Gain fundamental insights into classical mathematical statistics and learn to work with basic statistical models.

Get acquainted with Machine Learning. Learn to discriminate between different machine learning and pattern recognition methods, apply methods on different types of data and evaluate their performance using different metrics.

Learn how to formulate mathematical models for practical problems such as a linear programming (LP) problem, perform a sensitivity analysis for LP problems and solve integer programming problems.

Learn how to develop the multiple regression model with applications, especially to cross-sectional data. Make extensive use of matrix algebra and multivariate statistical theory. Use software packages EViews and R or Python for the execution of applications and simulations.

Get a broad introduction to modern finance, theoretical and empirical, with focus on the assessment of investment projects and the way to finance them as well as the fundamental relationship between risk and return by presenting modern portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM).

Learn about the parts of univariate and multivariate time series analysis that are most relevant for analysing and forecasting (macro)economic and financial time series.

Your eligibility is based on the following criteria:  

1. Academic Bachelor’s degree with a focus on mathematics and statistics. You should have completed a level of mathematics, statistics and programming that is comparable to the following courses of the Bachelor's in Business Analytics: 

• Mathematics 3: Advanced Linear Algebra
• Probability Theory and Statistics 1
• Probability Theory and Statistics 2
• Algorithms and Data Structures in Python

We do not require a specific minimum GPA for this programme, but we will compare and assess the performance on all selection criteria to make an informed decision regarding placement into the programme.

Students with an EU academic degree + EU nationality:  

Your eligibility is based on the following criteria:  

1. Academic Bachelor’s degree with a focus on mathematics and statistics. You should have completed a level of mathematics, statistics and programming that is comparable to the following courses of the Bachelor's in Business Analytics (it is required to upload course descriptions of these courses in your online application):

• Mathematics 3: Advanced Linear Algebra
• Probability Theory and Statistics 1
• Probability Theory and Statistics 2
• Algorithms and Data Structures in Python 

1. GRE test: minimum score: 155 and preferably 158 in the Quantitative Reasoning section (please take your GRE test before the application deadline).
2. We require evidence of English language proficiency. Good English skills are essential for successful class participation and understanding. In some cases, you might be exempted from the English test requirement. If not, we'll assess your English skills through specific proficiency tests:

• TOEFL iBT Test: minimum total score of 92 with a minimum of 22 per subscore. You can use the institution code 9011 to have your score report sent to us. 
• IELTS Academic: overall band score of 6.5. Minimum score per subscore: Speaking and Writing a 6.5 and Listening and Reading a 6.0. Please note that the IELTS Indicator test is not allowed. 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: overall score of 180 and a minimum of 180 per skill. 

Other test versions or modules are not accepted. Examples of this include but are not limited to: IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL MyBest Scores, etc.

Validity of scores 

Test scores may not be older than 2 years, counting back from the start of the programme. For example, if you are applying for the September 2025 intake, we do not accept English proficiency tests taken before September 2023. Scores older than 2 years are only valid in combination with certain study programmes (check the exemptions). Sufficient test scores received after the application deadline are accepted, as long as your English proficiency test was taken before the application deadline. 

We do not require a specific minimum GPA for this programme, but we will compare and assess the performance on all selection criteria to make an informed decision regarding placement into the programme. 

Students with a non-EU/EEA degree

We recommend starting with the Master's Qualifying Programme at the Cambridge Education Group. Their programme is more extensive than our pre-master’s programme, offering additional courses which allow you to better prepare for your Master's progression. Additionally, they provide assistance with:

• your student visa;
• guaranteed accommodation in Amsterdam’s challenging housing market;
• tailor made academic assistance where needed.

Students that progress to one of our Master’s after having completed this programme have shown to perform exceptionally well in our Master’s programmes. Please note that you will be unconditionally admitted to the Master's after finishing this Master’s Qualifying Programme.

Depending on your academic background, you may qualify to apply for the Pre-Master’s programme offered by UvA Economics and Business. This programme is not tailor-made to fit your specific academic background which means you do need to meet all the specific entry requirements in order to start. Please note that it does not offer additional services such as guaranteed student accommodation.

We do not have a pre-Master’s programme available for students with previous education from a Dutch University of Applied Science (HBO). You can apply for our Bachelor's Business Analytics.  

The application deadline for the September 2025 intake:  

Register in Studielink – Select the programme: BSc Business Analytics - pre-Master's programme. After that choose: Data Science and Business Analytics 

After registering in Studielink, you will receive your UvAnetID. This will give you access to check the status of your personal enrolment Checklist. There you find the subsequent steps that you need to take in order to complete your enrolment. Please note that the pre-Master's Data science and Business Analytics is called pre- Master's Business Analytics in your checklist.

In order to check if you are eligible for the programme you need to upload and submit your documents in our online application system Embark. Make sure you keep an eye on the deadlines! 

You will most likely receive your results within 4-6 weeks after we have received a complete application, but in peak moments (January till June) evaluating your application may take a few weeks longer.

The tuition fees for your pre-Master’s programme depend on the number of ECTS credits you need to obtain. Please take into account that it is not possible to arrange payment of your tuition fees until the programme has officially admitted you to the pre-Master’s programme. The tuition fees for pre-Master's programmes are usually not calculated until August.