MBA in Netherlands: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

MBA in Netherlands: Key Highlights 

An MBA in Netherlands is offered by institutions such as Rotterdam School of Management, Amsterdam Business School, and TIAS School for Business and Society. Programs differ in duration and format, with full-time and part-time options and specializations in areas like general management, finance, sustainability, and AI. Tuition ranges between €20,000 and €80,000 per year (INR 20.8L–83.2L), and students should plan monthly living expenses of around €1,013 (INR 1.05L) in addition to tuition. 

The table below gives a quick overview of key MBA program details in Netherlands: 

Parameters	Details
Program Duration	1 year (Full-time) or 2 years (Part-time)
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee	€20,000–€80,000 (INR 20.8L–INR 83.2L)
Approximate Annual Salary Post-MBA	€60,000–€104,000/year (INR 62L–1.07Cr)
Popular Specializations	Finance, Marketing, International Business, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship
Part-Time Job Opportunities	International students can work up to 16 hours/week during term
Stay Back Option	Orientation Year Visa – 12 months post-study for job search

Top Universities 

Netherlands is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious business schools, offering globally ranked MBA programs with strong industry connections and international exposure. 

Here are the top 3 MBA colleges in Netherlands:  

College	QS World Ranking 2026
Erasmus (RSM)	#34
Amsterdam Business School (University of Amsterdam)	#60
TIAS Business School	#101–110

Source: QS Top Universities 

Top MBA Specializations 

MBA programs in Netherlands emphasize practical learning, sustainability, and leadership, making graduates highly competitive in international markets. 

Here are the most popular options: 

Specialization	Focus Areas
Finance	• Corporate Finance   • Investment Banking   • Risk Management   • Asset Management   • Financial Strategy
Marketing	• Brand Management   • Digital Marketing   • Market Research   • Consumer Behavior   • Advertising Strategy
International Business	• Global Trade   • Cross-Border Management   • International Finance   • Export Strategies   • Global Market Analysis
Business Analytics	• Data-Driven Decisions   • Predictive Modeling   • Big Data Analysis   • Business Intelligence   • Data Visualization
Entrepreneurship	• Startup Development   • Venture Capital   • Innovation Management   • Business Planning   • Scaling Strategies

Eligibility and Admission Requirements 

To pursue an MBA in Netherlands, international students must meet academic, professional, and language benchmarks.  

While requirements vary by school, most top programs follow these common criteria: 

Academic Qualifications 

The academic expectations for MBA programs in Netherlands differ by institution tier. 

The table below outlines the degree requirements across premium, mid-tier, and affordable schools: 

Tier	Academic Qualification
Top B-Schools	4-year bachelor’s degree; some accept 3-year degrees with strong academic record
Mid-Tier Schools	4-year degree preferred; 3-year degree accepted with high GPA or bridge courses
Affordable Schools	3-year degree accepted; emphasis on GPA and work experience

Standardized Tests 

Most Dutch MBA programs require GMAT or GRE scores, though waivers are common for strong profiles. 

Here’s a breakdown of score expectations: 

Tier	Score Requirement
Top B-Schools	GMAT: 600–650; GRE: 310–320
Mid-Tier Schools	GMAT: 500–600; GRE: 295–305; waivers for strong profiles
Affordable Schools	GMAT: 450–500; GRE: waivers common

English Proficiency Score 

Since most MBA programs in Netherlands are taught in English, language proficiency is essential. 

Here’s what schools generally expect: 

Tier	Score Requirement
Top B-Schools	TOEFL: 90–100; IELTS: 6.5–7; PTE: 60–65
Mid-Tier Schools	TOEFL: 80–90; IELTS: 6–6.5; PTE: 55–60
Affordable Schools	TOEFL: 79; IELTS: 6; PTE: 50–53

Work Experience Requirement 

Dutch MBA programs value professional experience, especially leadership roles. 

 Here’s the expectations as per university tiers: 

Tier	Work Experience Expectation
Top B-Schools	3–5 years, leadership and international exposure preferred
Mid-Tier Schools	2–4 years, consistent career growth
Affordable Schools	0–2 years, experience optional for many programs

Cost of Studying  

The total cost of an MBA in Netherlands includes tuition fees and living expenses. 

Tuition costs vary by specialization and university tier, while living costs depend on lifestyle and location. 

Tuition Fees 

Below is a detailed breakdown of annual tuition costs for international students: 

Category	Approximate Annual Tuition Fees
Top B-Schools	€40,000–€60,000 (INR 41.4L–62.1L)
Mid-Tier Schools	€25,000–€35,000 (INR 25.9L–36.2L)
Affordable Schools	€15,000–€20,000 (INR 15.5L–20.7L)

Cost of Living 

Netherlands has a relatively high cost of living for international students:

• Monthly expenses average €3,619 (INR 3.75L) for a family of four and €1,013 (INR 1.05L) for a single person, excluding rent.  
• Overall, living costs are about 280% higher than in India, while rent is nearly 774% more expensive.

