Data Management

Entry requirements

English language skills

At IU, we teach in English to prepare you for the international work market. Therefore, we ask you to provide us with a proof of your English language skills. 

Is English your native language or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language skills. 

You can prove your English skills with an English B2 level certificate (no older than 5 years). Don’t have this at hand? No problem! You can quickly get your English certified with Duolingo. 

• Take the online test in just 45 to 60 minutes 
• Receive your certified results within 2 days 
• Save valuable money and time 

Find out if the Duolingo test is suitable for you. Click here to try it for free. In order to be accepted to your study programme, a minimum of 95 points in the Duolingo exam is required. 

Did you take the test and not get the 95 points required? Don’t worry! We’re offering a free English course. By successfully completing the course in 3 months, you'll prove that you have the required level of English proficiency.

We also accept the following English language skills certificates: 

• TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
• IELTS (minimum Level 6) or 
• Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) or 
• Equivalent proof, e.g. Speexx B2.2 Certificate (through the free IU English course) - further information can be requested from our student advisors.* 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.
*Please note that Speexx isn't accepted as a language certificate for on campus study programmes

Work experience

For the 60 ECTS programme:

• Proof of at least one year’s qualified work experience completed prior to the start of the study programme (the work experience must be gained after the completion of your undergraduate studies).
• Don’t have a year’s worth of qualified work experience? Don’t worry! With the Online Degree Saver Programme, you can start your studies right away, and gain your professional experience alongside your studies. You’ll need to achieve the one year’s worth of experience before you complete your Online Degree Saver Programme.
• You can provide us a translation of your employment contract and your pay slip or you can ask your company to fill out this form in English, sign it, apply the company stamp and send it to us:
  Proof of work experience (EN)
  Proof of work experience (NL)
  Proof of work experience (ES)
  Proof of work experience (IT)
  Proof of work experience (FR)

General admission requirements

Admission Requirements for 120-ECTS  

• Completed, undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS with a focus on Data Science, Business Informatics, Computer Science, Big Data Management, Digital Business 
• Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university  
• You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 

Admission Requirements for 60-ECTS  

• Completed undergraduate degree with  240 ECTS   
• Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university  
• You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 
• Proof of at least one year’s professional work experience completed prior to the start of study programme. Work experience must have been gained after completion of your undergraduate studies

Further admission opportunities

For the 60 ECTS programme: 

Depending on your previous education, the following entry options are applicable for the 60-ECTS Master’s degree: 

• undergraduate degree with 210 ECTS: you can bridge the gap of 30 ECTS with the proof of one year qualified work experience 
• undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS: you can bridge the gap of 60 ECTS with the proof of two years qualified work experience 

Recognition of knowledge and abilities acquired outside of higher education is possible in principle. 

Is your undergraduate degree not in the required subject field for this programme's 120 ECTS points variation admission requirements? You can still apply! You'll have to take 2 specific courses at the start of your studies, and pass them successfully in order to continue with your studies. That way, you don't have to take an entrance examination, and can prove your skills while earning ECTS points as part of your studies.