Master's Degree in the Netherlands 2026: New Policies, Eligibility, and Jobs
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Struggling to find the perfect graduate destination? Consider a master's in the Netherlands—top-ranked universities, English-taught programs, low tuition fees, and excellent post-study work opportunities await you.
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Table of Contents
- Why Study Master's in the Netherlands?
- Which Master's Degree is Most In Demand in the Netherlands?: Top courses
- Eligibility Requirements for Pursuing MS in the Netherlands in 2026
- 10 Top Universities for Masters Degree in the Netherlands
- List of Top Scholarships for Master’s in the Netherlands in 2026
- Jobs After MS in the Netherlands in 2026
- Unveil Opportunities With Master's Degree in the Netherlands
As an international student, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed while searching for the right study destination after your bachelor’s. If you want top-ranked universities, strong academic programmes, and affordable fees, a Master’s Degree in the Netherlands is a great option.
You will find leading institutions like Delft University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam, along with world-class research opportunities and one of the largest selections of English-taught master’s programmes in Europe. This makes the Netherlands an exciting and practical choice for your next academic step.
Why Study Master's in the Netherlands?
Embarking on a Master's journey in the Netherlands opens doors to a realm where academic brilliance meets cultural allure.
With a myriad of opportunities and a global reputation for excellence, studying MS in the Netherlands unveils a unique scope for personal and professional growth.
- Doing your master's in the Netherlands could boost your job prospects, potentially leading to a 29% salary increase.
- The Netherlands leads continental Europe with over 2000 English-taught courses.
- Masters' tuition and living costs are economical compared to English-speaking countries.
- The student-centered, interactive teaching style cultivates practical problem-solving, analysis, and creative thinking skills.
- International students make up approximately 12% of the Netherlands' student population.
- Job vacancies increased from 432,900 in Q1 to 441,200 in Q2 2023.
- The Netherlands is recognized as a knowledge hub with renowned universities and a rich study tradition.
Also Read: Top 10 reason why indians students go abroad to study
Which Master's Degree is Most In Demand in the Netherlands?: Top courses
Regardless of the university you opt for, you'll be diving into a program that typically requires a minimum of 60 credits for completion. Among the highly sought-after options or best master's degrees in the Netherlands for international students:
- Business and Management
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Environmental Sustainability
- Information Technology
Eligibility Requirements for Pursuing MS in the Netherlands in 2026
Buckle up for the journey into an MS course in the Netherlands! Here's your VIP pass to the eligibility secrets. To be eligible for admission to an MS course in the Netherlands, you need to meet the following criteria:
To be eligible for admission to an MS course in the Netherlands, you need to meet the following criteria:
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Educational Background
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
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Research Orientation (for Research-Based Programs)
For research-based universities, ensure your bachelor's degree aligns with a research-oriented program.
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GRE/GMAT Score
Generally not required for most Master's programs, especially at Research Universities (WO). Only submit if explicitly requested by your specific course, like some highly competitive MBA programs.
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English Language Proficiency
IELTS: Minimum band score of 6.0 (check specific university minimums, which are often higher, e.g., 6.5 or 7.0).
TOEFL iBT: Scores around 90–100 or higher.
Duolingo English Test (DET): Increasingly accepted by universities, often with a minimum score of 115-120.
Proof of Financial Stability
You must provide proof of funds to cover one year of living expenses, as set by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The required amount for the 2026 academic year is officially €1,094.12 per month, totalling €13,129.44 for one year (Source: IND 2025/2026 estimate).
Documents Required
- A photocopy of ID and a valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation(s)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Also Read: Top 10 Exams to be written to study abroad
10 Top Universities for Masters Degree in the Netherlands
Now that you're clued in on the admission criteria for a Master's degree in the Netherlands, let's delve into the top universities offering this program in the country.