Top Scholarships  

Scholarships in Netherlands help international students reduce tuition costs.  

Most are merit-based and require strong academic profiles, leadership potential, and diverse contributions. 

The table below lists the top 5 scholarships:  

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Coverage
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)	• Citizen of a Neso country (e.g., India)   • Admission to a Dutch university   • Not residing in NL	• Partial or full tuition waiver   • €6,000–€15,000 (INR 6.2L–15.5L)
NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)	• Non-EEA nationality   • Full-time bachelor’s or master’s program   • No prior Dutch degree	• €5,000 (INR 5.17L) one-time grant
RSM MBA Scholarship	• Apply to RSM Full-time MBA   • Strong academics & leadership potential	• Up to 50% of tuition fees
Nyenrode MBA Scholarships	• Admission to Nyenrode MBA   • Merit-based or GMAT Excellence (650+)	• Up to €10,000 (INR 10.3L) tuition discount
TIAS MBA Scholarships	• Admission to TIAS MBA   • Essays for Future Leaders, Women in Business, Diversity categories	• Up to 35% of t

Apply early and prepare strong essays or motivation letters, as most scholarships are competitive and limited. 

Intakes and Admissions 

Most Dutch universities offer MBA programs in two main intakes: 

• Spring Intake (January–April) 
• Fall Intake (September–November) 

Admissions usually follow a rolling process, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive until seats are filled.  

Applying early is strongly recommended because late applications may be deferred to the next intake.  

Each university sets its own deadlines, so students should check official websites for exact dates and requirements. 

How to Apply? 

Applying for an MBA in Netherlands is a competitive process that requires careful planning and timely submission of documents.  

Most universities follow an online application system and may require interviews for final selection. 

Here is the step-by-step procedure: 

Step 1: Research Schools – Compare rankings, tuition fees, ROI, and specializations. 

Step 2: Check Eligibility – Review academic qualifications, GMAT/GRE requirements, and English proficiency scores. 

Step 3: Take Required Tests – Complete GMAT/GRE and language tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE). 

Step 4: Prepare Documents – Commonly required documents include: 

• Academic transcripts 
• GMAT/GRE score report 
• English proficiency test scores 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or essays 
• Passport copy 
• Bachelor’s degree certificate 
• Resume/CV 

Step 5: Submit Application – Apply via the official university portal and pay the application fee. 

Step 6: Attend Interview – Prepare for behavioral and career-focused questions. 

Step 7: Confirm Admission – Accept the offer, pay the deposit, and start the visa process. 

Student Visa Requirements 

International students pursuing an MBA in Netherlands need a Dutch student visa (MVV) and a residence permit for full-time study.  

Below are the key requirements: 

Category	Details
Admission	Offer letter from a recognized Dutch university
MVV (Entry Visa)	Required for non-EU/EEA students; issued before arrival
Residence Permit	Granted after arrival for the duration of the program
Financial Proof	Bank statements or scholarship letters showing sufficient funds
Health Insurance	Mandatory for all international students
Passport	Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Visa Fee	Approximately €210 (INR 21.7K)

Documents Required for Visa: 

• Admission letter from the business school 
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, loan approval) 
• Academic transcripts & test scores 
• Health insurance documents 
• Passport copy 
• Completed visa application forms 

Process to Apply for a Student Visa: 

• Complete MVV Application: Submit through the Dutch Immigration (IND) portal. 
• Pay Visa Fee: Approximately €210 (INR 21.7K). 
• Schedule Biometrics & Interview: At the Dutch embassy or consulate. 
• Receive MVV & Residence Permit: After approval, collect documents and travel to Netherlands. 

Top Cities  

The city you choose for your MBA impacts networking, internships, and post-MBA job opportunities.  

Here are the top cities in Netherlands for MBA programs: 

City	Significance
Rotterdam	Major port city, strong focus on international business & trade
Amsterdam	Financial hub, tech startups, and global corporate presence
Utrecht	Central location, growing business ecosystem
Tilburg	Known for research-driven programs and industry partnerships
Maastricht	Strategic location near Belgium & Germany, diverse student base

Top Job Opportunities 

Netherlands offers strong career prospects for MBA graduates, especially in sectors like finance, consulting, technology, and logistics.  

Over 90% of graduates from leading Dutch business schools secure jobs within 3 months of graduation.  

Here are the top job roles:  

Role	Approximate Annual Salary (EUR/INR)
Product Manager	€70,000–€97,000 (INR 72.4L–1Cr)
Marketing Manager	€56,000–€84,000 (INR 57.9L–86.9L)
Management Consultant	€50,000–€63,000 (INR 51.7L–65.2L)
Operations Manager	€52,000–€84,000 (INR 53.8L–86.9L)
Financial Analyst	€45,000–€65,000 (INR 46.5L–67.2L)

Source: Glassdoor