Masters in the Netherlands: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, & Cost of Living [2025]

The Netherlands’ education system is renowned for its world-class studies, research facilities, and international exposure for students. The universities offer English-language programs across all streams. That’s why pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands presents a significant opportunity, as Dutch universities rank among the top in the world and have established connections with large international companies. This guide will uncover how pursuing a master’s in the Netherlands benefits students, list major universities, and recommend courses for international students.

Top Reasons to Pursue Masters in the Netherlands 

Studying for a master’s in the Netherlands has numerous benefits for foreign students. It also has a high academic standard and offers various unique courses in different fields. Whether you are keen on technologies, business, or social sciences, enrolling in a master’s program in the Netherlands offers a fantastic chance to explore world-class education. Here are some top reasons to study in the Netherlands:

• High-Quality Education: The Dutch universities are known internationally for their approach to teaching and research. Top universities such as Delft University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam are always on the list of top universities in Europe.
• Programs Taught in English: A significant number of master’s programs in the Netherlands are taught in English, which leads to academic success for international students.
• Strong Job Market: The Netherlands boasts a robust job market with opportunities in diverse industries, including engineering, business services, and technology. There are several job opportunities available at local and international organizations in the country.
• Cultural Diversity: Studying in the Netherlands offers international exposure due to its welcoming ambiance and diverse cultural backgrounds. Interacting with students from various countries will help enrich your professional, academic, and personal networks. 
• Affordable Living Costs: Dutch living costs are moderate in comparison to those of other Western European countries. In addition, numerous cities provide discounts on transportation, lodging, and entertainment expenses.

Top Universities in Netherlands for Masters 

The universities in the Netherlands offer an exceptional opportunity to pursue a master’s degree. Many universities offer English-taught programs. A master’s degree in the Netherlands in business, technology, or social sciences ensures a high-quality education and a robust alumni network. 

The table below highlights the estimated tuition fees, specialized areas, and top universities for international students in the Netherlands:

University	QS World Ranking	Specialization	Masters Course Fee (Euro)	Masters Course Fee (INR)
Delft University of Technology	49	Engineering and technology	€21,515	₹19,52,000
University of Amsterdam	55	Social Science, Humanities, and Business	€33,000	₹30,00,000
Leiden University	141	Humanities, Science, and Law	€21,200	₹19,00,000
Wageningen University and Research	155	Environmental Science and Life Sciences	€20,600	₹18,50,000
Erasmus University Rotterdam	158	Economics, Social Science, and Business	€22,500	₹20,50,000

Pro Tip: If you want to pursue your career in the Netherlands and expand your career perspectives, check out Internshala’s study abroad program to learn more. 

Common Eligibility Criteria to Study Masters in the Netherlands 

International students must meet certain criteria when applying for a master’s degree in the Netherlands. While these requirements can vary by program or university, there are common prerequisites that most institutions follow. 

Here are the general eligibility criteria for pursuing a master’s in the Netherlands:

Criteria	Requirement
Educational Qualification	The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and have scored at least 50% marks or more.  Some universities may require a higher GPA, such as a minimum of 7.5 on a 10-point scale.
Language Proficiency	Proof of proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).  Some programs may also require a French language proficiency score for specific courses.
Additional Documents	Copy of passport Updated CV Statement of purpose 2 letters of recommendations Work experience (if needed)Academic transcripts Other relevant certificates

Popular Courses to Study Masters in the Netherlands 

A master’s in the Netherlands offers various technical and non-technical courses in various specializations. A master’s degree in the Netherlands provides top-notch education in environmental sciences, business studies, and technology. 

The table below features the most frequently pursued courses by international students in the Netherlands:

Course Name	Annual Program Fee (in Euro)	Annual Program Fee (in INR)	Popular Job Roles
Master’s in Business Administration	€20,000 – €55,000	₹16,90,000  – ₹48,57,000	Marketing manager, business analyst, operations manager
Master in Computer Science	€15,000- €20,000	₹12,65,000- ₹17,64,500	Software engineer, IT professional, web developer
MSc in Engineering	€11,000- €40,000	₹9,70,000- ₹35,29,000	Civil engineer, project manager, mechanical engineer
MSc in Finance	€17,000	₹14,40,000	Financial analyst, investment banker, accountant
MSc in Data Science	€10,000- €20,000	₹8,82,290- ₹17,64,580	Analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer
MSc in Law	€15,000	₹13,23,435	Corporate counsel, lawyer, legal advisor
MSc in Environmental Science	€21,200	₹18,70,454	Sustainability coordinator, conservation scientist, environmental consultant
MSc in Renewable Energy	€20,000	₹17,64,580	Solar technician, energy consultant, renewable energy engineer
MSc in Sustainability	€23,765	₹20,96,762	Carbon consultant, environmental analyst, sustainability manager

Renowned Scholarships to Fund Your Masters in the Netherlands 

Higher education is exceedingly costly, particularly when pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands. However, at the same time, scholarship options are available to assist international students in covering the expenses associated with their education. Here is a compilation of several prestigious scholarships available to Indian students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands:

Scholarship	Description	Eligibility Criteria	Benefits
Orange-Tulip Bekendering Program	The Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science sponsors this scholarship.	International students from selected countries like India	Covers part of the tuition and maintenance costs for the students.
Holland Scholarship	The Holland Scholarship is being established solely for non-EU/EEA students interested in participating in the master’s program at Dutch universities.	Non-EU/EEA students applying for a master’s program at Dutch universities	€5,000 for the first year of the tuition fees.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship	This scholarship is designed for over 1800 students who aspire to pursue a master’s degree in science.	Students aspiring to pursue a master’s degree in science across multiple countries in the program.	It covers full tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Programme (LExS)	The scholarship is offered by Leiden University.	For non-EU international students with excellent academic records.	Up to 100% of tuition fees for the master’s program for the student.
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship	The scholarship is offered by the University of Amsterdam.	The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is provided to students of non-EU nationality who applied for a master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam.	This scholarship rewards up to €25,000 depending on merit, generated to cater for tuition fees and living costs.

Also Read: Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Annual Cost of Living in the Netherlands 

While pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands, a student must evaluate the cost of living. These expenses may differ according to the city or, to a certain extent, the lifestyle. Knowing an approximate idea of the monthly cost of living in the Netherlands can help you budget your stay.

The following table gives an overview of the average costs for an international student living in a residence or any other type of off-campus quarters in the Netherlands. 

Expenses	Annual monthly expenses (in Euro)	Annual monthly expenses (in INR)
Accommodation	€450- €700	₹39,000- ₹60,000
Food	€180- €190	₹15,900- ₹16,800
Utilities	€100- €200	₹8,500- ₹17,000
Transportation	€70- €100	₹6,000- ₹8,500
Health Insurance	€100- €150	₹8,500- ₹13,000
Miscellaneous	€100- €200	₹8,500- ₹17,000

Conclusion 

A master’s degree in the Netherlands is a perfect chance to get a bright and valuable education, improve your future job opportunities, and enjoy a rich cultural life. With renowned universities, diverse programs in English, and strong connections to global industries, it’s no wonder the Netherlands is a top choice for international students. The country offers various programs in business studies, technology, and social sciences, all designed to meet international standards. 

If you also want to know about the best European countries to pursue higher education, check out our detailed blog on the best European countries to study. 

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