GMAT Score Requirement to Study in the Netherlands: 2026 Tea You Needed

TLDR

• Dutch universities usually require GMAT for business programs and GRE for STEM courses, but waivers exist for students with strong academics, English-taught degrees, or relevant work experience.
• A GMAT score around 600+ is safe for top universities like Amsterdam, Erasmus, and Maastricht, while high scores (650+) can improve admission and scholarship chances.
• Even without GMAT, applicants must submit academic records, SOP, LORs, and English test scores, and can strengthen applications through GRE, project work, or professional certifications.

Let’s be honest, the GMAT might sound scary, but it is just one part of the story. Many Dutch universities focus more on your overall profile than on a perfect score. In this blog, we are spilling the tea on what scores actually matter, which unis are chill about GMAT, and how to still get in with confidence. It does not matter if you are aiming high or winging it, this blog will show you how to hack your way into Dutch B-schools.

GRE and GMAT Requirements to Study in the Netherlands

Dutch universities expect you to prove your skills when it comes to analytical and logical thinking. That is why many business and STEM master’s programmes ask for GRE or GMAT scores. These tests help them check if you can handle advanced coursework, research work, and quantitative subjects without breaking down halfway.

If you’re planning for an MBA, finance, economics, or data-related programme, the GMAT is usually required. For engineering, analytics, or science-based courses, universities often prefer the GRE. However, courses in arts, design, or social sciences don’t usually need any of these tests.

For Indian students applying in 2026, the pattern is pretty clear, GMAT for business, GRE for STEM. Some universities accept the new GMAT Focus Edition and the shorter GRE format, too. A few might also give a waiver if:

• Your bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English, or
  
• You have strong grades or relevant work experience.

Even if it’s not mandatory, submitting a GMAT or GRE score can make your profile look stronger and more complete. It shows that you’re ready for the academic load.

Minimum GMAT Scores for Top Dutch Universities 2026 Intake

Dutch schools aren’t obsessed with crazy-high GMAT scores, they just want to see that you can handle tough coursework. If your academics and SOP look solid, even a slightly lower score won’t kill your chances. Still, playing it safe around 600+ keeps you chill during the admission wait. 

University	Program	Minimum GMAT Score	Recommended Score
University of Amsterdam	MSc Business Administration or Data Science & Business Analytics	GMAT Focus 535+ or Old GMAT 560+	585–620+
Erasmus University Rotterdam	MSc in Management or Finance, or International Business	GMAT Focus 565+ or Old GMAT 600+	620–650+
Maastricht University	MSc in Strategy & Innovation or IB or Finance	GMAT 550 or AWA: 4.0 minimum	600–650+
Tilburg University	MSc in Economics or Business Analytics	GMAT 550+	600–630+
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	MSc in Business Administration or Marketing	GMAT 550+	600+
University of Groningen	MSc in Finance or IB or Marketing	GMAT 550	580–600+

Standardized Test Scores for Business and STEM Programs

When applying to Dutch universities, your test requirements depend on the type of program you choose. Business programs usually prefer GMAT, while STEM programs lean more on GRE scores. Here is an easy breakdown of popular programs and their requirements in 2026.

Business Programs

1. MSc Business Administration – University of Amsterdam
   
   • GMAT: Focus Edition minimum 535, ideally 565. Old edition minimum 560, ideally 600
     
   • GRE: Quant minimum 152, ideally 155
     
2. MSc International Business – Strategy & Innovation – Maastricht University
   
   • GMAT: Minimum 550 with AWA 4.0; 650+ recommended for fast-track admission
     
   • Alternate: GMAT minimum 515 accepted in some cases
     
3. MSc Business Analytics – Erasmus University Rotterdam
   
   • GMAT: Minimum 600, competitive applicants aim higher
     
   • Note: Quant skills are heavily weighted, and the GRE is also accepted by some tracks.
     
4. MSc Finance or MSc International Business – Tilburg University
   
   • GMAT: Minimum 550. Competitive applicants aim for 600+
     
   • GRE: Quant minimum 155–160

Note: For business programs, your Quant section matters most if you’re applying for finance or data-heavy courses.

STEM Programs

1. MSc Data Science or Computer Science – TU Delft
   
   • GRE: Quant minimum 160, total 315+ preferred
     
   • Note: Some programs may waive GRE if you have a strong GPA in a technical bachelor’s.
     
2. MSc Electrical or Mechanical Engineering – Eindhoven University of Technology
   
   • GRE: Quant 160+, total 310–320
     
   • Note: Relevant bachelor’s degree can reduce test dependency.
     
3. MSc Robotics or Systems & Control – University of Twente
   
   • GRE: Total 305–315, Quant 160+ recommended
     
   • Note: Research or project experience can support your application.
     
4. MSc Environmental Sciences or Food Technology – Wageningen University
   
   • GRE: Total 300–310, Quant 155+
     
   • Note: GPA above 8or10 may replace GRE for strong candidates.
     
5. MSc Life Sciences or Physics – Leiden University
   
   • GRE: Total 305–315, Quant 160+
     
   • Note: Research experience or relevant bachelor’s coursework strengthens the profile.

Also Read: Top Public vs Private Universities in the Netherlands for International Students

Can You Study in the Netherlands Without GMAT?

Yes, you can, but it depends on your program and university. Not every master’s in the Netherlands demands a GMAT. Some courses, especially in STEM, arts, humanities, or social sciences, focus more on your bachelor’s grades, relevant projects, or research instead of standardized tests.

Who Can Skip the GMAT

• Strong Academic Record: If your bachelor’s was in English and your GPA is solid, some universities waive the GMAT.
  
