MBA in the Netherlands: Top Universities, Specializations & Job Prospects

According to QS, pursuing an MBA in the Netherlands is a dream for many aspirants as the country ranks 10th worldwide in popularity for the course. Other reports also show how one out of every eight international MBA candidates considers the Netherlands for pursuing management courses. Additionally, the Netherlands ranked fourth in the Higher Education and Training pillar of the Global Competitiveness Index 2017-18, conducted by the World Economic Forum.

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Top Universities for MBA in the Netherlands

An MBA in Netherlands for Indian students is not unattainable, provided all requirements and eligibility criteria are met. 

Here is a list of top MBA colleges in Netherlands and their expected duration and fees. 

University	QS WUR By Subject 2022	Program Name	Duration	Tuition Fees (in Euro)	Other Management Courses Offered
Erasmus University Rotterdam	15	International Full-Time MBA	12 months	57,000	Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Cologne-Rotterdam MBA
Tilburg University	=63	MBA	1 year	14,900 one academic year	MBA International Management, MBA Strategic Management, MBA Marketing Management, MBA Supply Chain Management, MBA Information Management
University of Amsterdam	=79	Amsterdam MBA	12 months	39,900	MSc Business Management, MSc Business Data Science, MSc Finance
University of Groningen	=121	MSc in Business Management	12 months	16,201	International Business and Management, Business Administration: Health
Eindhoven University of Technology	151-200	Master Operations Management and Logistics	Two years	16,700	Master Innovation Management, Master Construction Management and Engineering
Maastricht University	151-200	MBA	1 year	32,500	Executive MBA, Online MBA
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	151-200	MSc Business Administration	1 year	Check with the university	MBA in International Business
University of Twente	201-250	MBA	1 year	16,500 per year	MSc Business Information Technology, MSc Civil Engineering & Management, MSc Construction Management & Engineering, MSc Environmental & Energy Management, and others.
Maastricht School of Management	301-350	MBA	1 year	32,500	Executive MBA, Online MBA
Wageningen University & Research	351-400	Executive MBA in Food & Agribusiness	2 years	51,475	MSc Supply Chain Analytics, Master’s Urban Environmental Management, Master’s Sustainable Business, and Innovation, Master’s International Law and Water Management

The approximate MBA in Netherlands cost varies considerably across universities. Compare and plan carefully before applying. 

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Course Curriculum: 

The core course components include Foundations of Management, Practice of Management, Leadership, Finance & Accounting, Contemporary Management Issues, Business Research Tools, and others. 

MBA electives include digital strategy, consulting, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, strategic finance, marketing, human resource, and many more. 

Academic Cycle: Intakes and Deadlines

The classes for an MBA in the Netherlands begin in January-February and August-September every year.  

The application window for the September intake opens in February. The last date to apply for non-EU students is usually towards the end of July.

Here are intakes and admission deadlines for top universities in the Netherlands for MBA in 2023-24 academic session: 

University	Intake	Deadline
Erasmus University Rotterdam	January	1 Nov 2022
Tilburg University	End of January and end of August	April 1 for August, and October 1 for January
University of Amsterdam	September	1 June

Apply for MBA in the Netherlands

You can apply for your MBA in the Netherlands without GMAT or with GMAT/GRE scores. In usual scenarios, you will apply directly at the portal of the MBA college or university in the Netherlands with all necessary documents, academic credentials, references/recommendation letters, and GMAT/GRE scores, if needed. 

After assessing your application, the admissions committee may ask for more documents or set up a final interview for candidate selection. Once you get the confirmation letter, you can take the process forward. You should also demonstrate proof of funds for covering living costs throughout your MBA program. It is at least €850 monthly along with tuition charges. 

