Admission requirements
Tinbergen Institute's research master program is a selective program for students who want to pursue a PhD in Economics, Econometrics, or Finance at one of the economics and business faculties affiliated to the Tinbergen Institute. A maximum of 35 students enrol each year. Students are selected by TI’s Admission Board.
Qualification Requirements
The Program is looking for highly skilled, hard-working and intrinsically motivated students who show research potential, have a positive attitude and contribute to the community. The aim is to admit a student cohort with diverse research interests, ensuring a strong fit with the relevant academic community at the partner Schools. Students must have the ambition to continue afterwards with a PhD at one of the partner Schools
The assessment of applications is based on academic performance (e.g. grades for (recent) courses and for quantitative courses) and research potential (e.g. research ideas, PhD attitude, research experience). But also collegiality is considered relevant (e.g. positive attitude, ability to work in teams and communication skills).
Admission decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of the application file, see more below.
Check our FAQs to learn how to enhance your application portfolio, showcase your research potential, choose the right recommenders, and follow the checklist for crafting a strong application.
1. Academic degree
Before enrolling in the Program, students must hold a Bachelor's degree obtained in academic higher education (university) and/or a Master's degree, demonstrating outstanding academic performance, particularly in coursework relevant to the Program, quantitative subjects, and research-oriented components.
2. GRE test scores
For applicants not holding a Dutch degree before their start in the Program, valid GRE (revised) General Test results are required (all 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing). Successful applicants typically perform among the top-10% of test-takers on the quantitative part of the GRE; applicants with a Q score below 160 will not be considered. The Home version is also accepted. Tinbergen Institute’s code number for the GRE is 3811.
Please note: research master applicants holding a Dutch BA/MA degree on 1 September (2027), do not need to submit GRE test scores.
3. Language
A proof of proficiency in English is required for non-Dutch degree holders who do not have a degree from a university program where the language of instruction was English. Proficiency in English is demonstrated by:
– holding a degree from a Dutch university or one that has been conducted in English, or
– scoring at least 100 on the TOEFL iBT test or 7 on the IELTS test.
GRE and TOEFL/IELTS test scores will be verified.
Tinbergen Institute’s code number for the TOEFL is 3811. IELTS scores can be shared with Erasmus University Rotterdam.
4. Strong motivation
Students should be strongly motivated to pursue a PhD in economics, econometrics or finance at the Institute. This will be assessed by a written Letter of motivation, which should include an overview of your specific area of academic interest.
5. Recommendations
Two recommendation letters are required to support your application. These recommendation letters should come from people who are familiar with graduate education and experienced in academic research, and who can assess your research potential and your suitability for a research-oriented master program.
6. An interview is be part of the selection process
The Admission Board aims to admit a cohort of students with diverse research interests, ensuring a strong fit with the relevant academic community at the partner Schools.