Executive PhD
Maastricht School of Management offers this 48-month English-taught master's in Maastricht, ranked #65 by FT — Masters in Management. A Master's degree from a relevant academic field.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by specific prior degree and prerequisite coursework.
- English tests
- IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 88
- English requirement
- The minimum level accepted is 600 PBT (Paper-Based Test), 100 iBT (Internet-Based Test), or 240 CBT (Computer-Based Test) for the TOEFL, or 7.0 (Academic) for the IELTS. Native speakers and candidates who have received their bachelor's or master's education in English are exempted.
- Prior degree
- A Master's degree from a relevant academic field
What it costs
Plan for roughly €29k–€32k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Maastricht student life.
Living in Maastricht →
What you'll study
48 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Assumed knowledge
The part-time Executive PhD programme in private sector development for emerging economies offers a programme that supports the ambitions of working professionals. The programme allows working professionals and researchers with full-time or part-time jobs to combine their careers with obtaining a PhD. By joining the programme, you will become part of the stimulating and challenging research community of Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE) and Maastricht School of Management (MSM). You will receive advanced training in the theory and skills crucial to private sector development, design and research.
Where graduates end up
What graduates of this programme tend to do — and where they end up working.
Common career paths
Rankings
- FT — Masters in Management 2025#65
- FT — European Business Schools 2025#80
- QS — Business 2025#315
Visa & life in the Netherlands
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a residence permit (VVR), arranged by the university on your behalf. EU students only need to register with the local municipality.
- Post-study work
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa — 12 months to find skilled work after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed during this period.
- Tuition
- Statutory fee around €2,500/yr for EU students; institutional fees for non-EU students typically range €14,000–26,000/yr depending on the field.
- Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000), university-specific funds such as the Amsterdam Excellence and Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About Maastricht School of Management
Common questions
Is Executive PhD at Maastricht School of Management taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88 (minimum).
How much does Executive PhD at Maastricht School of Management cost?
International tuition is €9,000 per year. Over the full 48-month programme that's roughly €36,000 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at Maastricht School of Management?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (specific prior degree, prerequisite coursework), the entry bar here is moderate.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (zoekjaar) residence permit to graduates of Dutch universities, letting you live and work in the country while looking for a job — no sponsor required during that year.
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