MBA in Netherlands: Top Universities, Fees, and Eligibility

There are approximately 10 universities in the Netherlands that offer English-taught MBA programs. According to the Dutch Organization for Internationalization in Education (Nuffic), International Business programs have the highest enrollment of foreign students at Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences. 

An MBA in the Netherlands usually lasts between 1-2 years (12-24) months. The average tuition fee for general MBA programs in the Netherlands is EUR 20,000-40,000 per year. Tuition fees are higher for some specializations like Executive MBA.

The Netherlands is continuously rising in popularity as a study-abroad destination. For the academic year 2021-22, there were 115,068 international students enrolled in Dutch universities from 168 countries. The percentage of international students rose by 12% as compared to the previous year.

Economics (including business and management programs), Engineering, Behavioural & Social Sciences are some of the most popular subject areas that international students choose to study in the Netherlands.

Why Study MBA in the Netherlands?

You should consider doing an MBA from the Netherlands for several reasons. Listed below are some of the most important ones.

High-quality education

Many MBA programs in the Netherlands are accredited by NVAO (The Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization) and FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation). These accreditations are highly respected across Europe and the world, and ensure high-quality education is being provided.

Great career opportunities

The Netherlands is the 18th largest economy in the world and many multinational corporations such as Philips, Unilever, Heineken, Shell, and ING are Dutch. There are excellent career opportunities for MBA graduates in the Netherlands. Non-EU students can apply for a Residence permit for orientation year– which allows them to look for work in the Netherlands after graduation. International graduates can also apply for a residence permit as a start-up.

Good return on investment

The tuition fees and cost of living in the Netherlands are not very expensive when compared to English-speaking countries. At the same time, Dutch higher education is globally recognized and respected. MBA graduates of the Netherlands will therefore find lucrative career opportunities not just in the country, but internationally.

There are also scholarship opportunities available to international students that prospective MBA students can apply for. A couple of such scholarship programs are the Holland Scholarship and Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS).

Top-Ranked Business Schools in the Netherlands

All universities offering MBA programs and specializations in the Netherlands are globally recognized and provide top-quality education. However, the rankings, tuition fees, and specializations offered vary from university to university.

The table below mentions the highest-ranked Dutch universities in the world for MBA in 2023.

*TIAS School of Business and Society is a business school of Tilburg University and the Eindhoven University of Technology.

MBA Specializations in the Netherlands

There are some Dutch Universities like Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Twente that offer Master of Science (MSc) degrees in Business Administration in various specializations. However, if you are only looking for MBA degree specializations in the Netherlands, refer to the list below

• Executive MBA
• MBA in International Management
• MBA in Data Analytics
• MBA in Hospitality Management
• MBA in Education
• MBA in Finance

This is not an extensive list. There are other specializations being offered for Masters in Business Administration by Dutch Universities. If you need help finding your desired MBA in the Netherlands, get in touch with Gyanberry or book a free video appointment with a Gyanberry counselor. With years of experience in assisting students to get admitted to their desired university abroad, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your admission journey.

Tuition Fees for MBA Programs in the Netherlands

Tuition fees for MBA programs in the Netherlands can range anywhere from EUR 14,000/year to EUR 65,000/year depending on the university and specialization. Annual tuition for some of the popular MBA programs offered by Dutch universities is tabulated below.

In addition to tuition fees, students should also keep in mind the living expenses while making their budget. Depending on the city and type of accommodation, the cost of living in the Netherlands can range anywhere between EUR 800- 1500 a month.

Most Affordable MBA Courses in the Netherlands

The tuition fees for most MBA programs in the Netherlands are high when compared to some other European study destinations. Only a handful of Dutch universities offer English-taught MBA programs with tuition fees under EUR 25,000. However, there are several affordable options for Master of Science (MSc) degrees in Business Management and related specializations.

The table below lists some of the low-cost and popular MBA/ MSc Business Administration programs offered by universities in the Netherlands.

*Saxion University of Applied Sciences offers this MBA program in cooperation with the University of Greenwich in London, England.

Admission Requirements & Eligibility for International Students

The admission eligibility and entry requirements for international students wanting to pursue an MBA degree from the Netherlands will vary depending on the university.

