Study Masters (MS) in Data Science in Netherlands

The Netherlands is not only a quaint country perched in North-western Europe but is also an attractive hub for higher education, especially for those pursuing masters. A master’s (MS) degree in Data Science in the Netherlands usually lasts between 1-2 years. There are more than 50 English-taught Data Science master’s programs that Dutch universities offer. The average annual tuition for the same ranges between EUR 10,000-20,000. 

With a growing demand for experts who can analyze and interpret enormous amounts of data, data science is a highly sought-after career. This demand is fueled by both the expanding usage of data-driven decision-making across a wide range of industries and the rising amount of data being produced by organizations, governments, and consumers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of statisticians and data scientists will increase by 36% between 2021 and 2031, a rate that is much higher than the average for all occupations. This article aims to provide thorough information about MS in Data Science courses in the Netherlands.

Why study MS Data Science in the Netherlands?

There are many benefits to choosing to enroll in a Master of Data Science program in the Netherlands-

• Education of the highest caliber: Dutch universities are renowned for their strong emphasis on research, development, and creativity.
• Access to Internationally recognized universities: The Netherlands is home to several universities and research organizations that are well-known globally, giving students a worthwhile, educationally fulfilling global experience. Several universities in the Netherlands are ranked among the top 500 in the world by ranking institutions like QS World University Ranking and US News Education Ranking.
• English as the language of instruction:  Many Data Science courses in the Netherlands are taught in English, making them accessible to students from other countries.
• Cultural diversity: The Netherlands, a country with a large international community and a variety of cultures, may offer students a special and elevating academic experience.

Top Universities offering MS Data Science Courses in Netherlands

University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is situated in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is one of the biggest universities in Europe and the third-oldest academic and public research institution in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1632. The university is well-known for its illustrious academic offerings in a variety of academic arenas. The most sought-after academic specialties at the university include computer science, psychology, economics, and history.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is situated in Delft, Netherlands. Being the largest and oldest technical university in the Netherlands, it is renowned for the quality of its engineering and technology programs. Since its founding in 1842, TU Delft has been recognized for its superior engineering education and research. It currently is home to 25,000 students and 6000 employees.

Utrecht University

Located in Utrecht, Netherlands, Utrecht University is a public research institution. It was established in 1636, making it one of the country’s first universities. The university includes seven faculties and provides an extensive selection of undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines like law, medicine, science, and humanities. In addition, the university is renowned for its research in the social sciences, life sciences, and renewable energy.

Leiden University

One of the top international research universities in Europe, Leiden University was established in 1575. The University contains campuses in Leiden and The Hague. The university is renowned for its work in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It has continuously been rated as among the top 100 universities in Europe and among the finest in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The name of the university, “Vrije Universiteit,” which signifies and translates to “Free University” in English, reflects its longstanding dedication to scholarly independence. It was established in 1880, making it one of the two Dutch-free universities. Additionally, multidisciplinary research and global partnerships are given a great deal of attention at VU Amsterdam is one of the best universities in the Netherlands and in Europe as well.

Radboud University

Radboud University is renowned for its excellent research and significant global focus. It is located in Nijmegen and was founded in 1923. The institution is home to a number of research institutes and centers, including the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and the Radboud Institute for Health Sciences. The University is also a part of the League of European Research Universities, a distinguished grouping of top research-intensive universities in Europe.

Tilburg University

Tilburg University, which was established in 1927, is the center of several research centers and institutes, including the Tilburg Institute for Behavioral Economics Research and the Tilburg Law and Economics Center. The university promotes study abroad programs and international partnerships since it has a strong international focus.

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen established in 1614 is renowned for its committed research efforts and global outlook. Numerous research institutes and facilities are located on the campus, such as the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, and the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG). The University is a part of both the EURON network of top European neuroscience research institutes and the Coimbra Group, a network of top European research universities.

Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Since its establishment in 1986, the university has provided a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects like engineering, technology, business, medicine, and social studies. Many of Hanze UAS’s programmes involve job placements or internships to give students practical experience in their field of study. Hanze UAS places a high emphasis on applied and practice-based education.

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is a vocational university in the Netherlands. The institution has four campuses spread across Leeuwarden and Emmen in the Netherlands, Bali in Indonesia, and Qatar. The university is recognized by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO) and is also a member in good standing of the European Association of Institutions of Higher Education (EURASHE). NHL Stenden is renowned for its strong emphasis on applied and practice-based education, and many of its programs incorporate work placements or internships to provide students with practical experience in their field of study. The university also places a high priority on international collaboration and exchange initiatives with institutions and groups all around the world.

