Universities Offering English-Taught Master’s Programmes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s popular destinations for international students seeking high-quality education taught in English. Students can pursue a master’s degree at several Dutch universities without necessarily needing to speak Dutch.
Dutch universities offer English-taught master’s programmes across fields including Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Health Sciences and more. This makes the Netherlands an attractive option for international students planning to study in Europe.
Study Overview
| Country | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Master’s / Postgraduate |
| Language | English-taught programmes available |
| Eligible Students | International Students |
| Funding Type | Not Specified |
| Scholarship | Not Specified |
| Application Deadline | Varies by university and programme |
Universities Offering English-Taught Master’s Programmes
1. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the Netherlands’ largest and most internationally recognised universities. It offers a broad selection of master’s programmes and tracks taught in English.
Available fields include Business and Economics, Communication, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Psychology, Computer Science and other disciplines.
2. Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a leading research university offering numerous graduate programmes, including many taught in English.
Examples of English-taught programmes include Applied Data Science, Economics and Data Analysis, Energy Science, Environmental Biology, Epidemiology, European Governance, European Law, Global Criminology, Global Urban Transformations, Human-Computer Interaction and Innovation Sciences.
3. Leiden University
Leiden University is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and has a strong reputation for research and international education.
International students can find English-taught master's programmes in areas such as Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Governance, Science, Asian Studies, International Relations, International Politics, Literary Studies and Education.
4. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
TU Delft is an excellent option for students interested in Engineering, Technology, Architecture and related disciplines.
The university offers numerous English-language MSc programmes covering areas such as Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture and Sustainable Energy.
Many programmes combine academic study with laboratory work, design projects and research opportunities.
5. Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is particularly suitable for students interested in agriculture, environmental science, sustainability, food, water, climate and natural resources.
Its master's programmes cover areas such as Agriculture & Plant, Environment & Sustainability, Food & Nutrition, Health, Society & Behaviour, Technology & Data, and Water & Climate.
Examples include Earth System Sciences, Food Studies, Animal Sciences, Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management.
6. University of Groningen
The University of Groningen offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programmes and attracts students from many countries.
Programmes are available across Arts and Culture, Economics and Business, Science, Engineering, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Law, Health and other disciplines.
Examples include Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computing Science, Energy and Environmental Sciences, and Nanoscience.
7. University of Twente
The University of Twente combines technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and social sciences.
It offers master's programmes and specialisations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Business, Management, Data, Natural Sciences, Sustainability, Health and Geo-Information.
Examples of programmes include Biomedical Engineering, European Studies and Robotics.
8. Maastricht University
Maastricht University has a strong international orientation and offers numerous English-taught master's programmes.
Students can explore programmes in Business and Economics, Law, Health Sciences, Psychology, Arts and Culture, Data Science and Technology.
Examples include Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence and Smart Services, Digital Business and Economics, Econometrics & Operations Research and Financial Economics.
9. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is particularly recognised for Business, Economics, Management, Social Sciences, Health Sciences and related fields.
Its English-taught master's programmes include areas such as Health Economics and Management, Global Markets, Local Creativities, Public Governance, Management and Policy and other programmes across its faculties.
10. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a large portfolio of master's programmes, including numerous English-taught options.
Available fields include Business, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, Environment, Technology and Health.
Students should check individual programme pages because the language of instruction varies between programmes.
11. Radboud University
Radboud University in Nijmegen offers master's programmes and specialisations across Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, Law and other fields.
Examples of English-taught programmes include Anthropology and Development Studies, Artificial Intelligence, Arts and Culture, Biomedical Sciences, Business Administration, Information Sciences, and International and European Law.
The university also offers scholarship opportunities for eligible international students admitted to participating English-taught master's programmes.
Scholarship Opportunities for Studying in the Netherlands
Studying in the Netherlands can be expensive, particularly for students from outside the European Economic Area. However, international students can explore scholarships offered by the Dutch government and individual universities.
NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is available to international students from outside the EEA who want to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree at participating Dutch higher education institutions.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the scholarship provides €5,000 during the first year of study. It is important to note that this is not a full-tuition scholarship.
Participating universities can include Maastricht University, Radboud University, University of Groningen, University of Twente, Utrecht University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Wageningen University & Research. Participating institutions and conditions may change from year to year.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Dutch universities also provide their own scholarships for international students.
Examples include the Radboud Scholarship Programme and the VU Fellowship Programme. These scholarships may have strict academic, admission and nationality requirements, so applicants should carefully check the conditions for their chosen programme.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
For the 2026–2027 academic year, eligible EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students may pay the statutory tuition fee of approximately €2,694 per year.
For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees are generally higher and may range from approximately €12,000 to €30,000 per year, depending on the university and programme.
Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other living expenses. Some universities may additionally charge application or handling fees.
General Admission Requirements
Admission requirements differ between universities and programmes. However, applicants will generally need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English-language proficiency where required
- References where applicable
- Portfolio where applicable
- Specific academic prerequisites where applicable
- Additional tests where required
Having completed a bachelor's degree in English does not automatically guarantee an exemption from an English-language test. Each university determines its own requirements.
Important Things to Consider Before Applying
When selecting a master's programme in the Netherlands, students should compare:
- Programme curriculum
- Academic requirements
- Tuition fees
- Available scholarships
- Programme duration
- Location
- Language of instruction
- Admission deadlines
- English-language requirements
Applicants should always visit the official programme page of their chosen university before applying because requirements, tuition fees, deadlines and available programmes can change.
How to Apply
- Press the Apply Now button below to access the official scholarship or programme information page.
- Identify Dutch universities offering an English-taught master's programme in your preferred field.
- Review the admission requirements for your chosen programme.
- Check the tuition fees and available scholarship opportunities.
- Prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
- Check the programme's official application deadline.
- Submit your application through the application system specified by the university.
- If seeking financial support, apply separately for eligible scholarships according to their individual deadlines and requirements.
- Check your application status and respond to any requests from the university.
Application Deadline
Not Specified — deadlines vary by university and master's programme.
