Summary
- Here’s a closer look at what makes MBA courses in the Netherlands this country a smart choice.
- An MBA in the Netherlands is a popular choice for international students who want to study management.
- Below is a look at the best MBA programs in the Netherlands.
Are you looking to accelerate your career in the heart of Europe? An MBA in the Netherlands is a popular choice for international students who want to study management. But what makes this tiny nation on the coast of the North Sea so attractive for MBA students?
Here are the reasons in a nutshell:
- The Netherlands is home to three of Europe’s leading MBA programs—Rotterdam School of Management, Amsterdam Business School, and Maastricht School of Management.
- Tuition fees here range from just €8,000 to €64,000 per year—up to 40% less than comparable MBAs in the US or UK.
- Nearly 85% of graduates land jobs within six months, earning starting salaries between €50,000 and €100,000.
In the following sections, we’ll explore why the Netherlands should be on your MBA shortlist in 2025. Whether you’re exploring domains such as finance or entrepreneurship, or aiming for an online MBA in the Netherlands, this guide will walk you through everything.
Why choose the Netherlands for an MBA in 2025?
Wondering why an MBA in the Netherlands stands out among global destinations? Here’s a closer look at what makes MBA courses in the Netherlands this country a smart choice:
Easy Post-Study Work Route
All Master’s graduates can apply for the 12-month orientation-year visa. This gives you enough time to job-hunt or launch a start-up without needing employer sponsorship.
Global-Quality Schools
Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and Amsterdam Business School both hold Triple Crown accreditation. It is a rare honour earned by only ~1 % of business schools worldwide.
Strong Salary Growth
RSM full-time MBA alumni reported a 79% pay rise and average pay of about $121,000 three years after graduation, according to Financial Times (2024).
Costs You Can Plan For
Average living expenses are between €1,000 and €1,400 per month, and tuition fees range from €34,000 to €67,000. While it is not cheap, it is still more affordable than a management degree from the USA.
Indian-Friendly Environment
Nearly every school hosts an active Indian student or alumni club. Vegetarian food is easy to find in major cities. Indian graduates also benefit from the Netherlands–India double taxation avoidance treaty, which offers relief.
Note: With top-ranked B-schools, generous post-study work options, and solid salary outcomes, the Netherlands is a smart pick for an MBA. But how do you shortlist the right program for your profile and budget?
GradRight’s university search platform helps you find the best-fit MBA courses in the Netherlands using data from 40,000+ programs. It factors in your academic background, career goals, and ROI expectations—so you’re not guessing.
It’s the easiest way to narrow down your MBA options with confidence and clarity.
Top MBA universities and business schools in the Netherlands
Looking for the best business schools for your MBA in the Netherlands? Here are some of the best MBA universities in the Netherlands you must consider:
| School (city) | Accreditation / Rank | Programme length | Indicative tuition | Why does it stand out |
| Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) | Triple Crown; FT MBA #61 (2024) | 12 months | €67,000 | Biggest alumni network in the country; strong consulting & supply-chain placement; 79 % salary jump. |
| Amsterdam Business School – “Amsterdam MBA” | Triple Crown; ABS reaccredited 2024 | 12 months | €48,000 | Central Amsterdam location, small cohorts (~45), focus on sustainability and tech electives. |
| Nyenrode Business University (Breukelen / Amsterdam) | AMBA & EQUIS; full-time Impact MBA | 12 months | €54,000 | Flexible “stackable” modules and a leadership retreat on a historic estate; strong family-business links. |
| TIAS School for Business & Society (Tilburg/Utrecht) | AACSB + AMBA; FT Global MBA #98 (2024) | 12 months | €37,500 | Emphasis on social impact; high value-for-money score (#10 FT). |
| Maastricht School of Management (MSM) | Triple Crown; CEO Magazine Global MBA 2025 tier-one | 12 months | €34,000 | Most affordable AACSB/EQUIS/AMBA-accredited option; offers blended Global Online MBA. |
All programmes are taught in English and welcome applicants with 3–5 years of work experience.
