Studying for an MBA in the Netherlands is a logical step for many executives – ex-pats and Dutch alike – after a certain number of years in their careers. The Netherlands is home to some of the top business schools in Europe, offering a range of MBA programs that can help you advance your career and reach your professional goals. Whether you are looking to boost your business acumen, network with top industry professionals, or gain a global perspective on business, an MBA in the Netherlands may be the perfect fit for you.
Do you know?
MBA programs in the Netherlands typically have a strong emphasis on practical learning and experiential education, with opportunities for students to participate in internships, consulting projects, and case studies.
According to the Global Connectivity Index, the Netherlands is the most internationally connected country in the world geographically and economically. The multicultural environment, affordable academic costs, and competitive economy make the Netherlands a good place to study and work. The nation is a start-up hub and the government encourages innovation and invites talent. Many universities in the Netherlands are ranked 500 in the QS World University Rankings. To apply for an MBA in the Netherlands, a bachelor’s degree, a valid GMAT or GRE score, and English language proficiency test results are required. According to Emolument, the salary range for MBA graduates from the Netherlands can vary from €60,000 to €104,000, and the average salary can be around €80,000.
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So, if you are ready to take your career to the next level, keep reading to learn more about MBA in the Netherlands.
Why study MBA in the Netherlands?
There are several reasons why you might consider studying in the Netherlands. Similarly, there are many reasons why you should consider studying MBA in the Netherlands, some of which are
World-class education
The Netherlands is home to several top-ranked business schools that offer high-quality MBA programs. These programs are taught by experienced faculty and provide students with a strong foundation in business theory and practice.
Diverse and international environment
The Netherlands is known for its diverse and international business environment, making it an ideal location for students who want to gain a global perspective on business. Many MBA programs the Netherlands have a strong focus on international business and offer opportunities for students to study abroad or participate in exchange programs.
Practical learning and experiential education
MBA programs in the Netherlands typically have a strong emphasis on practical learning and experiential education, with opportunities for students to participate in internships, consulting projects, and case studies. This hands-on approach helps students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
Strong networking opportunities
MBA programs in the Netherlands offer students the opportunity to network with top industry professionals and build relationships that can help them advance their careers. Many programs also have strong alumni networks that can provide ongoing support and mentorship after graduation.
Career Advancement
An MBA can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career or transition into a new field. The Netherlands is home to many international businesses and organizations, providing students with a range of career opportunities after graduation.
Eligibility to study MBA in the Netherlands
Admission eligibility for Indian students wishing to pursue an MBA in the Netherlands will vary by university.
The general requirements for applicants are listed below:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
- English proficiency (IELTS: 6.5 / TOEFL iBT: 93)
- The interview
- GMAT (550+)/ GRE scores
- References/ Letters of Recommendation
- CV or LinkedIn profile
- Copy of passport
- Work experience of 3 years
- Letter of motivation
To apply, students can contact iDreamCareer for assistance. We have over 10 years of experience in placing students at universities abroad and can make your application process faster and easier.
Alternatively, students can also apply independently through the universities official website and follow the guidelines.
Application deadlines for MBAs in the Netherlands are usually flexible, and students can regularly apply to most MBA programs before the start of the program. For programs starting in September, applications close around 15 July for non-EU applicants.
Many universities also charge an application fee of usually €100, but this will vary from university to university.
Cost of studying MBA in the Netherlands
Now you must be wondering what is the cost of doing an MBA in the Netherlands for Indian students. Don’t worry, you will get your answer here. The tuition fee for an MBA program in the Netherlands ranges from 7 lakhs to 43 lakhs and may increase depending on the standard of the university.
Average tuition fees
The fee structure of an MBA in the Netherlands varies depending on the school you choose. Let’s take a look at the tuition fees of some B-schools and management institutes in the Netherlands.
- Hague University of Applied Science – 16 lakhs
- International Business School, IBSH – 7 lakhs
- Saxion University of Applied Science – 10 lakhs
- University of Amsterdam – 32 lakhs
- Webster University Leiden – 23 lakhs
What it’s like to live in the Netherlands
The average cost of living in the Netherlands for an Indian student is approximately 10 lakhs per year. Here is the table below showing the cost estimate:
- Cost of food – Rs. 51,000
- Room rent or Hostel – Rs. 3.58 Lakhs (in total)
- Entertainment cost – Rs. 11,220
- Public transport – Rs. 3 Lakhs (in total)
Popular MBA specializations in the Netherlands
There are several Dutch universities, such as the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Twente, that offer a Master of Science (MSc) degree in business administration in a variety of specializations. However, if you are only looking for an MBA specialization in the Netherlands, please refer to the list below
- Executive MBA
- MBA in Data Analytics
- MBA in Education
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Hospitality Management
- MBA in International Management
List of top MBA colleges in Netherlands
An MBA in the Netherlands is not out of reach for Indian students provided they meet all the requirements and eligibility criteria.
