Master's in Netherlands - Universities, Degrees, Cost

Why study for a Master’s degree in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of the best destinations in Europe for postgraduate studies, as its universities are among the best in the world. The quality of master’s programs, low tuition fees, and high standard of living are certainly very important reasons to consider studying in the country.

Pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands can help you expand your knowledge in your field of study and collaborate with people from all over the world. Due to focusing on each student’s personal development, universities in the country can give you the ability to grow, in accordance with your own personal talents and skills.

Cost of Master’s Programs in the Netherlands

The average cost of a master’s in the Netherlands is approximately €2,400. This amount is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Universities in the Netherlands do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in the Netherlands without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the safest and happiest countries in the world, and its society is open-minded and welcoming to everyone. Most Dutch people are fluent in English, so you will have no problem adjusting to your new life there.

Many Dutch universities support international students, providing scholarships and career counseling services to help them progress. Moreover, university student communities are an excellent way to socialize and help new students to adapt to the country's cultural environment.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in the Netherlands?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in the Netherlands. Some master's programs in the Netherlands are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in the Netherlands online?

Most universities in the Netherlands don’t offer distance-learning programs. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program but in case you want a master’s degree from a university in the Netherlands, your physical presence is required.

However, studying in the Netherlands is not too expensive, since the cost of tuition fees is quite low. That means that an on-campus program is a realistic option for many people.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in the Netherlands?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in the Netherlands, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in the Netherlands?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in the Netherlands for Master’s degrees

• Development Studies
• Architecture
• Computer Science
• Automotive Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
   

Can I stay in the Netherlands after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in the Netherlands after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for an orientation year visa to stay in the country and search for employment or work in your field of study for up to one year.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands after completing your post-graduate studies. As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside and work in the Netherlands without a permit. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, provided that you are looking for work or working.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in the Netherlands?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.