Best MBA programs and courses in the Netherlands
MBA programs in the Netherlands prepare you for global leadership roles. Whether you’re looking to move up the ladder or start your venture, MBA courses in the Netherlands are an attractive option. Below is a look at the best MBA programs in the Netherlands. Each course is taught in English and runs for one year.
| Program | Format & length | Indicative tuition | What you study / key features |
| Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) – International Full-time MBA | Full-time, 12 months | €67,000 | Eight core courses, an Innovation Project, and 25 electives across five concentrations, such as Finance, Digital Strategy, and Sustainability. You choose any three electives to customize your path. |
| Amsterdam Business School – “Amsterdam MBA” | Full-time, 12 months | €48,000 | Compact cohort (~45 students), an Amsterdam Leadership Programme that runs alongside core courses, plus an international study trip. |
| TIAS School for Business & Society – Full-time MBA | Full-time, 12 months | €43,500 | Two optional tracks—Business Analytics or Financial Management—after the core phase, finishing with a thesis or consulting project. |
| Nyenrode Business University – Impact MBA (Fast Track) | Hybrid blocks (campus + online), 12 months | ≈ €54,000 | Leadership labs every other week, a personal impact project, and coaching; excellent access to family-owned firms. |
| Maastricht School of Management (MSM) – Full-time MBA | Full-time, 12 months | €34,000 | Most affordable triple-accredited option; four specialisations (e.g., Supply-Chain, Healthcare management) and a capstone consultancy assignment |
Most MBA programs in the Netherlands also include soft-skills development, leadership training, and networking events. These ensure you can take advantage of the country’s strong economy and diverse job market.
MBA in the Netherlands without GMAT: Is it possible?
Yes, it absolutely is.
While the GMAT (or GRE) is a standard requirement at many business schools globally, several universities in the Netherlands offer flexibility. It is especially applicable if you have a few years of professional experience or a strong academic background.
Several universities now waive the requirement, making an MBA in the Netherlands without GMAT realistic if you have a good profile.
When Can You Skip the GMAT?
- You have 5+ years of professional experience with managerial exposure.
- You hold a UG degree in business, economics, or a related field with an excellent GPA.
- You perform well in an admission test or interview. This is used by some Dutch schools instead of one-size-fits-all standardized tests from the USA.
Here is a table of MBA programs in the Netherlands without GMAT:
| School | GMAT policy | Typical waiver conditions |
| TIAS | GMAT can be waived | ≥ 3 yrs work experience and strong quantitative Master’s/PhD, or a pass in the TIAS Capacity Test. |
| RSM | Accepts GMAT/GRE or its own Business Admissions Test (BAT) | ≥ 3 yrs postgraduate experience; strong academics; good BAT score. |
| Maastricht School of Management | No GMAT if you finish five online prep courses | Bachelor’s degree + ≥ 3 yrs work experience. |
| Nyenrode & Amsterdam MBA | Case-by-case waivers | Solid managerial experience plus convincing interview and LTP/competency test results. |
However, we suggest that you always check with the admissions team.
Cost of studying an MBA in the Netherlands for Indian and international students
The Netherlands offers an MBA experience that’s not only high in quality but also relatively affordable when compared to the US, UK, or Australia.
Here’s what you need to budget for as an Indian or international student:
Tuition fees (2025 intakes)
| School | Fee (one-year MBA) |
| Rotterdam School of Management | €67,000 |
| Amsterdam Business School | €48,000 |
| TIAS School for Business & Society | €43,500 |
| Nyenrode Business University | ≈ €54,000 |
| Maastricht School of Management | €34,000 |
Living expenses
Estimate for Rotterdam School of Management: ~€1,500 per month in Rotterdam, broken down as:
- Housing €700
- Living Expenses €700
- Travel €60
- Elsewhere, expect to spend €850 – €1,500 per month depending on city, lifestyle, and housing type.
On the whole, it is safe to say living expenses in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Maastricht generally range between €1,000 – €1,200 each month, depending on lifestyle.
One-off and hidden costs
| Item | Typical amount |
| Residence permit & MVV fees | ~€228 (paid to Dutch IND) |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | €80 – €120 per month (about €1,200 for a year) |
| Books/software | €300 – €600 (varies by programme) |
| Study trips (if not included) | €1,000 – €3,000 |
Scholarships and loans
Most schools offer 10–30% merit awards. MSM lists multiple scholarships that can stack up to a 35% reduction.
Expect a total investment of €45,000–€90,000 (₹40–80 lakh) for tuition plus living costs. The final estimate is largely driven by the university and city you choose.
Cheapest MBA and online MBA options in the Netherlands
If budget is your key concern, the good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.
- The cheapest MBA in the Netherlands with the “triple-crown” accreditation is the Maastricht School of Management (MSM) full-time MBA at €34,000 for the entire year. That translates to roughly ₹30 lakh at today’s exchange rate.
- MSM also runs a fully accredited online MBA in the Netherlands. Their Global Online MBA costs €29,000. It is delivered in six eight-week modules that you can complete from India while working.
- Beyond MSM, a few universities of applied sciences, such as Hanze UAS and Rotterdam UAS, offer MBA tuition under €25,000. However, these programmes are not always triple-accredited and may have limited international recognition.
