Admission requirements ISS programmes are intensive and demanding. To ensure that participants will be able to complete the programme successfully, ISS has set strict admission criteria, in terms of academic background, English language proficiency, motivation and work experience. Applicants should have a degree from a recognized university as registered in this database Academic background Bachelors degree in one of the social sciences or equivalent, comprising at least three years studies at a recognized university or institute of higher education. Applicants must have obtained at least class 2.2 (Lower Second), B or equivalent, but preferably class 2.1 (Upper Second), B+ or equivalent. Work experience Professional experience relevant to the field of study is generally expected and considered an advantage for admission. Applicants who are recent bachelor graduates with relevant academic background will also be considered. English language proficiency ISS does not require a language certificate if one is a native speaker of English from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America. Following the strict Dutch policy rules & regulations, ISS is obliged to request an English language proficiency test from all other nationalities. Below you find an overview of the acceptable language tests, which should not be older than 2 years at the time of your application submission. Please note that we do not accept TOEFL ITP or the TOEFL Home Edition. Acceptable Language proficiency tests: TOEFL score: for the paper test (PBT) 580; for the computer-based test (CBT) 237; for the internet test (IBT) (taken before 21 January 2026) 92 for the internet test (IBT) (taken after 21 January 2026) 4.5 IELTS score: Academic Test with an overall score of 6.5 Other Applicants from India who studied at an A-rated University, as determined by NAAC, are admissible. Other Indian applicants, as well as applicants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan are required to have an MA degree. NB. TOEFL and IELTS can send your test information directly to ISS: TOEFL: The ISS Institution Code is 9714 and the Department Code is 01. IELTS: The ISS Scheme Code is 9714. ISS reserves the right to reject other certificates of English proficiency that cannot be readily established as equivalent to IELTS or TOEFL. Your application can be assessed without the results of your English test. If accepted, you will receive a conditional admission letter, which you can use to apply for a scholarship. Once your test results have been received, if they are sufficient, you will receive a formal (unconditional) admission letter. Satisfactory test scores must be received before you start your programme at ISS .
Applying to our MA programme in Development Studies is a straightforward process, but it's important to stay informed about deadlines and admission requirements. We welcome applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are passionate about social justice and global development. Our step-by-step application guide will walk you through the process—from preparing your documents to submitting your application – so you know exactly what to expect and when. Please note that the application deadline for EU and non-EU students is 1 July 2027. Don't miss out on the opportunity to apply for the Early Bird Discount (EBD)! The deadline is 1 May 2027. You are also able to combine the EBD with the ISS Global Impact Scholarship . Please make sure to read the terms and conditions before applying. How to apply to ISS Step 1: You begin by registering via Studielink (the Dutch national registration system). Registration begins from first week October 2026 for the 2027/2028 academic year. Download the step-by-step guideline . Please go through the guideline thoroughly to ensure you have not missed any steps. Step 2: Once you have taken all steps to create your Studielink account and your enrollment application, you will then have to finalize your application in the Admission Portal of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). The application process consists of several steps which require you to add either information or supporting documents. All documents can be uploaded directly from your computer. Make sure that multiple page documents are submitted as one file. Save your application regularly during the process. In order to complete your online application you must complete all steps in Studielink AND the EUR Admission Portal . We will only start processing your application and inform you further after you have submitted your application in the EUR Admission Portal (by clicking on the 'submit' button on the last page of the application page). Disclaimer 1 : ISS does not employ or engage with third-party agencies or agents for our admissions or recruitment processes. We have a direct application procedure that all prospective students should follow. We encourage all applicants to interact with us directly through our official channels. Disclaimer 2 : ISS is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. However, all our classes take place in our Institute which is based in The Hague. Documents needed You application must be accompanied by: Academic transcripts including an explanation of the grading system and certified photocopies of degrees and university degrees (both original and certified translation if the language is not English). A recent statement of proficiency in English - check our academic requirements page if this is necessary for you. Two letters of reference from persons in a position to judge your professional and/or academic abilities: for the degree programmes, at least one of these references should be from the most recent academic institute you attended. Your referees should complete this reference form . A motivation statement - Your motivation statement should indicate why you chose ISS, how the MA in Development Studies relates to your work experience and/or what your objectives are for the future (approximately 800 words only in PDF). A recent and updated r esume/CV . We realize that many people use AI to generate texts. Please be aware that we appreciate an authentic and personal description in your motivation statement when you apply for our MA programmes. Visa information Do you need a visa? More about visas Deferral How to defer your admission to next year? How to defer your application After admission Congratulations! What's next? MA selection guide
The MA in Development Studies (MADS) is a one-year programme that will give you critical perspectives on contemporary issues in global development.
You’ll dive into key themes such as social justice, just transitions, conflict and peace, governance, public policy, environment and sustainability, gender, and human rights —developing the tools to understand and influence change.
Offered at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague – the City of Peace and Justice, this programme offers a truly international classroom experience , where diverse perspectives and experiences come together to inspire new ways of thinking about development and global equity.
Learn more about MA Development Studies
MA Development Studies MA Development Studies
What you will learn
Are you passionate about building a fair and just society? In this master’s programme, you’ll learn to think critically about today’s major societal transitions and global justice challenges.
Our MA in Development Studies is a one-year programme that will give you critical perspectives on contemporary issues in global development. You’ll dive into key themes such as social justice, just transitions, conflict and peace, governance, public policy, environment and sustainability, gender, and human rights – developing the tools to understand and influence change.
Offered at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague – the City of Peace and Justice, this programme offers a truly international classroom experience.
Programme overview What do our students think?
Meet ISS Changemaker Adraida Banda
Adraida Banda, Zambia
The greatest potential lies where you are standing. Read more about Meet ISS Changemaker Adraida Banda Close Adraida Banda, Zambia
The greatest potential lies where you are standing.
Name: Adraida Banda
From: Zambia
Background: Experienced development professional in the public sector
Before studying at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Adraida Banda was an experienced district policy officer working in the public sector in Zambia, her home country. From Chililabombwe and Solwezi to Kasempa municipalities, she is devoted to bringing key stakeholders together to serve local communities. After 11 years, she was inspired to make a change and decided to study at ISS. We sat down with the latest ISS Changemaker to hear more about how she credits her MA in fusing her experience with critical knowledge to take her career to the next level.…