Binding Study Advice (BSA)

The BSA at the end of the first year determines whether you may continue with your studies. The BSA is a decision by the Board of Examiners about the continuation of your studies, based on your study progress.

For the academic year 2023-2024 the BSA norm is 45 EC.

The BSA is determined as follows:

  • positive BSA
    • if you have obtained at least 45 EC at the end of the academic year 2023-2024. Credits associated with exemptions or courses from previous years do not count.
      or
    • if you have completed the first-year program of your study at the end of 2023-2024. Both previously obtained results and exemptions are taken into account. For more information about this option please contact your study advisor.
  • negative BSA: if you fail to meet at least one of the conditions mentioned above.

You will receive your BSA at the end of July at your students.uu.nl email address.

Negative BSA

If your binding study recommendation comes back negative, you may not enrol in the degree programme again for another four years for the same programme at Utrecht University.

Interim study recommendation

At an earlier point during the academic year, you will receive what is called the 'interim study recommendation'. This recommendation is not binding. It is issued in December or January of the first year of study, and is based on the results of the first study period. You will receive:

  •  a positive interim recommendation for 15 EC or more;
  • a progress warning for 7.5 EC;
  •  a negative interim recommendation for 0 EC.

Terminating your enrolment before February 1st

If you want to drop out of your current degree programme and you terminate your enrolment before February 1st (through Studielink), you will not receive a binding study advice and will be able to make a fresh start with the degree programme next year. Please note that this only applies in the first year that you are registered for your current degree programme.