- Distance-learning directories show 11 Dutch MBAs offered partly or fully online. They let you mix short campus visits with remote coursework. We advise you to check each school’s accreditation before you enrol.
1-Year MBA programs and Executive MBA in the Netherlands
If time is of the essence, you’ll be glad to know that most full-time MBA programs in the Netherlands are 1-year long. MBA courses in the Netherlands are intensive and career-focused, helping you re-enter the job market quickly.
Most full-time Dutch MBAs follow a compact 1-year format:
| School | Programme length | Start date | Notable features |
| Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) | 12 months | January | Triple-crown accredited |
| Amsterdam Business School (Amsterdam MBA) | 12 months | September | Tuition €48,000 |
| TIAS School for Business & Society | 12 months | September | Value-for-money focus |
| Nyenrode Impact MBA & MSM Full-time MBA | 12 months | March and September (course dependent) | Same one-year calendar |
For professionals with several years’ experience who cannot leave work, the best Executive MBA in the Netherlands options are:
| Programme | Duration & format | Indicative fee | Accreditations |
| TIAS Executive MBA | 24 months, part-time weekend blocks | €59,600 | AACSB, AMBA |
| RSM Executive MBA | 18 months, part-time, Friday/Saturday | €65,000 | AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA |
Application process and admission requirements for an MBA in the Netherlands
Applying for an MBA in the Netherlands is a structured but straightforward process. Universities typically assess your academic background, professional experience, motivation, and communication skills. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Academic And Professional Profile
- Education: A recognised bachelor’s degree (any stream is fine).
- Work experience: Most MBA colleges in the Netherlands require 3-5 years for full-time MBAs and 5-10 years for executive formats. For example, RSM’s full-time MBA cohort averages eight years.
Tests And English Proof
GMAT/GRE (typical GMAT 600+), or each school’s in-house test/waiver route. RSM also accepts via its Business Admissions Test (BAT).
English: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 (some waive if your undergraduate teaching language was English).
Documents And Deadlines
| Required items | Notes |
| Online form & CV | Rolling intakes; apply 10–12 months before start. |
| Essays & two referees | Focus on career goals and an international mindset. |
| Transcript & degree certificate | Scan + official translation if not in English. |
| Interview (online or on campus) | Covers goals, leadership potential, and fit. |
Visa And Residence Permits (International Students)
Your chosen MBA universities in the Netherlands will file a combined MVV entry visa and student residence permit request with the Dutch Immigration Service (IND). Currently, the IND fee is €243.
You must also show proof of funds for one year (about €1,138 per month in 2025).
After Graduation: Orientation-Year Work Visa
All MBA graduates can apply for the 12-month orientation-year permit. This lets you work or job-hunt anywhere in the Netherlands without needing employer sponsorship.
Helpful Timing Checklist
| Months Before Program | Task |
| 12-14 months | Research MBA universities, budget, and search for scholarships |
| 10 months | Apply, schedule GMAT/BAT if needed |
| 6 months | Receive admission, pay deposit, and start visa paperwork |
| 2 months | Book housing, gather original documents to carry |
This clear, step-by-step plan helps international students enroll smoothly for MBA courses in the Netherlands and prevents last-minute worries about finances or the IND.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the top MBA universities and colleges in the Netherlands?
The top universities in the Netherlands for pursuing an MBA are
- Nyenrode Business University
- Maastricht School of Management (MSM)
- Tilburg’s School of Economics and Management
- University of Amsterdam
Besides, TIAS School for Business and Society is another top contender, particularly for Executive MBA programs. These institutions are known for their rigorous academic programs, international reputation, and strong career outcomes for graduates.
2. How much does it cost to study an MBA in the Netherlands for Indian students?
The cost of studying for an MBA in the Netherlands can vary significantly. Typically, tuition fees range from €28,000 to €64,000 per year. This translates to roughly ₹27 lakhs to ₹57 lakhs for Indian students.
3. Can I pursue an MBA in the Netherlands without the GMAT?
Yes, it’s possible to pursue an MBA in the Netherlands without a GMAT score. While some Dutch universities require GMAT or GRE scores, others may waive this requirement based on your work experience or academic background.
4. Are there affordable or cheap MBA programs available in the Netherlands?
Several affordable MBA programs are available in the Netherlands. They are far cheaper than what is available in the US, UK, and Australia. The tuition cost is about €20,000 per year at some universities.
5. What is the application process for studying an MBA in the Netherlands?
The application process for an MBA in the Netherlands involves several key steps:
- Step 1: Research and Shortlist Programs
- Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
- Step 3: Submit Online Application
- Step 4: Attend the Interview
- Step 5: Receive Offer and Apply for a Visa
Start your application process 8–10 months before your preferred intake to ensure enough time.
