BSc International Development Management – International Nature Conservation

About the course

A practical, career-focused track within the International Development Management bachelor. It covers nature conservation and ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, climate change, deforestation policy, sustainable supply chains and working with communities, including Indigenous rights. You do two nature conservation internships in the Netherlands or abroad with environmental organisations and social enterprises.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• The institution assesses the Irish Leaving Certificate individually and does not publish a fixed Irish requirement. Contact admissions to confirm.
• VHL asks for a secondary school diploma at the level of the Dutch HAVO diploma (NLQF 4 / EQF 4). The programme page lists no specific subjects, such as Biology or Maths.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.0 (no subscore below 5.0), TOEFL iBT 80 or an equivalent test. VHL exempts students with at least three years of English-taught education in Ireland, so most Irish students will not need a test. Check with VHL to confirm.

How to apply

1. Apply on StudielinkCreate a Studielink account and apply for International Development Management (International Nature Conservation track) well before the 1 August deadline.
2. Upload documentsUpload your diploma or latest grades with a signed school statement of your expected diploma, your grades list, proof of English and your passport or ID in VHL’s portal.
3. Conditional admissionVHL assesses your file, which takes several weeks, and emails conditional admission to reserve your place if you are eligible.
4. Final admission and feeSend your final Leaving Cert results, meet any remaining conditions and pay the tuition fee before 30 August. Payment information arrives from 1 May. Introduction week is the last week of August.

Costs

• Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,771 for 2027/28, as listed on the VHL tuition fees page. The fee covers teaching costs but not books, readers and excursions.
• EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).

At a glance