Frequently Asked Questions

Here you find all the frequently asked questions about our masters, courses and online application system. If your question is not listed,  please send us an e-mail: courses@kit.nl 

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    • Important information about student visa/ residence permit Master students

      We would like to inform you about some important issues concerning visa application for The Netherlands if you are studying longer than 90 days at KIT. This applies to Master and NTC students:

      We can only apply for a student visa/residence permit if you are a fulltime(!) student.

      Payment of the invoice for the course fee, thesis and programme advice should reach KIT not later than 2 months before the start of the course, otherwise we will not be able to arrange your visa in time.

      It will take the IND about 2-4 weeks time to process the visa application. It is also important that you make an appointment at the the Dutch embassy in time, because there might be a waiting list. And please take into account that at some embassies it can take 2 weeks time to process the visa document!

      The rules and regulations of the IND (immigration service) became more strict and as an international student you need to proof that you have sufficient financial means to fund your studies and to live in The Netherlands during your studies. That means that you must have sufficient income to cover the period that they stay in The Netherlands. For example: you will stay in the Netherlands for 12 months. You must then have an income for these 12 months. The amount you need is the standard amount for students living away from home as set out in the Student Finance Act 2000. This standard amount is excluding school and tuition fees, student insurance and fees for the visa application procedure.

      The income requirement for ‘Higher professional education and university education’ is € 862.50 per month. You may merge income from various sources to meet the income requirement. The incomes must, however, all be independent and long-term. For more information, please check the website of the IND.

      Before we can start the visa application procedure KIT, as educational institution, will have to check if you have sufficient funds. There are various ways to prove that you have sufficient financial means to study and live in the Netherlands:

      • Money in your own bank account
      • Scholarship
      • Deposit money on the account of your educational institution
      • Financier abroad
      • Financier in The Netherlands
      • You receive funds from a company

      You demonstrate this on the basis of documents. For more information and to find out which documents you need, please check ‘how do I demonstrate that I have sufficient financial means’ on the website of the IND.

      So before we can apply for your visa, you need to pay the full course fee, visa costs and insurance and you also need to send KIT a bank statement (not older than 3 months) that you – and/or your sponsor – have enough money to cover this period. You may merge income from various sources to meet the income requirement. The incomes must, however, all be independent and long-term.

      KIT will and can only start and submit your visa application after all documents are in place and payment of the main course fee, visa fee and insurance is done.

    • Application student visa (residence permit)

      Do you want to study in the Netherlands? For a stay of over 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit unless you come from a country that belongs to the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.

      KIT will apply for the residence permit for you. You cannot apply for a residence permit yourself.

      For more information about student visa (residence permit), please check the information brochure of the IND: IND Info brochure study visa

      Students who study less than 90 days at KIT (almost all short courses) can apply for a tourist visa via the Netherlands embassy in their country, or another embassy. 

    • Please can you explain what TropEd is all about?

      KIT is a member of TropEd, an international network of European institutions for higher education in international health. TropEd provides postgraduate opportunities for study contributing to sustainable development, and helps to establish a common standard in education.
      All KIT short courses are TropEd accredited. 

      KIT students of the flexible Master in International Health programme can follow advanced modules in TropEd institutes all over the world. Students who study at Master in International Health programme at another TropEd institute can follow advanced modules at KIT.

      More information on TropEd and the choice of courses see TropEd website.

    • I’m a TropEd student at another institute and I would like to apply for a course at KIT Amsterdam. How can I apply?

      KIT works with an online application system. Therefore we would like to ask you to register and apply online. Because you are already registered at another TropEd home institute, it is not required to upload all your transcripts and reference letters in our online application system.

      We kindly request you to register online, fill in the application form of the specific course you would like to apply for and upload only your CV and a short motivation letter in which you mention that you are a MIH/TropEd student and the name of your home institute.

      The online application system will only register your application as 100% complete when all required documents are attached. Therefore we would like to ask you to send us a separate e-mail after your registration/application. We will than consider your incomplete application as complete and send it to the admission board.

      For any further correspondence please refer to your personal application file number.

    • Who needs to provide a TOEFL/IELTS test report?

      KIT and VU University Amsterdam require all applicants for the Master programmes to enclose proof of English language proficiency in the form of the internationally recognised TOEFL or IELTS tests.

      This is required for all Master programme applicants who have not completed their education in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Philippines, India, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or who have not obtained an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma.

      A minimum written TOEFL score of 550, iBT TOEFL score of 80, computer based TOEFL score of 213, or an IELTS academic score of 6.0 is required. Please note that candidates must take the Academic test and not the General one.

