Best 16 Masters Development Studies Universities in the Netherlands

There are 16 publicly funded universities in the Netherlands with masters development studies programmes on the CROHO register — research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO). Between them they run 27 registered programmes.

University of Amsterdam

Location Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 3
QS World Ranking #55

Utrecht University

Location Utrecht
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 2
QS World Ranking #103

Leiden University

Location Leiden, Zuid-Holland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 2
QS World Ranking #119

University of Groningen

Location Groningen
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 1
QS World Ranking #147

Wageningen University & Research

Location Wageningen, Gelderland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 2
QS World Ranking #153

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Location Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 1
QS World Ranking #194

Maastricht University

Location Maastricht, Limburg
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 3
QS World Ranking #239

Radboud University

Location Nijmegen, Gelderland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 2
QS World Ranking #279

Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Location Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 38,560

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Location Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 37,473

Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Location Enschede, Overijssel
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 2
Enrolments (2025) 24,891

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Location Utrecht
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 2
Enrolments (2025) 37,756

Frequently asked questions

How many universities in the Netherlands offer Masters Development Studies?

16 of the Netherlands' 54 publicly funded universities have masters development studies programmes on CROHO, the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes. That count covers both research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO).

How is this ranking put together?

Order comes from a published-figures-only composite: QS World position, breadth of recognised programmes, share of programmes taught in English and scale by DUO enrolments. No university pays for placement, and no judgement of teaching quality is invented.

What are the entry requirements for Masters Development Studies in the Netherlands?

Entry is set by each institution. For a masters you will generally need the preceding qualification at the level the institution states, proof of English (or Dutch) for the language of instruction, and some programmes with a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) have earlier deadlines. Students from outside the EU/EEA may also need a residence permit, which the institution usually arranges with the IND.