MBA in Netherlands - Cost, Eligibility for Indian Students

Studying for an MBA in Netherlands provides students with a unique and interesting experience. Students pursuing an MBA in the Netherlands have access to top-ranked colleges and business institutions that provide comprehensive programmes designed to build leadership abilities, business acumen, and a global perspective. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of pursuing an MBA in Netherlands including top universities, cost, admissions, job prospects, etc.

Planning to study in the Netherlands and pursue an MBA degree? Universities in the Netherlands are well-known for providing high-quality education and intellectual excellence. Many Dutch universities consistently rank among the best in Europe and the world. A high-quality education that is recognised and appreciated around the world can be obtained by studying in the Netherlands. Since MBA is a costly course of study, studying in the Netherlands can be a wise investment. In comparison to other European countries, tuition and living expenditures in the Netherlands are comparatively low. As a result, it is a tempting choice for students seeking to further their education without breaking the bank. Check out everything you must know before applying for MBA in Netherlands.

MBA in Netherlands Highlights

The table given below provides highlights of MBA in Netherlands:

Why MBA in Netherlands?

Here are some benefits and opportunities related to pursuing MBA in Netherlands:

• Universities in the Netherlands provide high-quality education, which includes management education as well. Thus, universities of MBA in Netherlands is a good fit for Indian applicants. 
• The business landscape in the Netherlands is robust and dynamic, with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It is home to a plethora of international corporations, startups, and research organisations, providing MBA graduates with networking possibilities, internships, and future employment chances. 
• There are excellent job opportunities after graduating with an MBA from the Netherlands. The average annual salary of an MBA in the Netherlands is between €60,000 to €104,000.  
• With numerous business events, conferences, and professional organisations, the Netherlands has a thriving networking sector. Participating in these events during your MBA programme will assist you in developing a strong professional network, which can be beneficial for post-study work in the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands has a strong and stable economy, which is considered to be one of the most competitive in Europe. The country has a high GDP per capita, thus, it a progressive economy is what an international student looks at for good career options, which an MBA can find in the Netherlands.

All of these factors combine to make earning an MBA in the Netherlands an appealing option for students seeking a high-quality education, expanding their professional networks, and exploring career options in a dynamic and international business environment.

Top MBA Colleges in Netherlands

The table given below provides the best MBA colleges in Netherlands based in their QS - Global MBA 2025 Rankings along with their world university rankings below:

Almost all top universities in Netherlands offer an MBA course, however only two universities have been ranked as per QS - Global MBA rankings. Applicants shprtlisting universities for MBA in Netherlands can look at the admission requirements of these universities. 

MBA in Netherlands: Specializations

For students, who want to pursue MBA in Netherlands, there are various specializations available as per their career interests and goals. Here are some top MBA specializations in Netherlands:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business
• Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Agri-Business Management
• Human Resource Management

These are only a few of the specialisations offered by MBA programmes in the Netherlands. It is critical to explore specific colleges and their offers in order to discover a specialisation that matches your career goals and interests.

Eligibility for MBA in Netherlands

In this section of the article, we will look at the eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBA in Netherlands:

• Students must complete their formal schooling. Certain universities might ask for a minimum percentage; typically, it is more than 70%.
• A bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution is required for Indian students applying for an MBA in the Netherlands. The degree should be equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the Netherlands.
• Some MBA programmes in the Netherlands may need GMAT or GRE scores from Indian students. These standardised assessments evaluate your abilities in areas including verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing.
• English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• MBA programmes in the Netherlands require applicants to have relevant job experience, including Indian students. Work experience requirements vary, but are often between 2 and 5 years.
• There are B-schools in Netherlands like - Amsterdam Business School and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus Uiversity where international students can pursue MBA without work experience. 

Admission Process for MBA in Netherlands

• Formal Schooling with a certain minimum percentage
• Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA (vary as per the university requirements)
• Academic or Professional experience (depends on the university requirements)
• GRE or GMAT scores
• English language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL
• Latest resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Check Sample MBA SOP for Netherlands
• LORs (Letters of recommendation)

• Admission Essays

It is crucial to note that exact criteria may range from one university to the next or even between MBA programmes within the same university. As a result, it is advised to visit the universities' official websites.