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Available MBA Courses in the Netherlands

There are many kinds of courses in the Netherlands for MBA applicants. They include the following: 

• HR Management– HRM continues to be a popular study discipline in the Netherlands, with high demand for skilled HR managers. This course teaches professionals to tackle jobs like developing staff members, retention, training, recruitment, analyzing performance, reward and remuneration, and other procedures. 
• Marketing Management- Marketing management is gaining ground with more businesses emphasising good marketing plans for products and services. Professional marketing managers are highly in demand throughout the Netherlands. 
• Digital Marketing- Digital marketing is one of the most popular new age fields, encompassing e-branding, social media, e-commerce, and more sectors. 
• IT- IT and ITeS sectors are always looking for qualified IT managers to manage solutions in segments like education, healthcare, shopping, entertainment, and governance. 
• Finance Management- Financial managers are always in demand for several reasons. They take care of financial planning, strategic decisions, the operational health of companies, and more. 
• Travel & Tourism- Travel and tourism is a flourishing sector in the Netherlands. Innumerable visitors come to the country annually, and the MBA will help churn out qualified and skilled people to manage operations across hospitality establishments, travel, etc. 
• Media Management- Entertainment and media are thriving in the Netherlands with skilled managers in demand across digital companies, publishing entities, newspapers, magazines, and more. New media is rapidly growing, and qualified media managers will always find positions. 
• Business Analytics- Data is the new oil, as famously remarked by several leading global tycoons. Hence, business and data analytics are hot topics for organisations throughout the world. The Netherlands is no exception! Analytics helps in analysing the past performance of companies with the help of varying measurements. 
• Healthcare Management- The Netherlands has a fast-growing and rapidly expanding healthcare sector which requires skilled managers to keep the system running smoothly. 
• Aviation Management- The aviation industry is another fast-growing sector in the country. The aviation industry creates numerous job opportunities spanning the tourism, transportation, and airline categories. 

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Eligibility Criteria for MBA in the Netherlands

Here are the eligibility criteria for applying to your MBA course in the Netherlands: 

• A UG degree or any equivalent degree is a must. 
• GRE or GMAT scores are necessary at most universities. Scores in any equivalent entrance examination are also applicable for some institutions. 
• Work experience is not compulsory though some institutions may insist on a work experience of two to three years.
• TOEFL or IELTS test scores for demonstrating proficiency in the English language.  

Eligibility criteria vary across universities in the Netherlands. You should view the admission requirements carefully before applying.

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Admission Process & Documents Required for MBA in the Netherlands

You can apply directly at the official website of the university offering the MBA course in the Netherlands. You have to apply for your study visa too. Here are the documents required: 

• Transcripts of academic scores or grades. 
• Birth certificate. 
• Biometrics and related data. 
• Financial proof throughout the course duration. 
• Completed and filled-up application form. 
• Health and travel insurance. 
• Official letter of confirmation from an academic institution in the country. 
• Tuberculosis tests (applicable for applicants hailing from a few nations). 
• Two photographs (passport-size). 
• Valid passport. 
• MBA Essays. 
• Resume. 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP). 
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR). 

MBA in the Netherlands: Cost of Attendance

Let us understand the cost of attendance in the Netherlands by understanding the pre-arrival expenses and the cost of living. 

Pre-Arrival Expenses in the Netherlands

The pre-arrival expenses in the Netherlands come out to approximately €1,500. This includes visa charges, standard examination charges, airfare, and university application fees. 

Cost of Living in the Netherlands 

The approximate cost of living is between € 1,400 and € 1,500 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transport, internet, and other miscellaneous expenses. 

These costs are subject to changes and revisions periodically. Check official websites of visa authorities and examination bodies for updated information.

Why Study MBA in the Netherlands? 

There are many reasons for applying for an MBA course in the Netherlands. The country has a highly inclusive and industry-oriented curriculum for students, helping them develop leadership and managerial attributes. Here are some reasons worth noting: 

• Good employment opportunities- The Netherlands is a fast-growing economy, meaning that there are numerous job opportunities available for trained managers. There are several managerial openings across various business sectors. It helps qualified and successful candidates build global careers without any problems. 
• High educational standards- The Netherlands offers MBA courses with recognition from national accreditation bodies and global organisations like AMBA and EQUIS. The universities and institutions in the country focus on three core aspects, namely leadership, stewardship, and entrepreneurship. High educational standards make the Netherlands a favoured study destination for international candidates. 
• Robust economy- The Netherlands has a stable and flourishing economy with a high standard of living. The quality of life is amongst the best in the EU (European Union), while reports highlight a recent increase in employment rates to 78.40% from 78.10% earlier. The employment levels in the public sector also indicate this relative stability and availability of numerous opportunities. 

