mathematical skills yet, what can I do?
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If you need a HAVO mathematics level, we strongly recommend that you prepare independently or with tutoring (which you must arrange yourself) for the Eindexamen HAVO B requirements. Ideally, you should take the HBO admission test to assess your level (you do not need to provide proof of passing). See toelatingstoesten Noord Nederland for further information.
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If you need a VWO Mathematics A/B level, we recommend taking the FEB Mathematics Course (available in April/May and August). You do not need to pass the test. If you are unable to take the FEB course, you may choose any other mathematics course and/or test at this level or prepare through individual tutoring (which you must arrange yourself).
(See additional information on specific mathematical topics that should be covered, using the FEB math test as a reference point.)
International diploma
How do I demonstrate my mathematics level?
International diploma students cannot apply directly for the Pre-MSc but must apply for the MSc of their choice. If they are not admissible to the MSc directly, they may receive a Pre-MSc offer. The applicant’s mathematics level will be assessed by the Admissions Board based on the diploma and additional information provided by the student during the application process.
I do not have the required level yet, what can I do?
If you do not meet the mathematics level or it has been some years since last took mathematics courses, we expect you to take the FEB Mathematics Entrance Exam and preparatory course (available in April/May and August). You do not need to pass the test. If it is impossible for you to take the FEB course, you may choose any other mathematics course and/or test at this level, or prepare through individual tutoring (which you must arrange yourself).
(See additional information on specific mathematical topics that should be covered, using the FEB math test as a reference point.)
Content of the FEB mathematics course and further tips
The FEB Mathematics entrance exam and preparatory course include the most relevant topics that you need during your studies at FEB. Topics, literature and exercises can be found here.
If you want to brush up on your mathematics skills, there are many free opportunities online. Use the topics of the math entrance exam as a guide on what to study. Examples of online free resources (in Dutch): toelatingstoetsen.nl (only HAVO), https://www.wiskundeacademie.nl/ (HAVO and VWO), https://wiskunjeleren.nl/ (only HAVO). Look on YouTube for instruction videos in English.
English language requirements
Our Pre-Master’s programmes are taught in English. Depending on the diploma, applicants will need to show proof of command for the English language.
Previous diploma |
Required level of English language |
VWO diploma |
Exempted |
HBO diploma |
Exempted |
International diploma* |
IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 80 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 169, Speaking 169, Writing 162). |
*The English language proficiency test scores (IELTS and TOEFL) should not be older than 2 years. Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the admission procedure.
NB: The Admissions Office should receive the test results before 1 September (for EU/EEA students). The deadline for non-EU/EEA students is 1 June (September start); otherwise, there is insufficient time left for the visa application procedure.
Ready to apply?
Read carefully the steps to apply for one of the Pre-Master's programmes.
Last modified: | 11 March 2025 10.39 a.m. |