Transport and Logistics Programs in the Netherlands for International Students

Total items: 1

You have chosen:

Bachelor - Logistics and International Trade

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

Many Bachelor of International Business Administration students are attracted by the prospect of doing business between their home country and nations in Europe or Asia, and this IBA specialism is designed for students who want to work in cross-border transactions, trade, and transportation.

Purchasing,…

Bachelor Netherlands Apeldoorn 4 years 9,800 EUR/year Campus

Advantages of studying transport and logistics in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a global leader in logistics and transport systems. The country has a strategic location in Europe, the largest port in Europe (Rotterdam), Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam), and an extensive infrastructure. These factors make education here not only theoretically rich but also practice-oriented.

Advantages:

Wide selection of English-taught programs;
Internship opportunities at leading European logistics and transport companies (DHL, Maersk, Port of Rotterdam, etc.);
Focus on sustainable logistics technologies and digitalization;
International environment: up to 30% of students are foreigners;
Employment opportunities in the Netherlands or EU countries after graduation;
Innovative campuses and training simulators in major transport hubs.

Formats and levels of transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers the following study levels in transport and logistics:

Bachelor’s (HBO/WO) – 3–4 years, mostly applied programs: Logistics Engineering, Logistics Management, International Logistics;
Master’s – 1–2 years, research or professional programs: Supply Chain Management, Transport Economics, Maritime Logistics;
Pre-Master and Foundation programs – preparatory courses for transitioning to Master’s or Bachelor’s;
Short professional courses – 3–6 months, e.g., Port Logistics or Air Cargo Planning;
Part-time and Executive programs – for industry professionals (e.g., MSc Shipping & Transport by STC-NMU).

Top universities for transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

University	Programs	Tuition fee for international students	Comment
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RDM campus)	BSc Logistics Engineering, MSc International Supply Chain Management	€10,000–12,000 (BSc), €15,000–25,000 (MSc)	Applied sciences university, campus in Rotterdam port, TOP-5 among HBO universities in NL
Erasmus University Rotterdam (RSM)	MSc Supply Chain Management, MSc Urban, Port and Transport Economics	~€22,290/year	Ranking: top-10 nationally, top-50 globally in economics and business (QS)
Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Venlo)	BSc Logistics Management, BSc Logistics Engineering	€9,500–11,000/year	Strong industry connections, popular among CIS students
University of Groningen	MSc Technology and Operations Management	~€13,000/year	Research university, subject ranking #68 globally
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)	MSc Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics	~€18,000/year	Top-15 globally in engineering (QS), strong research focus
STC-NMU (Rotterdam)	Master Shipping and Transport	€18,000/year	Unique port-based university with maritime simulators and industry ties
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences	BBA Logistics and International Trade (fast-track), MSc Logistics and Trade	€9,800/year (BBA), €14,200/year (MSc)	Private university, fast-track (3 years), Studyportals rating 3.6/5

How to apply for transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

Application steps:

Choose a program and university.
Register via Studielink and the university’s website.
Prepare documents:
- High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree;
- Transcript of grades;
- Motivation letter;
- CV;
- Recommendation letters;
- Language test results (IELTS, TOEFL).
Complete an interview or motivation assessment (if required).
Submit the application before the deadline (typically January–April).

After receiving an offer, pay the deposit/tuition fee, arrange a student visa, insurance, and housing.

Language of instruction and preparation for transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

100% of transport and logistics programs are taught in English.
Required English proficiency:
- IELTS: ≥ 6.0 for Bachelor’s, 6.5–7.0 for Master’s;
- TOEFL iBT: ≥ 80–90;
- Some universities accept Duolingo or proof of prior English-medium education.
Dutch is not mandatory but beneficial for employment.

Tuition fee for transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

Average tuition fee:

Bachelor’s (HBO/WO): €8,500–12,000/year;
Master’s: €13,000–25,000/year;
Short courses: from €3,000.

Living costs:

Housing: €450–900/month (in Rotterdam, Venlo, Amsterdam);
Food: €250–300/month;
Transport: €60–100/month (OV-chipkaart);
Insurance: €80–130/month;
Other expenses: €150–250/month.

Total: €1,000–1,400/month or €12,000–17,000/year.

Scholarships and grants for transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

International students may qualify for:

University Excellence Scholarships – for academic merit (e.g., from Erasmus School of Economics, TU Delft);
Merit-based Grants – for motivation and high grades;
Holland Scholarship – €5,000 for non-EU students;
Research/Teaching Assistant Positions – especially in research Master’s programs;
Tuition waivers – offered by many HBO universities after interviews.

Most scholarship deadlines: February 1–April 1. Requirements: IELTS ≥ 6.5, motivation letter, sometimes recommendations.

Career prospects after graduating from transport and logistics programs in the Netherlands

Graduate roles:

Supply Chain Analyst/Manager;
Port Operations Specialist;
Transport Planner;
Maritime Logistician;
Airport Cargo Coordinator;
Business Process Consultant (Logistics).

Employers:

Maersk, Port of Rotterdam, KLM Cargo, Bol.com, DB Schenker, DHL NL, Kühne+Nagel;
European logistics and distribution centers;
Municipal governments (smart mobility, transport planning).

Key benefit: Graduates qualify for an "orientation year" visa to seek work without a sponsor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I apply for transport/logistics programs in the Netherlands without IELTS/TOEFL?
No, most universities require English proficiency proof. Some accept Duolingo or internal interviews.

2. What is the average tuition fee for a Master’s in transport/logistics in the Netherlands?
€13,000–25,000 depending on the university. Example: MSc Supply Chain Management at RSM costs €22,290.

3. Are there scholarships for students from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or India?
Yes, including Holland Scholarship, Merit-based Grants, and Excellence Awards. Apply by spring; requirements include high IELTS scores and motivation.

4. Is work experience required for a Master’s in logistics in the Netherlands?
Usually not, but internships/projects improve admission and scholarship chances.

5. Is Dutch language required for studies or jobs in logistics?
Studies are in English. Dutch is preferred for jobs, especially in ports and public sector.

6. Are internships available during studies?
Yes. For example, STC-NMU and RDM campuses offer internships at Maersk, Port of Rotterdam, and DHL.

7. How long can I stay in the Netherlands after graduation?
Graduates get a 1-year orientation visa to seek work.

8. What documents are needed for admission?
Diploma, transcript, IELTS/TOEFL, CV, motivation letter, passport. Some programs require portfolios or interviews.

9. How to choose between HBO (applied) and WO (research) Bachelor’s programs?
HBO (e.g., Fontys) focuses on practice and internships. WO (e.g., Erasmus University) emphasizes theory and research.

10. How to find housing in Rotterdam or Venlo?
Use SSH, ROOM.nl, HousingAnywhere, or university housing groups. Book at least 3 months in advance.

Degree

Disciplines

Country

City

Format