MBA in Netherlands without GMAT

MBA in the Netherlands that do not require the GMAT are growing more popular. Several Dutch colleges offer MBA programmes that do not require GMAT scores. Here are a few universities that offer MBA programmes without requiring the GMAT:

• Wageningen University & Research Center (Executive MBA in Food & Agribusiness)
• VU University Amsterdam
• University of Twente
• University of Maastricht (If your GMAT score is above 600, preparatory courses are waived off)

MBA in Netherlands Intakes

MBA intakes in Netherlands can vary depending on the university and the programme you are applying for. Broadly speaking, there are two MBA intakes in Netherlands:

• September Intake (Fall Intake): In the Netherlands, the primary admission for MBA programmes occurs in September, often known as the Fall intake. Many universities start MBA programmes in September, which is the most popular intake for international students.
  • MBA in Netherlands deadlines for the September Intake 2025 extend until 1 June 2025. However, certain universities such as the University of Amsterdam offer early bird discounts. To avail of this, you must apply earlier, i.e. by 1 December 2024 (€5,000 discount) and 1 March 2024 (€2,000 discount).
  • Students need to be aware of study abroad intakes, deadlines, and other important dates to avoid last-minute hassles.
• February Intake (Spring Intake): Some universities in the Netherlands also offer MBA programmes in February. This intake is less common than the September intake, but it provides students with an additional option to begin their MBA studies.

MBA in Netherlands Cost

Netherlands MBA fees can range from €8,000 to €64,000 per year. This translates to Rs. 7 lakhs to Rs. 57 lakhs per year for Indian students. Now, this tuition fee is highly variable. In the table given above, we have mentioned the Netherlands MBA fees for the top universities. On average, students can expect to spend around Rs. 30 lakhs per year on tuition fees.

Students may apply for MBA scholarships and/or choose to work part-time in the Netherlands to offset their MBA in Netherlands fees.

Scholarships for MBA in Netherlands

There are several scholarships in the Netherlands for MBA. Scholarships and financial help would be available to candidates with good academic records, impressive motivation letters, and extracurricular accomplishments. To take advantage of these possibilities, make sure to deliver all essential paperwork by the deadlines. Here are some important ones:

• Erasmus Mundus 
• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University - Diversity Scholarship
• Amsterdam MBA GMAT Scholarship is offered by the Amsterdam Business School based on high GMAT scores, with amounts up to €12,000 for the highest scores.
• Wittenborg MBA Scholarship
• Maastricht School of Management, Academic Excellence Scholarship is worth €12,000. The same scholarship amount is offered for the Women Ambassadorship Scholarship.
• The University of Amsterdam Orange Tulip Scholarship offers a scholarship amount of €16,900.

It is crucial to keep in mind that scholarship availability and requirements can vary over time, so it is best to check the official websites of the universities and MBA programmes you are interested in for the most up-to-date information on scholarships and their application processes. Moreover, it is advised that students meet the scholarship deadlines and submit the necessary documents. Opportunities come once in a while, make the most of them.

Jobs after MBA in Netherlands

International students who complete their studies in the Netherlands are granted an orientation year (post-study work permit in the Netherlands). It essentially means that they will have full access to the Dutch employment market for an additional 12 months without the necessity for a work visa. After one year, you can transfer to a Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigranten) visa and apply individually.

There are numerous job prospects accessible after finishing an MBA in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has a robust economy and a business-friendly climate, which makes it appealing to MBA graduates. Some possible employment roles and industries for MBA graduates in the Netherlands include:

It should be noted that employment availability and criteria can vary depending on the industry, location, and individual qualifications. Networking, internships, and relationships with local experts can all help to improve job prospects in the Netherlands.

Now that students are aware of all the aspects of studying for an MBA in Netherlands, they need to take their admission and scholarship applications very seriously. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.