Placement Information at Radboud University

Empowering Your Career Journey in the Netherlands

At Radboud University, located in the vibrant city of Nijmegen, we prioritize your professional success as an international student, especially those from India embarking on their study abroad adventure. With a strong emphasis on practical skills and global employability, Radboud equips you with the tools to transition seamlessly from academia to the workforce. Our career services are tailored to help you navigate the Dutch job market, which is renowned for its innovation, work-life balance, and opportunities in sectors like technology, healthcare, sustainability, and business—fields increasingly relevant for Indian graduates seeking international careers.

For the upcoming intake in September 2024 or February 2025, Radboud's placement support is designed to maximize your prospects. Over 90% of our international graduates secure employment or further studies within six months, according to recent university reports. This high employability rate is bolstered by our partnerships with leading Dutch and European companies, ensuring you gain real-world experience even before graduation.

Career Services and Support

Radboud's Career Services Office is your one-stop hub for professional development. Dedicated advisors, many with experience in international recruitment, provide personalized guidance to help Indian students like you adapt to the European job landscape. Services include:

• One-on-One Career Counseling: Tailored advice on resume building (CVs in the European format), LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation. Special sessions focus on highlighting your Indian academic strengths, such as engineering or IT skills, to appeal to multinational firms.
• Workshops and Training: Regular programs on Dutch workplace culture, networking etiquette, and soft skills like communication in multicultural teams. For Indian students, we offer insights into visa processes and how to leverage your home-country experience for roles in global companies like Philips, ASML, or Unilever, which have strong ties to India.
• Job Fairs and Networking Events: Annual Radboud Career Days connect you with over 100 employers, including tech giants and NGOs. The International Student Career Fair specifically targets non-EU students, featuring sessions on the EU Blue Card and post-study work visas.
• Online Resources: Access to the Radboud Career Portal, featuring job listings, internship databases, and alumni networks. Indian students can connect with the growing Radboud India Alumni Chapter for mentorship and job referrals.

Internships and Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is key to placements at Radboud. Our programs integrate internships, allowing you to earn credits while building your professional portfolio. For the next intake, we encourage applying early for these opportunities:

• Mandatory Internships in Select Programs: In fields like Business Administration, Psychology, and Artificial Intelligence, internships are part of the curriculum. Partners include Dutch startups in Eindhoven's Brainport region and research institutes like the Nijmegen Institute for Cognition and Information.
• Paid Summer Internships: Many students secure roles paying €400–€800 per month. Indian students often excel in tech and data analytics internships, with companies like Capgemini and Infosys (with Dutch offices) actively recruiting from Radboud.
• Research Placements: Collaborate on cutting-edge projects at our world-class labs, leading to publications and industry connections. This is particularly advantageous for STEM graduates aiming for PhD opportunities or R&D roles in Europe.

International students can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays under the Dutch student visa, providing valuable income and experience. For Indian students, this is a great way to offset living costs in Nijmegen, where monthly expenses range from €800–€1,200.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

Radboud boasts impressive placement metrics, making it an ideal choice for Indian students targeting the Netherlands:

Program Area	Employment Rate (within 6 months)	Average Starting Salary (EUR/year)	Top Sectors for Indian Graduates
Business & Economics	92%	€35,000–€45,000	Consulting, Finance, Logistics (e.g., Deloitte, ING)
Science & Technology	95%	€38,000–€50,000	IT, Engineering, Biotech (e.g., ASML, NXP Semiconductors)
Social Sciences & Humanities	88%	€32,000–€42,000	Education, NGOs, Media (e.g., UNHCR, BBC World Service)
Health & Life Sciences	93%	€36,000–€48,000	Healthcare, Pharma (e.g., Janssen, Radboudumc)

These figures are based on 2023 graduate surveys. Indian alumni frequently secure roles in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, with many transitioning to the Orientation Year visa (a one-year job search permit post-graduation), leading to permanent positions. The Netherlands' skilled migration policy favors graduates from top universities like Radboud, offering pathways to residency.

Success Stories from Indian Graduates

Meet Rahul Sharma, an MSc Computer Science graduate from Mumbai (2022 intake). Through Radboud's internship program, he interned at a Dutch AI firm, leading to a full-time role as a Data Scientist at €42,000 annually. "The career workshops helped me bridge my Indian tech background with European expectations," he shares.

Similarly, Priya Patel from Delhi, who pursued an MA in International Relations, now works at an EU policy think tank in The Hague. She credits the alumni network for her placement: "As an Indian student, connecting with fellow desis at Radboud made all the difference."

These stories highlight how Radboud fosters a supportive environment for Indian students, with over 500 from India currently enrolled.

Tips for the Next Intake: Securing Your Future

As you prepare for the upcoming intake, start building your profile now:

• Visa and Work Prep: Apply for the Dutch student visa early via the university's international office. Post-study, aim for the Orientation Year to job hunt without restrictions.
• Skill Enhancement: Focus on Dutch language basics (free courses available) and certifications like IELTS/TOEFL if needed, though many programs are English-taught.
• Networking: Join student societies like the Indian Student Association at Radboud for events and peer support.
• Funding Opportunities: Explore scholarships like the Holland Scholarship (€5,000) and part-time jobs to support your stay.

Radboud University is more than an education—it's a launchpad for your global career. With our robust placement ecosystem, Indian students like you are well-positioned to thrive in the Netherlands and beyond. Contact our admissions team today to start your application for the next intake!