The Netherlands, known for its windmills, canals and picturesque cities, is also famous for its quality of education, hospitality and openness to foreign students. The population speaks several languages, including English, many master's programs in the Netherlands are taught in English. Historical, famous, the oldest Dutch universities belong to the XVI century, 11 of them are in the top 200 best universities in the world for 2021.
Advantages of obtaining Master's degree in the Netherlands
Wide range of programs in English, Dutch
Master's programs usually last 1-2 years. Most are taught in English and Dutch: they range from international studies to engineering, technological specialties.
Excellent employment prospects
Obtaining a master's degree in the Netherlands will be an excellent competitive advantage in employment:
- Will make you more valuable for employers – specialists with experience of studying and working abroad are more adaptive, mobile, ready for new knowledge.
- Master's degree in the Netherlands will allow you to get relevant, specialized knowledge.
- Graduates of foreign universities on average earn more money, become experts in specialized areas.
- Graduates of the Dutch Master's program easily find work abroad.
Affordable tuition fees
Tuition fees in the Netherlands are relatively low. Fees for students from non-EU countries depend on the program you want to choose.
There are a number of scholarships and grants for highly motivated international students with good grades.
Study at the world's leading university
When choosing a master's course, pay attention to one of the 100 best research universities in the world. The Netherlands offers a good selection of universities with an international ranking.
Life in an international city focused on students
Amsterdam, Leiden, Rotterdam, The Hague are living cities open to foreign students. They offer a unique atmosphere of a European university center.
Innovation and creativity
Dutch scientists and inventors are "responsible" for such diverse developments as the first electric battery, the first central bank system, the first diagnostic electrocardiograph, the first speed camera.
Types of universities in the Netherlands
There are three main types of universities in the Netherlands offering master's degrees:
- Research universities are conducting new research, they offer more academic master's degree programs.
- Universities of Applied Sciences, or hogescholen, focus on practical preparation, the study of a number of subjects (including art, humanities, natural sciences). They usually offer professional master's degrees with internship opportunities and other practical experience.
- Institutes of international education focus on intercultural education, knowledge exchange. They offer specialized master's degrees in relevant fields.
The Netherlands offers a number of Master's qualifications:
- Academic Masters – aimed at developing the skills necessary for work, knowledge in one or more subject areas.
- Research Masters – the degree of Master of Research allows you to engage in scientific research, hone analytical skills.
- Master's programs for Teachers
It usually takes a year to obtain an academic master's degree, and it takes 2 years to obtain a master's degree in research, teacher programs, study courses in natural science, mathematics, engineering.
Master's programs at universities of applied sciences last from 1 to 4 years, designed to prepare for managerial, managerial positions. Most of the students in these courses are already working, studying part-time, which allows them to practice, bring their experience to the class, contributes to personal development.
Best universities in the Netherlands to get Master's degree for foreign students
| University | Master's programs | Tuition fees |
| from 15 650€/year
| |
| From 8 150€/year | |
| From 8 000€/year | |
| From 9500€/year
| |
| From 7 170€/year | |
| From 15 950€/year | |
| From 9 479€/year | |
| From 12 600€/year | |
| From 14 600€/year | |
| From 11 500€/year |
The cost of getting Master's degree in the Netherlands
International students pay an average of 8,000 to 20,000 euros for master's programs. Private universities have the right to charge higher rates - up to 36 000 € in a private university.
In addition to the cost of studying, foreign students pay rent, food, transport, recreation, travel. Prices will be higher in popular student areas - Amsterdam, Rotterdam. According to the dutch government, it will take 800-1100 € / month. for accommodation, travel, food, drinks, other expenses.
Scholarships to study in the Netherlands
- University of Twente Scholarships (UTS)
- Rotary Scholarships for Water and Sanitation Professionals
- Erasmus University Holland Scholarship
- Holland Government/Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for International Students
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarships for Excellent International Students, University of Amsterdam
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LexS)
- Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships for International Students at TU Delft
- Eric Bleumink Scholarships at University of Groningen
- VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme for International Students
- Radboud Scholarship Programme for International Students
- Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AES)
- Civil Society Leadership Awards
- Talent for Governance Studying Scholarships for Developing Countries
- Scholarship for the Global Management of Social Issues at Tilburg University
- World Citizen Talent Masters Scholarships at the Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Netherlands Fellowship Program for Short Courses
- Tilburg University Academic Excellence Scholarships for International Students
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students.
Applying for Master's courses in the Netherlands
Contact your chosen university to find out if you need to apply directly or through Studielink.
Try to apply as early as possible: most courses start in September, it is better to start preparing an application for the year. Some universities offer Numerus Fixus programs – courses with limited enrollment; for them, the deadline for applications is usually January.
Most master's courses require a bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) + proof of language proficiency, if necessary.
Language requirements for undergraduates in the Netherlands
With more than 1500 English-language courses offered at Dutch universities and 95% of the English-speaking population, you do not need to be fluent in Dutch to study in the Netherlands.
If you are applying for a course taught in a language that is not your native language, you need to confirm your knowledge:
- If you are not a native English speaker, you should take the IELTS or TOEFL tests.
- If you are not a native Dutch speaker, you can take NT2 or CNaVT.
Studying in the Netherlands gives you a great opportunity to learn a language, even if you don't need it for a course. Many universities offer international students language courses for beginners.
Work while studying in the Netherlands
International students can work in the Netherlands while studying, although the number of hours is limited depending on which country they come from.
Student Visas
International students will need an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR) for the duration of their studies. The application must be obtained at the Embassy or Consulate of the Netherlands in your country.
If you stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you need to register in the Dutch council's personal records database at the local town hall of the area where you live as a new resident. Anyone who plans to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, regardless of their citizenship or reason for stay, must register as new residents. The university will require proof that you have registered with the city council when you begin your studies.
To register as a new resident you will need:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of residence – lease agreement or residence agreement
- Birth certificate
- Proof of reason for stay (e.g. university documentation)
- Confirmation of the ability to provide for yourself financially
- Health insurance.
Healthcare & Insurance
Every resident of Holland must have health insurance. International students take out a public/private health insurance policy.
