1. Educational Background

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification at EQF Level 6) in a relevant field, such as Religious Studies, Cultural Heritage, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Archaeology, Art History, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Law, Political Sciences, Public Administration, (Cultural) Geography, Social work, or related disciplines.

Applicants in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree may apply, provided the degree is completed before the official start of the programme.

 

2. Academic Merit

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, evidenced by:

• a final grade equivalent to at least a Second Class Upper Division (2:1), or

• a minimum average of 75% (or equivalent).

Applicants must submit:

• official academic transcripts, and

a grade list with an explanation of the grading system and courses completed.

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3. English Language Proficiency (All Applicants)

​All applicants must provide proof of English proficiency by submitting test results from one of the following tests:

• C1 Advanced (formerly CAE): 185

• C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): 185

• IELTS overall band: Minimum overall score of 7 (no band below 6.5)

• TOEFL (internet-based): TOEFL (internet-based) 100, writing minimum 24, reading/listening/speaking minimum 21

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Important notes

• Language certificates must be no older than two years at the time of application.

• Tests not listed above are not accepted.

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum scores are not eligible.

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English language exemptions apply to:

• holders of a Dutch VWO diploma;

• native speakers of English who completed full secondary education in English;

• applicants who completed a full Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) taught entirely in English.

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Spanish Language Proficiency (only for students in the Spanish-English track)

All applicants applying for the Spanish-English track must also provide proof of Spanish proficiency by submitting test results from one of the following tests:

• DELE C1: APTO (Pass)

• DELE C2: APTO (Pass)

• SIELE Global Exam: S1–S5 equivalent to CEFR C1, with no component below B2

• TELC Español C1: C1 (Pass)

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Additional notes

• Certificates must be no older than two years.

• Only listed tests are accepted.

• Applicants who do not meet this requirement are not eligible for the Spanish–English track.

 

Exemptions apply to:

• native speakers of Spanish with full secondary education in Spanish;

• applicants who completed a full Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) taught entirely in Spanish.

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Note for English Track students:
Students in the English Track who wish to write their thesis at a Spanish-language partner institution in Semester 4 must provide proof of Spanish proficiency (C1) when applying for thesis supervision.

 

5. Motivation and Alignment

Applicants must demonstrate strong motivation to engage with the core themes of the RELIC programme, including religion, cultural and religious heritage, ecology, digital innovation, and social inclusion.

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The Motivation Letter (maximum 750 words, in English) must clearly explain:

• the applicant’s academic and/or professional background;

• why RELIC is relevant to their interests and goals;

• how they intend to apply the programme’s outcomes in future professional practice or academic research;

• the preferred mobility pathway.

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6. References

Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from:

• a Bachelor’s thesis supervisor, or

• another academic referee familiar with the applicant’s academic work.

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7. Additional Assets

Applicants may strengthen their application by demonstrating:

• professional, research, or voluntary experience in heritage, cultural, or religious institutions;

• experience with community engagement, digital tools, or sustainability-related projects.

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8. Optional: Proof of socio-economic vulnerability

Applicants may (optionally) submit documentation demonstrating socio-economic vulnerability, such as:

• proof of grants for disadvantaged students;

• refugee or asylum-seeker status;

• membership in an Indigenous community;

• government- or municipality-issued proof of low income.

This information is used only to support fairness, diversity, and inclusion in the selection process.