      • IELTS overall band 6.0
      • TOEFL paper based 550
      • TOEFL computer based 213
      • TOEFL internet based 80

      For more details about TOEFL or IELTS, please check the website below:

      http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about

      http://www.ielts.org/

      Please note:
      We only accept official TOEFL or IELTS test results which are not older than 3 years!

      TOEFL-ibt Special Home Edition test
      Due to the global Covid-19 situation KIT will accept the TOEFL-ibt Special Home Edition test as it is the same research-based, valid and reliable TOEFL iBT test of academic English from ETS.

      TOEFL-ibt Special Home Edition is now available in almost all countries, with the exception of Iran.

      Temporary expansion
      Temporary expansion of the language tests referred to in Article 4.2 of the Code of Conduct for International Students in Higher Education.
      The guidelines were approved on 16 June 2020.

      Throughout the period during which the measures taken to fight Coronavirus prevent the use of the regular language tests as stated in Article 4.2 of the Code of Conduct, the use of a few approved tests provided by the suppliers listed in Article 4.2 of the Code of Conduct shall be permitted, provided these tests are accompanied by a sufficient guarantee of quality. This expansion applies to prospective international students, whose enrollment for the academic year 2020-2021 starts on August 31, 2020. Current information on the online language tests is available on the Code of Conduct website. This information will be updated whenever changes occur.

      https://www.internationalstudy.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Temporary-expansion-16062020-of-the-language-tests-referred-to-in-Article-4.2-CoC-ENG.pdf

    • Can I upload my TOEFL/IELTS test results later?

      Only when your application is completed with the TOEFL/IELTS test results, we can proceed your application. If you don’t have done a test yet, you can upload the results later but your application will be wait listed and will only be reviewed by the admission board if it is complete.

    • Where can I find more information about the OKP scholarship?

      More information about the scholarship Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP):

      OKP scholarships are designed to meet the need for further training and capacity-building in developing countries. Applicants from OKP countries (*) can apply for a wide range of KIT Master’s programmes and short courses offered by KIT.

      For all information on the eligible OKP countries, eligibility criteria, application procedures visit our OKP page.

    • I applied for the Master in International Health (MIH), can I get an OKP scholarship for this course?

      Unfortunately there are no OKP scholarships available for the MIH course. 

      Visit our scholarship information page as a starting point in your search for funding.

      For the list of KIT Masters and short courses that are eligible for OKP, and more information see our OKP page

    • How can I apply for a scholarship?

      The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant. KIT does not offer financial support or fellowships yet. For more options on funding look at our scholarship information page.

      Some of the KIT Masters and short courses are eligible for an OKP scholarship. For more information visit our OKP page

      First you will have to register in the KIT online application system and after admission to the course you have applied for, you can apply for a OKP scholarship. Please check our OKP webpage for more information about how to apply.

    • Does KIT offer scholarships?

      The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant.

      If there are scholarships available from KIT Scholarship Fund this will be announced on the KIT website. Accepted candidates will be informed personally about scholarship opportunities from KIT.

      Some candidates are sponsored by their own governments, universities or employers while others apply for fellowships offered through the United Nations and its specialized agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, WB, UNDP or through other international programmes, such as those of OECD or OAS.
      For more options on funding look at: https://www.kit.nl/scholarship-information/

    • Does KIT offer PhD programmes or positions?

      Unfortunately we do not offer PhD positions directly. We do cooperate however with other institutions and universities in the Netherlands that offer PhD places. If you are looking for a PhD position, contact other universities.

    • Why do I need to write a motivation letter?

      A motivation letter is one of our admission criteria. In a one-page letter you need to describe why you want to participate in a specific course.

      Please be aware that you need to upload
      a separate motivation letter
      for each course application!

      What do we expect from a motivation letter?
      Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

    • Only for OKP application: where can I find information on government statement?

      For further information about Government Statements and the form; please check OKP webpage under question ‘how do I apply for an OKP scholarship

    • Why does KIT need a signed Financial Statement from the course participant?

      If you have arranged financial support for your participation in the course please send us a signed copy of the Financial Statement to finalise your registration and to guarantee a place in the course. We need a signed copy so our financial department can continue the administrative process (e.g. invoice). Once you send back your filled in and signed financial statement we consider your registration for the course definitive.

    • Why do I need to sign a Financial Statement?

      The Financial Statement is a contract between you (or your sponsor) and KIT. The undersigned agrees to be responsible for the financial obligations and that you (or your sponsor) agree(s) with the conditions as outlined in the Financial Statement.
      Only when a financial statement is signed your registration to a course is final and we reserve a place for you and start with all practical matters that have to be organised to study at KIT.

    • When do I need to return a signed Financial Statement?

      Practical issues like visa, accommodation, insurance and arrangements for travelling are time consuming, therefore we kindly request to send a scan of the signed Financial Statement at the latest 2 months before the start of the course to courses@kit.nl 

    • What is the fee for EU and non-EU students?

