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NETHERLANDS

European Leadership University

private · Founded 2012 · Languages: English

In short

European Leadership University (Amsterdam Tech) is a private institution in Amsterdam offering English-taught tech and digital business programs with a focus on practical skills and industry connections. Tuition for international students ranges from EUR 9,000-15,000 annually, with living costs around EUR 1,200-1,800 per month.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 2012
Students: 500
International students: 400
Tuition (intl): €9–15k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: Netherlands

European Leadership University, operating as Amsterdam Tech, is a private international higher education institution based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Founded to bridge academic knowledge with in-demand digital and leadership skills, it offers English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes in technology, digital business, data science, and innovation management. Small cohort sizes and a blend of on-campus and online delivery enable an intensive, mentorship-rich learning experience. Amsterdam's status as a leading European tech and startup hub gives students direct access to industry networks, internships, and career opportunities.

Why study here

Study in Amsterdam — consistently ranked among Europe's best cities for quality of life, entrepreneurship, and international career prospects.
English-taught programmes in technology and digital business with practical, career-focused curriculum.
Small cohorts ensure close faculty mentorship and a personalised learning environment.
Flexible hybrid delivery combining on-campus Amsterdam sessions with online components.
Strong exposure to Amsterdam's thriving startup ecosystem and global headquarters of major tech and finance firms.

Student life

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most vibrant and international cities, offering a unique blend of historic canals, world-class museums, and a buzzing startup culture. Students at Amsterdam Tech benefit from the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere, extensive cycling infrastructure, and diverse food and cultural scene. The small campus community fosters close peer networks among internationally diverse cohorts.

Fees

InternationalInternational tuition at Amsterdam Tech is approximately EUR 9,000–15,000 per year depending on programme level.

HomeEU students may qualify for Dutch statutory tuition rates; contact the university for current EU rates.

LivingMonthly living costs in Amsterdam are approximately EUR 1,200–1,800 (EUR 14,400–21,600 per year) — one of the higher costs among European cities.

Dutch government study grants (DUO) may be available to EU/EEA students. Non-EU students should budget for higher living costs in Amsterdam.

Admissions

Undergraduate entrySecondary school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO or international equivalent

Postgraduate entryRelevant bachelor degree in a related discipline

English proficiencyRequired for all applicants whose first language is not English

IELTS Academic6.0 overall

TOEFL iBT80

Duolingo English Test100

University scholarships

Merit-based Tuition ReductionVaries — contact admissions

Dutch Government DUO Grant (EU students)Approx. EUR 400/month

Accreditation

Amsterdam Tech operates as a private higher education institution in the Netherlands. Prospective students should verify current accreditation and recognition status directly with the institution and the Dutch Accreditation Organisation (NVAO).

For international students

Netherlands

Student visa & funds

Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.

Working while you study

Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.

After you graduate

After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100

Main intakes

SeptemberFebruary

Typical living cost

€1,200/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIND — Fees and required amounts for 2026 · Erasmus University Rotterdam — Working as a non-EU/EEA student · IND — Residence permit for orientation year · Study in NL — Admission requirements · StudyPath — Cost of living in the Netherlands (2026)

Scholarships

for Netherlands

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Rubicon Programme

For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.

Nuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships

Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.

University of Groningen

Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship

Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.

Maastricht University

UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).

Frequently asked questions

What is European Leadership University, also known as Amsterdam Tech?

European Leadership University, operating as Amsterdam Tech, is a private international higher education institution in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It focuses on bridging academic knowledge with digital and leadership skills through English-taught bachelor's and master's programs.

What programs are offered at Amsterdam Tech?

Amsterdam Tech offers English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in fields such as technology, digital business, data science, and innovation management.

What are the tuition fees for international students?

International tuition fees at Amsterdam Tech are approximately EUR 9,000–15,000 per year, depending on the program level.

What are the estimated living costs in Amsterdam?

Monthly living costs in Amsterdam are estimated to be EUR 1,200–1,800, which is around EUR 14,400–21,600 per year, reflecting higher costs in the city.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency, typically through scores like IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 80, or Duolingo English Test 100.

Are there any scholarships available?

Amsterdam Tech offers a Merit-based Tuition Reduction, with the amount varying, and EU students may qualify for the Dutch Government DUO Grant, which provides approximately EUR 400 per month.

Last updated 3 July 2026