|
University |
QS World University Rank 2026 |
Estimated Average Tuition Fee (EUR) |
Approximate Tuition Fee (INR) |
|
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
47 |
20,500 |
18,45,000 |
|
University of Amsterdam (UvA) |
53 |
18,000 |
16,20,000 |
|
Utrecht University |
103 |
22,000 |
19,80,000 |
|
Leiden University |
119 |
20,000 |
18,00,000 |
|
Erasmus University Rotterdam |
~140 |
23,000 |
20,70,000 |
|
University of Groningen |
147 |
18,000 |
16,20,000 |
|
Wageningen University & Research |
~153 |
20,000 |
18,00,000 |
|
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) |
~194 |
17,000 |
15,30,000 |
|
Radboud University |
N/A (Top 300) |
18,000 |
16,20,000 |
|
Maastricht University |
N/A (Top 300) |
17,500 |
15,75,000 |
List of Top Scholarships for Master’s in the Netherlands in 2026
While there are various scholarships available for international students pursuing a Master’s in the Netherlands, some notable ones include:
|
Category |
Scholarship Name |
Awarding Body / University |
Key Benefit / Grant |
|
Government & Institutional |
Holland Scholarship |
Dutch Ministry of Education / Varies |
A 5,000 euros one-time grant for talented non-EEA students. |
|
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) |
Nuffic |
Fully funded scholarship for professionals from eligible countries (Master's degrees or short courses). |
|
|
NL Scholarship |
Dutch Government / Varies |
Government-funded, merit-based scholarship for non-EEA students. |
|
|
University-Specific |
Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship |
Maastricht University |
Can cover full tuition and living costs for high-achieving non-EU/EEA students. |
|
Utrecht Excellence Scholarship |
Utrecht University |
A fully funded scholarship for international students. |
|
|
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) |
Leiden University |
A merit-based scholarship for Master's program applicants. |
|
|
Radboud Scholarship Programme |
Radboud University |
Reduces the tuition fee for talented international students. |
|
|
University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) |
University of Twente |
A merit-based scholarship with variable funding. |
|
|
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship |
University of Amsterdam |
A competitive opportunity for exceptional international students from outside the EEA. |
|
|
Other / Specialized |
Eric Bleumink Scholarships |
University of Groningen |
Fully funded scholarships for international students. |
|
TU Delft Excellence Scholarships |
Technical University of Delft (TU Delft) |
Fully funded scholarships for international students. |
|
|
HAN Scholarships |
HAN University of Applied Sciences |
Available for both Bachelor's and Master's students from outside the EU/EEA. |
Also Read: How To Get Scholarship To Study Abroad After 12th
Jobs After MS in the Netherlands in 2026
Are you wondering – can an Indian student stay in the Netherlands after a master's degree? You would be happy to note that upon finishing your university program in the Netherlands, you can extend your stay for over 12 months by transitioning to a work visa. Securing a work permit is a must after earning your master's degree.
|
Category |
Scholarship Name |
Awarding Body / University |
Key Benefit / Grant |
|
Government & Institutional |
Holland Scholarship |
Dutch Ministry of Education / Varies |
A 5,000 euros one-time grant for talented non-EEA students. |
|
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) |
Nuffic |
Fully funded scholarship for professionals from eligible countries (Master's degrees or short courses). |
|
|
NL Scholarship |
Dutch Government / Varies |
Government-funded, merit-based scholarship for non-EEA students. |
|
|
University-Specific |
Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship |
Maastricht University |
Can cover full tuition and living costs for high-achieving non-EU/EEA students. |
|
Utrecht Excellence Scholarship |
Utrecht University |
A fully funded scholarship for international students. |
|
|
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) |
Leiden University |
A merit-based scholarship for Master's program applicants. |
|
|
Radboud Scholarship Programme |
Radboud University |
Reduces the tuition fee for talented international students. |
|
|
University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) |
University of Twente |
A merit-based scholarship with variable funding. |
|
|
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship |
University of Amsterdam |
A competitive opportunity for exceptional international students from outside the EEA. |
|
|
Other / Specialized |
Eric Bleumink Scholarships |
University of Groningen |
Fully funded scholarships for international students. |
|
TU Delft Excellence Scholarships |
Technical University of Delft (TU Delft) |
Fully funded scholarships for international students. |
|
|
HAN Scholarships |
HAN University of Applied Sciences |
Available for both Bachelor's and Master's students from outside the EU/EEA. |
Unveil Opportunities With Master's Degree in the Netherlands
Pursuing a Master's in the Netherlands is a holistic experience, blending education, culture, and personal growth. Consider it a unique academic destination and unlock a world of possibilities for your future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master's degree called in the Netherlands?
Is a Master's degree in Finance in the Netherlands in demand?
Is a Master's (MS) in the Netherlands tuition-free?
Is it common for student visas to be denied in the Netherlands?
Is a study gap considered acceptable in the Netherlands?
How to apply for a master's in the Netherlands