Head to head
Utrecht University vs Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics
The Utrecht University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.
| Metric | Utrecht University | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics |
|---|---|---|
| FT ranking 2025 | — | — |
| QS ranking 2025 | — | — |
| Tuition | €2,694/year statutory fee for EU/EEA students and €21,342/year institutional fee for non-EU/EEA students (Utrecht's 2026/27 rates) — a one-year, English-taught, economics-grounded International Management master at a top-100 Dutch public research university | €2,694 (EU/EEA statutory) / €24,830 (non-EU/EEA institutional) |
| Median salary | — | — |
| Employment rate | — | — |
| GMAT range | — | — |
| Duration | 1 year full-time (60 EC) / September intake | 12 months |
| Class size | — | — |
| Average age | — | — |
| International | — | — |
| Female | — | — |
| Location | Utrecht, Netherlands | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
The short version
- On tuition, Utrecht University is the more affordable option at €2,694/year statutory fee for EU/EEA students and €21,342/year institutional fee for non-EU/EEA students (Utrecht's 2026/27 rates) — a one-year, English-taught, economics-grounded International Management master at a top-100 Dutch public research university.
Rankings and salary are only part of the decision — fit with your target career, location, language, and cost of living usually matter more. Read each program in full before deciding.
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Frequently asked
Which is more affordable, Utrecht University or Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics?
- Tuition is €2,694/year statutory fee for EU/EEA students and €21,342/year institutional fee for non-EU/EEA students (Utrecht's 2026/27 rates) — a one-year, English-taught, economics-grounded International Management master at a top-100 Dutch public research university at Utrecht University and €2,694 (EU/EEA statutory) / €24,830 (non-EU/EEA institutional) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in Utrecht versus Amsterdam, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Do you need the GMAT for Utrecht University or Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics?
- Utrecht University has an admission route that does not require a GMAT or GRE; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics has an admission route that does not require a GMAT or GRE. Test policies change each cycle, so confirm the current requirement on each school's own admissions page before assuming you can skip it.
Should I choose Utrecht University or Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – School of Business and Economics?
- There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (Utrecht, Netherlands versus Amsterdam, Netherlands), the language of instruction, and your budget. Read both full profiles, weigh fit over a handful of ranking places, and if you are still torn, our admissions guide walks through building a shortlist you can defend.