These are some of the biggest reasons for pursuing an MBA in Netherlands. 

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Cost of MBA in Netherlands

You may have got an idea about the average costs at leading universities already. However, here is a more detailed look at the study costs that you should keep in mind. International students have to cover tuition charges, living costs, and pre-arrival costs. 

Pre-arrival costs (approximate rates) include the following: 

• IELTS Charge- INR 14,700
• Student Visa Charge- INR 14,672 
• TOEFL Charge- INR 13,780
• GMAT Charge- INR 18,300
• GRE Charge- INR 15,858 

Costs are subject to changes and revisions periodically. Check official websites of visa authorities and examination bodies for updated information. 

Tuition costs usually range between INR 10-43 lakhs, as mentioned earlier. The costs of living include the following: 

• Accommodation- INR 3.5 lakhs (annually) 
• Public Transportation- INR 3 lakhs (annually) since public transport is costlier in the Netherlands than in numerous European nations. 
• Food & Groceries- INR 51,000 (annually) 
• Entertainment- INR 11,220 (annually) 

The Netherlands Student Visa

As an international student, you will need to have a long-stay student visa to study MBA in the Netherlands.

It’s also called a student residence permit. 

There are two steps to getting a student visa in the Netherlands. It includes an MVV or an entry visa, and the second step is the VRV or the residence permit. 

How to apply for a student visa to the Netherlands?

The educational institute you have been selected to will apply for your student visa.

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English Proficiency Test for International Students

Three English language proficiency tests are accepted in the Netherlands. They include the following: 

• IELTS – It is the world’s most popular examination. It is acceptable throughout 140+ nations, and aspirants undergo testing for Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening. Examination charges are less than INR 15,000, and testing centres are available throughout the world. Dutch universities ask for IELTS 6.0 at least. 
• TOEFL –Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another test for determining the proficiency of aspirants. It is accepted at many Dutch universities, testing aspirants on the same parameters, namely Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening. There are three TOEFL examination types, namely PBT (paper-based test), CBT (computer-based test), and iBT (internet-based test). The internet version of the examination is naturally the most popular choice for global aspirants. 
• CAE– The Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) examination scores are accepted at many Dutch universities. Students may write the C21 Advanced or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test or the C2 Proficiency or Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) examination for admission. These tests also have four components, namely Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening. The charges are comparatively low at INR 6,000 in India. The scores do not have any expiry date as well. 

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Scholarships for MBA Candidates in the Netherlands

There are many types of scholarships available for international students in the Netherlands. They include: 

• Erasmus University Holland Scholarship: A scholarship amount of  €10,000 is paid in 10 installments for a maximum of 12 months. 
• Eric Bleumink Fund at the University of Groningen: The grant is offered for a 1 to 2 years master’s program. It covers tuition fees, international travel expenses, health insurance, and book costs. 
• GMAT Scholarship: It is available to all Amsterdam MBA candidates. A score of 630+ is suggested for the scholarship amount of up to €10,000. 

Jobs for MBA Candidates in Netherlands

There are readily available MBA jobs in the Netherlands, and demand is increasing rapidly for skilled candidates. Chief Technology Officers are finding more avenues for growth in the country along with skyrocketing salary increases. Financial managers also benefit from soaring salaries and demand throughout multiple industries. Investment banking is one job sector that is also witnessing huge demand. 

MBA students get placements in leading companies like PayPal, Kraft Heinz Company, Boston Consulting Group, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V, Phillips, and more. MBA students in the Netherlands earn handsome salaries, going up to ₹88-90 lakh annually for the highest-paid positions. Internships, especially in the travel and tourism sector, have lower pay scales initially. Salaries usually hover around ₹60-70 lakh in job positions that span the legal, financial, executive management, energy and environment, and other sectors. 

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