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NETHERLANDS · BREUKELEN

Nyenrode Business University

private · Founded 1946 · Languages: en, nl

In short

Nyenrode Business University is a private Dutch institution offering business programs from Bachelor's to Executive Education, recognized globally with Triple Crown accreditation. It provides a unique learning environment on a historic estate, fostering entrepreneurial and responsible leadership with strong corporate connections.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1946
Students: 1,200
International students: 350
Acceptance rate: 45%
Tuition (intl): €16–35k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Breukelen, Netherlands

Nyenrode Business University is a private institution in the Netherlands, founded in 1946 by leading Dutch companies to educate future business leaders for post-war economic reconstruction. It is one of the top 1% of business schools globally, holding the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Nyenrode offers a range of programs from Bachelor's to Master's, MBA, and Executive Education, integrating academic theory with real-world business challenges to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. The university is deeply connected to the corporate world, which influences its curriculum and research focused on contemporary issues like AI's impact, sustainable investment, and accountancy. The university emphasizes personal development and responsible leadership with a strong ethical awareness. It operates from a historic estate in Breukelen, featuring a 13th-century castle, as well as modern facilities in Amsterdam and The Hague. Nyenrode boasts a robust alumni network and is committed to diversity, supported by its scholarship fund.

Why study here

Gain a practical and entrepreneurial mindset through programs that blend academic theory with real-world business challenges.
Benefit from personal attention and guidance in small classes, taught by excellent faculty from both academia and business.
Join a university with strong ties to the corporate world, founded by leading Dutch companies, ensuring relevant and up-to-date programs.
Become part of a diverse and international community in a unique learning environment, including a historic castle estate.
Develop into a responsible leader with a strong ethical compass, prepared to tackle complex global challenges.
Access a powerful global alumni network of 30,000+ professionals that provides valuable career opportunities and mentorship.

Student life

Student life at Nyenrode revolves around the unique castle campus in Breukelen, where residential living fosters a tight-knit community of ambitious peers. Sports facilities, cultural events, and networking evenings with alumni and business leaders are a regular feature. The MBA and Master programmes include team projects, case competitions, and company visits, ensuring students gain hands-on exposure outside the classroom.

Fees

InternationalMaster programmes: approximately €16,000–€20,000 per year. Full-time MBA: approximately €28,000–€35,000. Executive Education programmes are priced separately per module.

HomeDutch and EU students pay the same tuition as international students at Nyenrode, as it is a private university not subsidised by the government.

LivingLiving costs in Breukelen/Amsterdam area: approximately €900–€1,300/month covering accommodation, food, and transport.

Nyenrode Scholarship Fund provides financial support to talented students regardless of nationality or financial background. Check the university website for the latest fees as they vary by programme and format.

Admissions

Bachelor programmesSecondary school diploma (VWO or equivalent international qualification). Minimum English proficiency required.

Master programmesRecognised Bachelor degree in a relevant field. GMAT or GRE may be required for some programmes.

MBABachelor degree, minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, GMAT/GRE score, CV, motivation letter, and reference letters.

Executive EducationProfessional experience required; varies by programme.

IELTS6.5 overall

TOEFL iBT90

GMAT verbalAcceptable as English proficiency evidence

Rankings

Financial Times Executive Education (Customised)Top 50 globally

Triple Crown Accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)Top 1% of business schools worldwide

University scholarships

Nyenrode Scholarship FundVaries — covers partial to full tuition based on need and merit

Accreditation

Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), B Corp certification

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)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Nyenrode Business University · Netherlands

Advanced Management Program (AMP)

The Advanced Management Program (AMP) is designed for executives, directors, and entrepreneurs facing the challenges of navigating continuous change and disruption. This program provides a dedicated space to step back from daily operations, gain new insights, acquire knowledge, and reflect on your strategic direction and impact. You will deepen your understanding of strategic themes, refine your leadership style, and translate current developments directly into actionable plans for your organization.

Nyenrode Business University · Netherlands

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (Part-time)

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (part-time) is a unique 4.5-year university program designed to train you as a future accountant. You will gain academic knowledge in financial reporting, auditing, and business economics, while immediately applying this knowledge in practice with your employer. The program also addresses contemporary issues like sustainability, fraud, AI, and digitalization. This program allows you to start working and earning a salary from day one, with your employer covering the tuition fees. Upon completion, you will hold a university BSc degree and possess significant practical experience.

Nyenrode Business University · Netherlands

BSc in Business Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BScBA) at Nyenrode Business University has been recognized as the best program in its category in the Netherlands for four consecutive years. The program emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and stewardship, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical business experience through projects like company analyses and the option to start a business. Students benefit from small group teaching, leading to high success rates and a low dropout rate. The university offers a personal approach and high-quality education, preparing students well for their future careers.

Nyenrode Business University · Netherlands

Collegereeks Excellent Leiderschap

This program offers a series of lectures designed to provide fresh, new insights into leadership and strategy. You will learn to apply new leadership principles with guidance from top experts in the field who share their vision. The program is structured to offer practical takeaways that can be immediately applied to organizational challenges, inspiring colleagues and motivating them through personal leadership qualities.

Nyenrode Business University · Netherlands

Collegereeks Excelleren in vrouwelijk leiderschap

This executive education program focuses on empowering women in leadership roles. It delves into how women can leverage their unique qualities, such as strong communication skills, empathy, and a long-term perspective, to excel in their professional careers. The program provides insights and inspiration from experienced female leaders and academics, helping participants understand the 'unwritten rules' of organizational dynamics and develop effective influence and leadership strategies. Participants will gain knowledge to develop visionary and inspiring leadership, and receive practical advice tailored to their specific challenges.

Nyenrode Business University · Netherlands

Cooperation and Leadership

This module focuses on developing deep self-insight as a leader and applying systemic, future-focused leadership principles. It is an interactive module designed for direct practical application, which can be taken as a standalone course or as part of the full MBA program. Please note that this module is taught exclusively in Dutch.

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 accreditation does Nyenrode Business University hold?

Nyenrode Business University holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, signifying its high standards in business education globally. It is also B Corp certified, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental performance.

What types of programs are offered at Nyenrode Business University?

Nyenrode offers a range of programs including Bachelor's, Master's, an MBA, and Executive Education. These programs are designed to integrate academic theory with practical, real-world business challenges.

What are the approximate tuition fees for international students?

International students can expect tuition fees for Master's programs to be approximately €16,000–€20,000 per year, and for the Full-time MBA, approximately €28,000–€35,000. Executive Education programs are priced separately.

Where is Nyenrode Business University located?

The main campus is situated on a historic estate in Breukelen, featuring a 13th-century castle. Nyenrode also has facilities in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Does Nyenrode Business University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the Nyenrode Scholarship Fund provides financial support to talented students regardless of nationality or financial background, potentially covering partial to full tuition.

Last updated 3 July 2026