How to apply?

In short

Dates for our next cohort:

  • Core module (18EC): February – April 2027

  • Full minor (30EC): February – June 2027

All students start in the 18EC core module. Students who choose the 30EC minor continue for an additional 12EC extension.

The application process starts with a priority application round in June 2026. Apply before June 1st to be eligible for priority admission.

If places remain available, applications will stay open after this date.

You can submit your application using this application form on Datanose.

In case you have questions about your application or otherwise, don’t hesitate to contact us at collective-futures-science@uva.nl


Criteria and selection

In general, the following criteria apply to Collective Futures candidates.  

You:

  • Are enrolled in a Master’s program at UvA or another university 

  • Have a strong desire to contribute to meaningful societal change.

  • Seek opportunities to apply your academic background beyond traditional academic environments. 

  • Are excited to collaborate with a partner organization on a real-world societal challenge.

  • Are motivated to grow personally and professionally.

  • Want to work in an interdisciplinary team environment where diverse perspectives, cultures and approaches are valued and leveraged.

  • Want to embrace the opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone. 

  • are prepared to commit to either the 3-month core module (18EC) or the full 5-month minor (30EC)

Application process

Each year, the application process begins with a priority application round in June. Submitting your application by the priority deadline gives you the advantage of being among the first to be considered for our limited (24) spaces.

If spaces remain available after the priority round, we will continue to review applications as they come in.

  1. Approval from examination board

To participate in our program, you will need approval from your study’s examination board. While approval is typically granted, it is important that you submit an explicit request. We recommend doing this before submitting your application.

If you encounter any difficulties with this process, please contact us. We are happy to help.

2. Application submission

We ask you to submit a resume (C.V.), list of courses and grades, and a motivation letter (maximum one page), using this application form on Datanose.

In case you haven’t received a response within a week after submitting your application, please reach out to us by email.

3. Presentation

As part of this final stage of the intake process, we invite you to participate in a meeting with members of our team and fellow applicants.

The meeting will begin with a brief (10-minute) presentation from you and fellow applicants. The theme of the presentation is "Connecting Your Academic Background to Practice." You are encouraged to select a topic and approach that reflects your unique perspective and experience.

Following the presentation, we will engage in an open conversation to assess whether the program is a mutual fit. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.

Following this meeting, we will inform you personally regarding your selection for the Collective Futures program.

Application instructions

UvA students 

You can submit your application using this application form on Datanose. After receiving your application, we will inform you about the next steps.

Non-UvA students 

Please send an e-mail to collective-futures-science@uva.nl 

Contact 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: