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Holland, also known as the Netherlands, is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue their Master’s degree. It offers a high-quality education system, a diverse and tolerant culture, a vibrant and innovative economy, and a gateway to Europe and the world. In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of Masters programs in Holland, such as the top universities, the best programs, the tuition fees, the scholarships, the entry requirements, why study in Holland, and the career scope. Read on to know more!
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Why Choose Masters Programs in Holland?
There are many reasons why international students should enrol in Masters programs in Holland. Here are some of them:
- Excellent academic reputation: Holland has 13 universities in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, and many of them are renowned for their research and innovation.
- Wide range of programs: Holland offers more than 2,100 English-taught programs in various fields of study, such as engineering, business, arts, humanities and so on. Students can choose from 1-year or 2-year Masters programs per their academic and career goals.
- Affordable tuition fees: Compared to other European countries, the tuition fees for Masters programs in Holland are relatively low for international students. Some programs are even free of charge for students who meet certain criteria.
- Diverse and welcoming environment: International students can easily integrate into Dutch society, as most Dutch people speak English and are friendly and helpful. Student life in the Netherlands consists of a rich cultural life, with many festivals, museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore.
- Career opportunities: Holland also has a strong and innovative economy, with many multinational companies and organizations based there. Students can benefit from Holland’s networking and career opportunities, both during and after their studies.
Top Universities Offering Masters Programs in Holland
Holland has a well-developed higher education system, having research universities, universities of applied sciences (UAS), and institutes for international education. Research universities focus on academic and scientific research, and offer Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs. UAS focus on professional and practical education and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Institutes for international education offer specialized and short-term programs for international students.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the top 10 universities in Holland are:
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 |
| Delft University of Technology | =47 |
| University of Amsterdam | 53 |
| Wageningen University & Research | =151 |
| Leiden University | =126 |
| Utrecht University | =107 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | =176 |
| Maastricht University | =256 |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | =124 |
| University of Groningen | 139 |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 207 |
Best Masters Programs & Their Tuition Fees
Generally, Masters programs in Holland are either 1-year or 2-year programs and consist of courses, seminars, projects, internships, and a thesis. The academic year in Holland runs from September to June and is divided into 2 semesters or 4 blocks.
The tuition fees for Masters programs in Holland depend on the student’s nationality, the type of program, and the university. The average tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is around €16,000 per year, which is much lower than the fees in the UK, the US, or Australia. The tuition fees are set by the universities, and range from €8,000 – €35,000 per year. Some programs are free for students who meet certain criteria, such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees.
The following table lists some of the best Masters programs offered by universities in Holland, along with their tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students:
| Program | University | Tuition Fee (per year) |
| Aerospace Engineering | Delft University of Technology | €18,750 |
| Business Administration | University of Amsterdam | €16,000 |
| Climate Studies | Wageningen University & Research | €18,700 |
| International Law | Leiden University | €19,900 |
| Neuroscience | Utrecht University | €20,500 |
| Management of Innovation | Erasmus University Rotterdam | €18,200 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Maastricht University | €17,500 |
| Industrial Design | Eindhoven University of Technology | €16,000 |
| Energy and Environmental Sciences | University of Groningen | €15,500 |
| Computer Science | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | €15,000 |
Free Masters Programs in Holland
Some Masters programs in Holland are free of charge for students who meet certain criteria. These programs are usually funded by the European Union and aim to promote international cooperation and excellence in education and research. Some free master programs in Holland are:
| Masters Programs | Offered By | Benefits |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | A consortium of universities from different countries, including Holland | Students can study in two or more countries and receive a joint or multiple degree. Covers tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and insurance |
| European Master in System Dynamics | 2-year program offered by 4 universities: Radboud University (Holland), University of Bergen (Norway), New University of Lisbon (Portugal), and University of Palermo (Italy) | Covers tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and insurance |
| European Master in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling | The 2-year program is offered by a consortium of 12 universities from 10 countries, including Holland | Covers tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and insurance |
Scholarships Available
In addition to the free Master’s programs, there are many scholarships available for international students who want to pursue their Masters programs in Holland. Some of the scholarships are funded by the Dutch government, such as:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Holland Scholarship | For non-EU/EEA students who want to study at a Dutch research university or a UAS | €5,000 awarded for the first year of study |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | For students from selected countries, such as Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Vietnam | Covers part or full tuition fees |
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarship | For students who want to enrol in an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree | Covers full tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and insurance |
| Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship | For outstanding non-EU/EEA students who want to study at the University of Amsterdam | €25,000 per year (and covers tuition fees and living expenses) |
| Leiden University Excellence Scholarship | For academically outstanding students enrolling in Leiden University’s Master’s programs | € 10,000 of the tuition fee € 15,000 of the tuition fee Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee |
Entry Requirements
To enrol in Masters programs in Holland, students must meet the academic and English language requirements set by the universities. Generally, students need to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution, and a minimum grade point average (GPA) or percentage of marks. Some programs require specific subjects, courses, or prerequisites.
The English language requirements also vary depending on the program and the university. Generally, students need to provide proof of their English proficiency by taking one of the following tests:
- IELTS Academic: The minimum score required is usually 6.0 or 6.5, with no sub-score below 5.5 or 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: The minimum score required is usually 80 or 90, with no sub-score below 18 or 20.
- Cambridge English: The minimum level required is usually B2 (First) or C1 (Advanced), with a minimum score of 169 or 176.
- PTE Academic: The minimum score required is usually 54 or 59, with no sub-score below 50 or 55.
Some universities may accept other English tests or certificates, such as the TOEIC, the Duolingo English Test, or the IELTS Indicator. Students should check the specific requirements of the program and the university they are interested in before applying.
Documents Required
To apply for Masters programs in Holland, students need to submit the following documents:
- Application form
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- English language test scores
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- 2-3 Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio or sample of work
- Research proposal
- GMAT/GRE score
- A copy of their passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Financial statement
Application Process
The application process for Masters programs in Holland consists of the following steps:
- Step 1: Choose a program and a university
- Step 2: Check the admission requirements and deadlines
- Step 3: Prepare the application documents
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Step 5: Wait for the admission decision
- Step 6: Accept the offer letter and enrol
- Step 7: Apply for a visa and a residence permit
- Step 8: Prepare for departure and arrival to Holland.
Career Scope
Studying a Masters program in Holland can open up many career opportunities for international students, both in Holland and abroad. It has a strong and innovative economy, with many multinational companies and organizations, such as Philips, Shell, Unilever, Heineken, ING, KLM, and the International Court of Justice. Holland also has a high demand for skilled and qualified professionals, especially in sectors such as engineering, IT, finance, health, and education.
The following table lists some of the popular job profiles and their salaries that Masters program graduates can expect in Holland:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (per year) |
| Software Engineer | €50,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €46,000 |
| Project Manager | €55,000 |
| Business Analyst | €49,000 |
| Marketing Manager | €53,000 |
| Accountant | €42,000 |
| Teacher | €38,000 |
| Nurse | €36,000 |
| Lawyer | €60,000 |
| Researcher | €45,000 |
FAQs
Ans. While there are limited “fully-funded” programs, Holland offers several cost-saving options, such as tuition waivers and scholarships, Dutch government grants and low tuition fees.
Ans. Holland boasts a range of Master’s programs across various fields, such as STEM fields (Engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, and mathematics), Business and Economics, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Ans. While specific requirements vary with program and university, some general prerequisites include:
Bachelor’s degree
English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
Strong letters of recommendation
A compelling personal statement
GRE or GMAT score,
Work experience or portfolio submissions
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We hope that this blog gave you a complete overview of Masters programs in Holland in 2024. Subscribe to Leverage Edu today for more updates on courses to study abroad. Thank you for reading!
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