Masters Degrees in Netherlands

Famous for its windmills, canals and picturesque cities, the Netherlands also has a proud history of international education and cultural exchange. The majority of the population are multilingual and over 2,000 Masters degrees in the Netherlands are now taught in English.

Why study in the Netherlands in 2020?

Dutch universities have been welcoming international students for centuries, but why should you consider the Netherlands for your Masters degree?

• Historic and renowned universities - The oldest Dutch universities date back to the sixteenth century and 12 are ranked in the world top 200 for 2020.
• Affordable degree programmes - Dutch Masters fees are currently capped at €2,143 per year for EU students. Postgraduate loans are available for EU students under 55.
• Innovation and creativity - Dutch scholars and inventors are responsible for developments as diverse as the first electric battery, the first central banking system, the first diagnostic electrocardiograph and (perhaps less popularly) the first speed camera.

Dutch Universities

There are three main types of university offering Masters degrees in the Netherlands:

• Research universities carry out new research and scholarship. They offer more academic Masters programmes.
• Universities of applied science or hogescholen focus on practical training and education in a range of subjects (including Arts and Humanities as well as Sciences). They typically offer more professional Masters degrees, with opportunities for internships, placements and other hands-on experience.
• Institutes for international education focus on intercultural education and knowledge exchange. They offer specialised Masters degrees in appropriate areas.

These figures are from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. See our full guide to postgraduate rankings in the Netherlands for more.

Dutch Masters courses

Dutch Masters degrees are second-cycle qualifications. This means they are postgraduate degrees, completed after a first-cycle Bachelors (or similar).

Research universities usually award MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science) degrees. These are taught courses, but may include a substantial research component.

Universities of applied science offer more professional programmes, incorporating additional internships, placements and other opportunities for hands-on practical training.

Because the Netherlands is part of the European Higher Education Area, Dutch universities use ECTS credits. Most Dutch MAs are worth 60 credits, whereas MSCs and research Masters are 120 credits. Masters degrees are normally 1-2 years long.

Academic year

The Dutch academic year usually runs between September and June. The summer holiday period (between June and September) is often reserved for internships or dissertation work.

Teaching and assessment

Dutch Masters courses are very student-led, with a focus on your own initiative and independent learning. Assessment involves coursework and examinations as well as a final dissertation project.

How to apply

The application procedure for postgraduate study abroad in the Netherlands varies:

• If your university accepts direct applications you can begin by sending an email enquiry or visiting the course website, using the links in our programme listings
• If your university requires international students to pre-register you will need to apply using the Studielink website

Admissions requirements

Dutch universities will usually expect Masters applicants to hold a Bachelors degree (or equivalent in a relevant subject area).

You should be able to find out more about the specific requirements for your institution by getting in touch with them or browsing courses.

In some cases, places on courses will be limited and admissions will be more competitive. This may mean that you are asked to submit additional materials with your application, such as a personal statement and / or academic transcripts and references.

Applications to research Masters programmes may require you to outline any prospective project goals and demonstrate your preparedness for independent work in the field in question. You may also be asked to take part in an interview (which can sometimes be conducted over the phone for overseas students).

Language requirements

The Netherlands was the first non-native English speaking country to teach courses in English, and now many Masters degree programmes are available in either English or Dutch.

• Programmes in English will require appropriate language skills and – if you are not a native speaker of English – these may need to be demonstrated by providing a language score. English language tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted. You will normally need a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 6.5 or more.
• Programmes in Dutch will require a Dutch language test. Alternatively, you could provide evidence of proficiency in Dutch, such as an existing qualification completed in the language.

Universities often offer Dutch language courses.

Application deadlines

Most Dutch Masters degrees begin in September, but universities set their own deadlines for applications.

Remember that applying to study abroad can take time – particularly if you also need to apply for a visa to study in the Netherlands. Aim to begin your application roughly a year before your course start date.

Working after your Masters

The Netherlands is so confident in the quality of its graduates that it maintains an online portal with advice for international students interested in working there after their degrees.

Holland and the Netherlands also offer very welcoming terms to graduate jobseekers of all nationalities:

• EU and EEA citizens are automatically entitled to work in the Netherlands and can therefore remain in the country after graduation, provided their residence registration is maintained.
• Other graduates are also allowed to remain in Holland for up to one 'orientation year'. During this period you will have the right to seek employment without a separate work permit. If you are successful you can then go on to apply for a longer-term permit under the Netherlands's Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme.

More information is available on the Nuffic website. Masters study in the Netherlands is also perfect preparation for a Dutch PhD.

Dutch university cities