Study in Europe › Netherlands › Utrecht University

BA English Language and Culture

Utrecht University (Faculty of Humanities) · Utrecht, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishNo CAO points neededOpen entryNo subject requirementsVoluntary matchingCeltic option
Duration3 years
StartsSept 2027
EntryOpen entry
Deadline (EU)1 May 2027
EU fee 2026/27€2,694 / yr

About the course

Studies the language, literature and culture of the English-speaking world, including how English has changed over time and varies by place and social group, using a World Englishes approach. From September 2026 the Celtic languages (such as Irish and Welsh) can be studied as an optional part of the programme.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Utrecht University accepts the Irish Leaving Certificate with at least 6 exam subjects, of which at least 2 must be at Higher Level with a grade of H1-H4. This makes you eligible, but each programme can add its own requirements.
  • No extra subject requirements are published for this programme. English: the required level is EMI-ready, and a secondary school diploma from Ireland exempts you from an English test.

How to apply

  1. Apply on StudielinkRegister from 1 October 2026 and apply by 1 May 2027 at the latest.
  2. Upload documentsComplete the tasks in the Utrecht University application portal with your Leaving Cert details.
  3. Optional matchingMatching is voluntary if you live outside the Netherlands. You can ask to take part by emailing matching.gw@uu.nl.
  4. Confirm your placeOnce the university confirms you meet the requirements, send your final Leaving Cert results as soon as they are released.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: 1 May 2027 (latest date for EU/EEA applications via Studielink; registration opens 1 October 2026).

Costs

  • Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800).
  • EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).
Open-entry course: if you meet the requirements, you get a place. The Celtic languages (such as Irish and Welsh) are now offered as an optional part of this programme, as the separate Celtic Languages and Culture degree no longer takes applications.

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityUtrecht
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesNo cap
EntryOpen entry
Application and admission ↗Diploma equivalency list (includes Ireland) ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official Utrecht University website: September 2026 (2027 entry). The application and admission page still shows some details from the 2025-26 and 2026-27 cycles (such as matching dates), so please confirm dates with the university. Always confirm details with the university before applying.