      The fee for EU and non-EU students is the same as for all other applicants.

      Please check our website for more information about the course fees of our Master programmes and short courses.
      You can find all fee information about our courses and the application procedure on study pages.

    • Is there a different fee for national and international students?

      There are no different fees. The course fee is the same for all applicants.

      Please check our website for more information about our Master courses.
      You can find all information about our courses and the application procedure on our study pages.

    • What is the difference between the Master of Public Health(MPH/ICHD) and the Master in International Health (MIH)?

      We have two different Master courses:

      The Master in International Health (MIH) receives mainly people with medical or paramedical background education (doctors, nurses, midwifes, pharmacists, etc.). In some cases exceptions can be made if there is relevant professional experience and if the applicant is fully aware of the challenges he/she will face while following a course with a strong clinical focus. Please be aware that the MIH programme is intense and demanding. Some experience in reading and writing academic papers is highly recommended.

      The ICHD program (Master of Public Health-International Course in Health Development ) – on the other hand – accepts professionals with and without medical background education. This master in public health program basically aims for applicants with substantial professional experience in the health sector. This is a 1-year fulltime program.

      Download: Info difference MIH and MPH-ICHD  for an explanation about the difference between MIH and MPH/ICHD.

    • Do I need to send certified copies of diplomas and transcripts?

      Since we have switched to the online application system you don’t need to send hard copies of your true certified documents anymore. You can upload these copies online. It is the own responsibility of the applicant to upload these documents. You may be asked upon arrival to show originals. If this is the case you will be informed about this beforehand.

    • How to apply?

      You can find all information about our courses and the application procedure on our study pages under each course.

      When you’d like to apply, we kindly request you to register for this particular course via our online application system. On the webpage of the course you would like to apply for, you will find a button ‘apply online now’. Click on that button and proceed your application.

      We only accept a complete application via our online registration system. You need to upload required documents as a digital copy of your motivation letter, cv, diploma and transcripts (for the master courses a TOEFL/IELTS test is required, please check the admission criteria on the specific course page for more info).

      Your complete application file shall be reviewed by the selection committee of the course you have applied for. Within 4 weeks you will receive a response.

      KIT does not use registration fees.

    • What are my chances of getting admission for a specific course?

      You can find all information about the admission criteria on our study pages under each course. Your complete application file will be reviewed by the admission committee of the course you have applied for. Within 4 weeks you will receive a response.
      If not all eligibility criteria apply to you, but you feel you are nevertheless an excellent candidate for a certain course, make sure to elaborate on this in your motivation letter.

    • Is my admission letter only valid for only one course period?

      Your admission letter is valid for 2 academic years and for one specific course.
      After expiry of these 2 years you need to apply again.

    • How will I get an admission letter?

      If you have applied to a course via our online application system and are eligible you will receive an admission letter and financial statement via the online application system and via e-mail. 
      Please note that this letter of admission is conditional with regards to finances. When you have finances to cover the course fees and all other costs involved you have to send back the filled in and signed financial statement. Only then we consider your admission definitive.

    • Can you help me with accommodation?

      Finding accommodation is the own responsibility of the students. But in practice we support as much as possible. 

      We can advise you on accommodation when your application for one of our courses is finalized and paid for (or covered by a scholarship). (this means that the earlier your application and payment process is done, the better we can support and help.

      You may have heard that it is very difficult to find accommodation in Amsterdam. Especially since the accommodation for international students needs to be legal and official, with possibilities to register at the local municipality in order to be in line with the regulations from the NL immigration authorities.

    FAQ Online Application System

    • One of the required documents is a diploma. What do you mean by a diploma?

      A diploma (academic training at least to the level of a bachelor’s degree, either in medicine or a paramedical science) is a document that confirms that you have passed or completed all your exams with official signatures of the academic board of your university.

      Training and workshop certificates/documents can be uploaded under ‘other documents’.

    • Do I need to upload both my diploma and transcripts?

      Yes, we need both required documents. Please upload them in the online application system. 

      A transcript is the list of all of the courses you took and the respective grades received.

      A diploma is the certificate that the university gives you saying you have satisfactorily completed all of the course requirements and have graduated.

    • I have uploaded the wrong document / attachment. How can I change that?

      In the attachments of your application file in the online application system you can upload as many documents as you want. But you can also delete documents: click on the +/- symbol and you will see that a ‘delete’-button will appear. So please upload the correct document and delete the wrong attachment.

    • How can I see which documents/ attachments are already uploaded?

      You can access the online application system via this address: http://application.kit.nl.

      To view the documents that are uploaded in your profile you go to the home page and click on ‘Your profile: Applicant’.