Common admission requirements are mentioned below:

• A bachelor’s/master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• English Language Proficiency (IELTS: 6.5/ TOEFL iBT: 93)
• Interview
• GMAT (550+)/ GRE Scores
• References/ Letters of Recommendation
• CV or LinkedIn profile
• Copy of Passport
• Work Experience of 3 years
• Motivation Letter

To make an application, students can seek the help of Gyanberry. We have more than 10 years of experience in placing students in universities abroad and can make your application submission faster and easier.

Alternatively, students can also apply by themselves through the universities’ official website and follow the guidelines.

Application deadlines for MBA in the Netherlands are usually flexible and students can apply to most MBA programs on a rolling basis before the start of the program. For the programs starting in September, applications close around 15 July for non-EU applicants.

Many universities also charge an application fee of usually EUR 100, but it will vary from university to university.

MBA Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students

While there are numerous scholarships for prospective non-EU MBA students in the Netherlands, it is best to budget your finances without heavily relying on scholarships.

There are 2 types of scholarships for MBA students in the Netherlands: Government scholarships and university-specific scholarships. 

Some of these are briefly discussed below.

Orange Tulip Scholarship:

 Available to residents of India and Indonesia, this scholarship can cover up to 60% of your MBA tuition fees.

RSM MBA Awards Committee:

Awarded by the Rotterdam School of Management (Erasmus University Rotterdam), this scholarship covers up to 50% relaxation in tuition fees for deserving MBA students.

MBA Scholarships: Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

The Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences provides 11 MBA specializations for students. A total of 10 MBA scholarships awarding EUR 5,000 each are available to prospective students on the basis of academic merit and profile evaluation.

TIAS School of Business and Society Scholarships

The TIAS School of Business and Society provides 6 different types of MBA scholarships such as TIAS Scholarships for Future Leaders, TIAS Scholarships for Women in Business, TIAS MBA Merit Scholarships, etc. To know more details, check the university website.

There are several other scholarships and funding opportunities made available by Nuffic and universities in the Netherlands. 

Jobs and Salaries for MBA Graduates in the Netherlands

Most Business Schools and Universities in the Netherlands have their own career centers to help MBA graduates find impactful and rewarding career opportunities. 

They organize career fairs, equip students with the necessary soft skills, hold workshops and provide numerous networking opportunities so students can make the best of their MBA degree from the Netherlands.

Nearly 85% of MBA graduates from top universities like Erasmus University Rotterdam find employment within 3 months of graduation. MBA students from such universities are employed by major global companies like Amazon, Google, Philips, EY, Unilever, and more.

Some of the popular job designations for MBA graduates in the Netherlands are

• Sales Manager
• CFO
• Senior Marketing Manager
• Product Manager
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Operations Specialist
• Accounting Manager

The salaries of MBA graduates in the Netherlands vary depending on the company, industry, and designation for which the employee is hired. On average, fresh MBA graduates can expect to make anywhere between € 35,000 to € 100,000 per year. (Source: Payscale)

However, for top universities like Erasmus University Rotterdam, the average salaries of MBA graduates are comparatively much higher. According to the university’s Employment Report for International Full-Time MBA Class of 2021 students, the average salary of graduates was € 73,400. Given below is the breakdown of average salaries by industry/function.

*Note: Salaries have been converted from USD to EUR with the exchange rate of 1 EUR= 1.07 USD

Conclusion

Studying MBA at Universities in the Netherlands is a great choice for international students. Students can stay back for 1 year to look for job opportunities or even open a start-up in the Netherlands post-studies. Moreover, an International MBA degree opens up many lucrative career opportunities not just in the Netherlands, but in the entire European Union and other developed countries.

The Netherlands is home to several MNCs, therefore,  MBA graduates from top Dutch universities can expect to land lucrative jobs with high salaries.

While the tuition fees for MBA at some universities in the Netherlands are on the higher end, students definitely get good value for money and a return on their investment.

So, should you be considering pursuing an MBA from the Netherlands? Definitely. But make sure you do your research and opt for a university that presents you with the best outcomes.