Here is a list of the best MBA colleges in the Netherlands along with the QS World Ranking and PopularManagement Courses Offered:
| University | QS World Ranking 2022 | Popular Management Courses Offered |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 151-200 | Master Innovation Management, Master Construction Management and Engineering |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | 15 | Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Cologne-Rotterdam MBA |
| Maastricht School of Management | 301-350 | Executive MBA, Online MBA |
| Maastricht University | 151-200 | Executive MBA, Online MBA |
| Tilburg University | =63 | MBA International Management, MBA Strategic Management, MBA Marketing Management, MBA Supply Chain Management, MBA Information Management |
| University of Amsterdam | =79 | MSc Business Management, MSc Business Data Science, MSc Finance |
| University of Groningen | =121 | International Business and Management, Business Administration: Health |
| University of Twente | 201-250 | MSc Business Information Technology, MSc Civil Engineering & Management, MSc Construction Management & Engineering, MSc Environmental & Energy Management, and others. |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 151-200 | MBA in International Business |
| Wageningen University & Research | 351-400 | MSc Supply Chain Analytics, Master’s Urban Environmental Management, Master’s Sustainable Business, and Innovation, Master’s International Law and Water Management |
Job opportunities after MBA in the Netherlands
Most Business schools and universities in the Netherlands have their own career centers to help MBA graduates find effective and rewarding career opportunities.
They organize job fairs, equip students with the necessary networking skills, hold workshops and provide many networking opportunities so that students can get the most out of their MBA in the Netherlands.
Almost 85% of MBA graduates from leading universities such as Erasmus University Rotterdam find a job within 3 months of graduation. MBA students from such universities work in such large global companies as Amazon, Google, Philips, EY, Unilever, etc.
Some of the popular job titles for MBA graduates in the Netherlands
- Sales Manager
- CFO
- Senior Marketing Manager
- Product Manager
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Operations Specialist
- Accounting Manager
The salary of MBA graduates in the Netherlands varies depending on the company, the industry, and the assignment for which the employee is hired. On average, new MBA graduates can expect to earn between €35,000 and €100,000 per year. (Source: Payscale)
However, at leading universities such as Erasmus University Rotterdam, the average salaries of MBA graduates are comparatively much higher. According to the university’s 2021 international full-time MBA student employment report, the average graduate salary was €73,400.
Conclusion
Studying for an MBA at universities in the Netherlands is a great choice for international students. Students can stay for 1 year to look for employment opportunities or even open a start-up in the Netherlands after their studies. Moreover, an international MBA degree opens up many lucrative career opportunities not only in the Netherlands but also throughout the European Union and other developed countries.
The Netherlands is home to several MNCs, so MBA graduates from the best Dutch universities can expect lucrative jobs with high salaries. Although tuition fees for an MBA program at some universities in the Netherlands are higher, students definitely get good value for money and a return on their investment.
So, should you consider doing an MBA in the Netherlands? Undoubtedly. But make sure you do your research and choose the university that offers you the best results.
If you need help finding your desired MBA in the Netherlands, contact iDreamCareer or book a free profile-building session with an iDreamCareer consultant. With many years of experience helping students gain admission to their desired university abroad, we provide full assistance throughout the entire admission process. We have helped many students like Anjana Prasanna who was not very confident about her abilities. Later, with the help of career guidance and moral support from our study abroad experts, she received an offer from King’s College London! We have helped several young confused minds like Aayush and Tapan to choose the most suitable career for them.
MBA in Netherlands: FAQs
Some of the top MBA programs in the Netherlands include the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) at Erasmus University and the Amsterdam Business School (ABS) at the University of Amsterdam.
MBA programs in the Netherlands are generally one to two years in duration.
Some MBA programs in the Netherlands offer the option to study online or through a combination of on-campus and online classes.
The admissions process for MBA programs in the Netherlands is typically competitive. Most programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two to three years of work experience. Some programs may also require GMAT or GRE scores.
The cost of an MBA in the Netherlands can vary, depending on the program and school. The tuition fee for an MBA program in the Netherlands ranges from 7 lakhs to 43 lakhs and may increase depending on the standard of the university. Some programs may offer scholarships or financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition.
Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.
