7 reasons why the Netherlands is a great place to do an MBA

Nyenrode Business Universiteit offers Modular Executive, Part-time Executive and Full-time International MBA programmes with a focus on developing the next generation of business leaders.

Why study in the Netherlands? We take a look at seven factors that make this country an increasingly attractive MBA destination.

Small country, big opportunities. That’s how people often describe the Netherlands when they talk about career development.

You can study an MBA in many countries all over the world and yet some places are better equipped to take you further on the MBA journey.

Whether you already live in the Netherlands, or you’re considering moving here, this small but influential country has a lot to offer when it comes to making professional progress. Here are seven reasons why.

1. The international environment

The Netherlands is an international hotspot thanks to its central location and the widespread use of English. Plus the Dutch have a long history as international merchants and traders, a tradition that is still going strong today!

Dutch MBA programmes reflect this global business perspective as their philosophy is based on an international outlook combined with the Dutch entrepreneurial mind-set, which draws students from all over the world.

2. The global business network

The international setting of Dutch MBA programmes attracts students from different countries and backgrounds, allowing you to experience and embrace diversity.

In MBA programmes with a small class-size, such as those at Nyenrode Business Universiteit, compact groups result in a very closely-connected learning community.

Your peers are a family during your studies, and remain a business network for the rest of your life, providing you with an immediate network all around the world, full of people you can work with and rely on.

Alumni use their MBA network in many ways: some graduates use their business contacts to be recruited, others start a business together or find projects abroad.

3. Connect with big companies while studying

Not only does the Netherlands have a strong international atmosphere, but it also hosts the headquarters of many of the world’s biggest companies.

This high concentration of multinationals in a small country means that interacting with top level management is surprisingly easy.

Most Dutch MBA programmes involve business leaders through guest lectures, projects and networking events.

Sessions such as Nyenrode’s "Meet the CEO" and "Reaching the Top" allow students to learn from and connect with leaders of companies like Philips, DSM, Booking.com, Coca Cola, Capgemini and Coolcat.

MBA institutions also draw on their alumni network to share knowledge about working in specific industries or as consultants.

4. Increase your attractiveness on the labour market

A Dutch MBA better prepares you for the jobs market as it gives you the tools to understand all aspects of working within a large company or organisation.

Having such a broad understanding of the "big picture" is a huge asset when applying for leadership roles which require adaptability and foresight.

MBA programmes in the Netherlands are also constantly updated to reflect the business climate.

For example, Dutch universities increasingly recognise the constantly expanding role of IT in business and adapt their courses accordingly.

5. Develop your personal leadership skills

Studying an MBA in the Netherlands will develop you personally as well as professionally.

During the programme, you gain an awareness of your strengths and weaknesses. You learn what kind of leader you are and how to use your unique qualities to get the best results.

When you embark on an MBA you also gain an understanding of what brought you to this point in your life’s journey, and what factors, from childhood to the present, influenced you desires and decisions.

But you don’t just develop in isolation. While doing an MBA you work on a variety of group activities that progressively help to improve your leadership skills.

Working in groups, with different responsibilities, you and your peers must find effective ways to reach a common goal. You will gain the tools to help you exercise leadership, and the knowledge of how to use them.

6. Favourable immigration laws

If you do not hold Dutch or EU nationality you can apply for a student visa to study an MBA in the Netherlands.

After graduating you will be eligible for a search year visa which provides you with a 12-month residence permit to give you the time to look for work or business opportunities in the Netherlands.

7. Other practical benefits

Besides the "big vision" benefits, there are some other practical advantages to studying an MBA in the Netherlands.

Firstly, the programme will help you to polish and refine your business English as they are almost always conducted in this language.

Secondly, if you’ve already been living, working or paying taxes in the Netherlands then the costs of your MBA are tax deductible up to 30 or 40 percent.

The right time and place

An MBA is a great way to find your path in life and advance your career. The hardest decision to make is where - and when - you should embark on one.

We hope the above information helps you to answer the question of where to study. The question of when is up to you!