• Relevant Work Experience: For MBAs or business programs, 1–3 years of professional experience may replace a GMAT requirement.
  
• Alternative Tests Accepted: Some schools accept the GRE instead, especially for STEM courses.

Things You Still Need

Even if you skip GMAT, you’ll usually need:

• Transcripts & Degree Certificate
  
• Statement of Purpose showing your interest and career goals
  
• Letters of Recommendation
  
• English proficiency proof 

Also Read: How to Select the Best Course in the Netherlands Based on Career Goals?

GMAT Waivers, Exemptions, and Alternatives Accepted by Dutch Universities

GMAT waivers exist for students who have already proven they can handle the program through academics, work experience, or alternative tests. If you qualify, you can skip GMAT stress and focus on making your application stand out with SOP, LORs, and project highlights. 

University	Program	Waiver	Notes
Maastricht University	MSc International Business or Strategy & Innovation	Waiver for strong bachelor’s GPA or 1–3 years relevant work experience	High academic or professional performance can replace the GMAT
Tilburg University	MSc Economics & Business Analytics	Waiver if GRE 310 or a strong bachelor’s degree in a relevant field	Quant score is heavily considered for math-intensive programs
VU Amsterdam	MSc Business Administration	Waiver for completion of pre-master’s program or English-taught bachelor’s	Work experience may also be considered
Erasmus University Rotterdam	MSc Management or Finance	GMAT waiver possible for candidates with 2 years of relevant work experience	GRE is accepted as an alternative
Nyenrode Business University	MBA or MSc Management	GMAT optional if previous degree was in English & strong GPA	Helps students bypass standardized test stress

GMAT Alternatives

Even if GMAT is not mandatory, universities may accept other proofs of aptitude:

• GRE: Accepted in most STEM programs and some business tracks. Quant & Analytical Writing scores are critical.
  
• Project Work: For data science, AI, or innovation-focused programs, showcasing prior projects or research can replace the GMAT.
  
• Professional Certifications: Programs may consider CFA Level 1, PMP, or technical certifications for partial credit.
  
• Pre-Master Programs or Internal Assessments: Some universities offer internal evaluation tests to bypass GMAT for students with a strong academic history.

How Much Does a Good GMAT Score Matter for Scholarships in the Netherlands?

Your GMAT score can also unlock better scholarship opportunities. For Indian students aiming for business programs, a high GMAT can make a big difference in funding.

1. Direct Merit-Based Scholarships
   
   • Many Dutch business schools offer merit scholarships based on GMAT scores.
     
   • A GMAT 650+ often qualifies you for higher-tier scholarships, while scores closer to 600 may still get partial funding.
     
2. Competitive Edge for Limited Scholarships
   
   • Scholarships are limited, so universities look for quantifiable academic excellence.
     
   • A strong GMAT sets you apart from hundreds of applicants, especially for programs like MBA, MSc Finance, or Business Analytics.
     
3. Partial vs Full Tuition Support
   
   • A high GMAT can increase chances of partial tuition coverage, sometimes 20–50%.
     
   • Extremely competitive scores, combined with good GPA and professional experience, may lead to full tuition scholarships at select universities.

Note: Even with a good GMAT, other elements matter, like academic performance, work experience, and extra achievements.

Smart Tips to Improve Your GMAT Score Fast Before Applying

Boosting your GMAT doesn’t have to be boring or slow. Here are some actual, high-impact strategies that work for students targeting the Netherlands 2026 intake:

Focus on Your Weakest Section First

• Analyze your practice tests to see where you score lowest: Quant, Verbal, or AWA.
  
• Spend 50–60% of your prep time on your weakest area.
  
• Example: If Quant is your weak point, dedicate a week solely to Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving tricks, don’t multitask.

Use Official GMAT Prep Questions Only

• GMAC’s Official Guide is gold. No random apps or PDFs.
  
• Practice with timing, because GMAT is as much about speed as accuracy.
  
• Bonus: Use GMATPrep software for a realistic simulation. It predicts your percentile accurately.

Learn to “Hack” Data Sufficiency

• Many students lose points on Data Sufficiency without realizing patterns repeat.
  
• Memorize the 6 answer choices pattern and practice recognizing which info matters immediately.
  
• This alone can boost Quant scores by 10–15 points fast.

Strengthen Your Sentence Correction With Rules, Not Tricks

• Stop memorizing random tips. GMAT SC has 5–6 recurring grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, modifiers, pronouns, parallelism, and idioms.
  
• Focus on mastering rules & timing, not thousands of random examples.
  
• Quick win: Improves Verbal 10–15 points in 2 weeks.

Simulate Real Exam Conditions

• Take full-length 3-hour tests at least twice before applying.
  
• Do it in one sitting, no breaks, except official ones.
  
• Helps your brain get used to stress and timing, reducing mistakes.

Track Improvement Smartly

• Don’t just practice,  log scores per topic.
  
• Example: Quant – Problem Solving: 12 or 20, track progress over 2 weeks.
  
• Shows you what’s actually improving and what still needs work.

Focused Shortcuts for Indian Students

• For arithmetic-heavy questions, use approximation techniques instead of precise calculations, saves 30–40 seconds per question.
  
• For reading comprehension, practice skimming & answering only what’s asked, which reduces wasted time.
  
• These small hacks are fast score boosters.

Also Read: Study Intakes in the Netherlands: Which One is Right for You?

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And that’s the full spill on the GMAT Score Requirement to Study in the Netherlands. We covered every detail, from top MBA and master’s programs to GMAT waivers. Now you have got the insider playbook to study in the Netherlands without freaking out over GMAT scores. So stay tuned to the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu for more fresh & unfiltered updates.