      A new screen will appear and you click on ‘Documents & Checklist’. You can see which documents are already uploaded.

    • I have tried to register, but the system gives a message that my e-mail address already exists. What to do?

      Probably you are already registrated for a course with this e-mail address. We can check this for you and give you the details about your registration code. Send us a mail courses@kit.nl

      We kindly request you to use only one account and one e-mail address, this makes it easier for you, and also for us, to follow up your applications.

      After you have received your account details, you can reset your password yourself with the link below:

      http://application.kit.nl/index.php?option=com_users&view=reset

      Please fill in your current e-mail address.
      Then you will get a confirmation code (*).
      Please follow instructions on the screen.

      (*) Note: this is not the new code, but just the code to fill in for creating a new password.

    • I have registered on the application website, but I did not receive an activation link

      Please make sure you completed the entire registration process. If this is the case then check the spam box of your e-mail account to see if it arrived there. If this is still not the case let us know at courses@kit.nl

    • I have a problem with accessing the online form, what can I do?

      It is possible that you did not finalise the registration process. If that is the case, you are not able to access the online form. You need to click on the activation link received by e-mail to complete the registration. If you did not receive the e-mail with the code, please check your mail spam box. 

    • I have a problem with logging in, what can I do?

      If you have a problem to login, you can reset your password with the link below:
      http://application.kit.nl/index.php?option=com_users&view=reset

      Please fill in your e-mail address (e.g. <<e-mail address applicant>>)
      Then you will get a confirmation code (*).
      Please follow instructions on the screen.

      (*) Note: this is not the new code, but just the code to fill in for creating a new password.

    • I applied for a course and I received an e-mail that my application is not complete. What can I do?

      Please check if you have uploaded all the required documents (motivation letter, CV, diploma(s), academic transcripts and/or TOEFL/IELTS test result) or your personal details (e.g. references, etc.).

      In case you are sure that you have completed your registration and application 100%, it might be a result of a technical problem that you received this e-mail, please contact us at courses@kit.nl.

    • How can I change my e-mail address?

      You can edit your e-mail on the profile page.

    • I have already received an admission letter for one of the KIT courses, but I would like to change or add another course. Do I need to apply again and/or will I get another admission letter?

      Yes, you need to apply again. Please go to the home page of the online application system. You can click on the ‘Apply to another programme’-button to apply for another course.

      When you apply for another course, you will have to send a new motivation letter for that specific course. It is not necessary to upload the other requested documents again (e.g. your cv, diploma, etc.), they are already in your application file.

      Your new course application will be reviewed by the admission board. If you are admitted to the course you applied for, you will receive a new admission letter.

      Please note that in order to apply to another programme you need to have completed the first application you submitted. Otherwise the system will not let you continue to another application.

    • Can I use the same account to register/apply for another course?

      Yes, we advise you to use only one account and one e-mail address, this makes it easier for you, and also for us, to follow up your applications.

      After you have finished your previous application, please go to the home page of the online application system. You can click on the ‘Apply to another programme’-button to apply for another course.

      When you apply for another course, you will have to send a new motivation letter for that specific course. It is not necessary to upload the other requested documents again (e.g. your cv, diploma, etc.), they are already in your application file.

    • How can I apply for another course?

      Please be aware that if you are already registrated for another course, you will have to finish that registration and application first. Otherwise you cannot apply for another course.

      After you have finished your registration/application, please go to the home page of the online application system. You can click on the ‘Apply to another programme’-button to apply for another course.

      When you apply for another course, you will have to send a new motivation letter for that specific course. It is not necessary to upload the other requested documents again (e.g. your cv, diploma, etc.), they are already in your application file.

      In case you want to cancel or replace your previous application with this new one, please send us your request to delete the not relevant application (courses@kit.nl).

    • Can I apply for more than one course?

      Yes, you can apply for more than one course. Please be aware that if you are already registered for another course, you will have to finish that registration and application first. Otherwise you cannot apply for another course.

      After you have finished your registration/application, please go to the home page of the online application system. You can click on the ‘Apply to another programme’-button to apply for another course.

      When you apply for another course, you will have to send a new motivation letter for that specific course. It is not necessary to upload the other requested documents again (e.g. your cv, diploma, etc.), they are already in your application file.

      Please be aware:
      we need a separate motivation
      for each course you apply for!!!

      Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

    • How can I apply?

      You can find all information about our courses and the application procedure on our website.

      When you’d like to apply, we kindly request you to register for this particular course via our online application system. On the webpage of the course you would like to apply for, you will find a button ‘apply online now’. Click on that button and proceed your application.

      Your complete application file shall be reviewed by the selection committee of the course you have applied for. Within 4 weeks you will receive a response.
      KIT does not ask for registration fees.