Admission requirement for MS Data Science in Netherlands

Depending on the particular program and university, there may be distinct admission criteria for a Master’s degree in data science in the Netherlands. The following general specifications are shared by all universities-

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or equivalent (American grading system) 6.5 GPA (Dutch grading system)
• Proof of English proficiency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum score for qualification in TOEFL is 80 and for IELTS is 6.*
• Relevant work experience or research experience in data science or a related field -pertaining to certain universities only.
• A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s background, research interests, and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Prior knowledge of programming languages, mathematics, and statistics.

*Note: Top Universities may ask for higher English Language Proficiency Test Scores.

Cost of Studying Masters in Data Science in Netherlands

The cost you incur to pursue MS in Data Science in the Netherlands varies depending on the course and university of choice. The cost of enrolling in a public university is often lower for Dutch students than for foreign students. For a Master’s degree program, Dutch students typically pay roughly €2,000 per year, but overseas students often pay between €8,000 and €15,000 per year.

Tuition fee for different MS Data Science programs offered by Dutch Universities ranges between €10,000 to €20,000 per year. For detailed information, refer to the sections above.

For International students, living expenses such as food, transportation, and personal expenses must also be taken into account. Cities such as Amsterdam amount to greater expenditure as compared to small towns such as Eindhoven. Given below is a general per-month cost table.

Scholarships for students pursuing MS in Data Science in Netherlands

• For students outside the European Economic Area, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science offer the Holland Scholarship. The scholarship amounts to € 5,000. Students will receive this only in their first year of education in the Netherlands.
• The Orange Knowledge Program, which is part of the Netherlands Government Scholarship, provides free housing, tuition, visa fees, round-trip airline tickets, and health insurance.
• Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship is offered to citizens of Singapore who are pursuing Masters’s and Ph.D. programs.
• ETS TOEFL Scholarships is a partially funded scholarship offered to students of any college or university listed in the TOEFL Destination Search. It adheres to both Bachelors’s and Masters’s programs.
• The Radboud Scholarship Programme is offered by Radboud University for Non-EU and EEA students. The grant is partial in nature and covers costs for the duration of the Masters’s program.
• The Sisters of the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), a Congregation, provide the JADS JMJ Scholarship. International students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to pursue the Master of Data Science in Business and Entrepreneurship are eligible for this scholarship (Joint degree) at Tilburg University.

Job Opportunities post MS in Data Science in the Netherlands

Due to its robust economy and high concentration of global firms, the Netherlands could witness a surge in the demand for data scientists.

It is also important to note that the Netherlands has a long history of technological advancement and invention, with a significant number of IT businesses, startups, and research facilities. The demand for data scientists in the Netherlands is projected to rise in the future. The increasing significance of data-driven decision-making is evident across practically all industries. Both the governmental and private sectors offer M.Sc. Data Science positions with attractive salaries. Students in the M.Sc. Data Science programs receive training to become useful professionals with an in-depth understanding of the dynamic and ongoing developments in data science skills and knowledge. When it comes to the Netherlands, the top 3 data science positions with the highest salaries are Chief Data Scientist (€ 93,000), Senior Data Scientist (€ 77,000), and Machine Learning Engineer (€ 60,000). The pay range for researchers and data analysts in this profession ranges from € 15,000 to € 20,000 for students and recent graduates. 

Areas of recruitment for MS Data Sciences include Business Analytics, Business logistics, including supply chain optimization, Finance, Natural Sciences, Bioinformatics, etc.

Working in the Netherlands after the completion of studies

The “Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit,” which is a one-year visa for the Netherlands, is available to highly educated individuals in the Netherlands. Individuals have the freedom to work in the Netherlands as long as they have this residency status.

Universities in Netherlands often have Career Placement and Orientation departments that help students prepare better for job applications and provide networking opportunities. This is quite beneficial for international students pursuing a masters in data science in the country.

The Netherlands places a strong priority on giving highly qualified immigrants the time they require to work in the country after completing their education or launching their own businesses there. This is the reason the highly educated person’s visa for the orientation year was created. Within three years of completing your studies or earning your Ph.D., whether in the Netherlands or abroad, you may apply for this residence permit. Your employer does not have to submit a separate work permit (TWV) application on your behalf because the orientation visa also grants you the right to work in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

The Netherlands provides ample opportunities for students pursuing masters. There are several top-ranked Dutch universities offering MS in Data Science programs. While in the course of selection, one must keep in mind international rankings, on-campus facilities, expenditure, quality of education, etc. We at Gyanberry can assist with your academic requirements with the utmost attention. With the help of our extensive guidance, you can select the university best suited for your interests and ambitions with personalized services as well.