Jun 20, 2025
When you study in Netherlands, it's not just about academics, it's a chance to embark on a journey filled with exciting career opportunities. Picture yourself gaining practical experience through internships and networking with industry leaders in innovation hubs. The Netherlands offers a globalised economy with opportunities in sectors like tech, sustainability, and healthcare, all looking for fresh talent. With world-renowned universities focused on critical thinking, you'll graduate prepared to succeed in a dynamic job market. The welcoming atmosphere and strong international student community make it easier to settle in and build professional connections.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about studying and working in the Netherlands as an international student, including the top courses and universities, career paths, and how to make the most of your experience.
Table of Content
One of the most interesting facts about the Netherlands is that it adopted the bachelor’s and master’s degree system quite early, leading to a wide range of course options. In the 2023–24 academic year, approximately 128,000 international students were enrolled in degree programs at publicly funded higher education institutions - a 5.4% increase from the previous year. With such growing interest, it’s no surprise that many global aspirants aim to study at some of the best universities in Netherlands. So, let’s explore a few of the most popular ones below.
Now a question might arise, what courses do these universities offer? Well, for that you need to roll down your eyes and read further.
As we all know Netherlands is one of the best countries to study abroad and is a storehouse of umpteen course options, however, to help you get a better understanding we have given some of the popular ones below.
Popular Course Options for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree | |
Electrical & Electronic Engineering | Artificial Intelligence |
Industrial Engineering & Management | Biology |
Mechanical Engineering | Business Administration |
Automotive Engineering | Economics |
Civil Engineering | International Tourism Management |
Business and Management | International Hospitality Management |
Sports Business Management | Finance and Accounting |
Business Economics | LLM |
Logistics Management | Computer Science |
Now that you know the top courses in Netherlands, let us discuss the cost of education in Netherlands.
Tuition fees in the Netherlands vary based on the program and university. For a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to pay between €9,000 and €15,000 per year, while for a Masters in Netherlands, fees range from €12,000 to €23,000 annually. Living expenses, including housing, food, and transport, typically come to around €15,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle and city of residence.
Now that you have an idea of the cost of education in Netherlands, let’s explore the career prospects that await you after your studies.
The Netherlands, with its vibrant economy, innovative spirit, and welcoming atmosphere, offers top-notch education and promising career prospects. But what specific opportunities await after graduation? Let us explore the exciting career prospects post-study, helping you chart your future course.
Tech and engineering study in Netherlands for international students brings a plethora of career opportunities. The country is a global leader in technology and innovation hosting renowned companies like Philips, ASML, and Booking.com. Thus, skilled professionals in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and engineering, especially renewable energy and water management are in high demand.
Tentative Salary Values: €50,000 - €70,000
To give you a clearer picture, here are some top tech and engineering roles along with their average salaries in the Netherlands:
Job Title | Indicative Average Annual Salary (€) |
Data Scientist | €50,000 – €70,000 |
Cybersecurity Analyst | €42,000 – €60,000 |
Software Developer | €45,000 – €65,000 |
Amsterdam, the financial capital of Netherlands, offers promising prospects for students interested in finance and banking. With a strong presence of international banks, financial institutions, and fintech startups, there are opportunities in areas such as investment banking, risk management, financial analysis, and fintech innovation.
Tentative Salary Values: €50,000 - €80,000
There are numerous jobs in Netherlands for international students in the finance sector. Here are some top roles along with their average annual salary ranges:
Job Title | Indicative Average Annual Salary (€) |
Investment Banker | €55,000 - €80,000 |
Financial Analyst | €49,000 - €61,000 |
Risk Manager | €50,000 – €72,000 |
As a gateway to Europe, Netherlands is one of the most advanced logistics and supply chain networks globally. International students with expertise in logistics management, supply chain optimization, and transportation can find rewarding careers in companies like DHL, FedEx, and Maersk, which have significant operations in the country.
Tentative Salary Values: €60,000 - €90,000
Below is a table covering a few top job roles in this sector along with their indicative average annual salaries:
Job Role | Indicative Average Annual Salary (€) |
Supply Chain Analyst | €40,000 - €55,000 |
Logistics Coordinator | €30,000 - €45,000 |
Operations Manager | €50,000 - €75,000 |
The Netherlands is home to numerous international organizations, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, making it an ideal destination for students interested in law and diplomacy. Careers in international law, human rights advocacy, diplomatic service, and international arbitration are available for those with relevant qualifications and language skills.
Tentative Salary Values - €50,000 - €88,000
Following is a table covering some of the top job roles in this field along with their indicative average annual salaries:
Job Role | Indicative Average Annual Salary (€) |
International Lawyer | €84,000 – €90,000 |
Legal Advisor | €50,000 – €75,000 |
Compliance Officer | €48,000 – €70,000 |
Consulting firms like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Deloitte have a significant presence in the Netherlands, offering opportunities for students interested in management consulting, strategy, and business analysis. Additionally, multinational corporations across various industries seek talented individuals for roles in project management, operations, and business development.
Tentative Salary Values - €50,000 - €65,000
The Netherlands provides numerous career opportunities in management and consulting. Below are some of the key roles along with their indicative average annual salaries:
Job Role | Indicative Average Annual Salary (€) |
Management Consultant | €50,000 – €65,000 |
Business Analyst | €45,000 – €60,000 |
Project Manager | €53,000 – €63,000 |
The country is known for its vibrant creative picture, encompassing advertising, design, fashion, and media. International students with talents in graphic design, digital marketing, fashion design, and filmmaking can find opportunities in creative agencies, fashion houses, media companies, and design studios throughout the Netherlands.
Tentative Salary Values - €60,000 - €90,000
The Netherlands offers a range of career paths for creative professionals. Below are a few prominent roles along with their indicative average annual salaries:
Job Role | Indicative Average Annual Salary (€) |
Digital Marketing Specialist | €40,000 - €60,000 |
Graphic Designer | €30,000 - €45,000 |
Fashion Designer | €30,000 - €45,000 |
Although the Netherlands offers varied opportunities for international graduates, knowing how to navigate the job market and find roles that match your skills can be challenging. With the right approach, you can land a rewarding position that leverages your unique background. Here's how you can do that:
The Netherlands combines quality education with excellent post-study prospects, making it a smart choice for international students. From in-demand courses to promising career opportunities, it offers a well-rounded study abroad experience. At KC Overseas, we help you make the most of these opportunities, from choosing the right course to navigating applications and visa processes. Connect with us to begin your journey to study and work in the Netherlands. |
The primary intake in the Netherlands is the September (Fall) intake, which offers the widest range of programs. Some universities also offer a February (Spring) intake, but the course options may be fewer. It's important to check individual university deadlines and apply early to secure your spot.
Absolutely, the Dutch government offers a one-year “Orientation Year” residence permit for international graduates. This allows you to stay in the Netherlands and search for employment related to your field of study. It’s a great opportunity to explore job markets, attend interviews, and secure a long-term role.
While many international companies operate in English, knowing Dutch is a definite plus, especially if you're applying to local firms or client-facing roles. Some job postings are in Dutch, so learning the language (even at a basic level) can widen your job options and help you integrate better into the workplace.
Yes, international students can work part-time up to 16 hours a week during classes and full-time in the summer. Non-EU/EEA students will need a work permit.
To get permanent residency in the Netherlands after studying, you generally need to live in the country for at least 5 years on a valid residence permit, such as a work visa, and meet integration requirements like language proficiency.