Hello,

I am from India and want to do an LLM in International Tax Law. I would like to have an international focus and therefore would like to do it in Europe (I understand that the US programs are too US centric). I already have 7 years of work experience in the field, and would like to do the LLM as a precursor to doctoral research.

I have heard great things about the LLM programs at

- Leiden University;
- Vienna University;
- Maastricht University;

Which one would be the most suitable for me?

Looking forward to your advice!

Hi,

I have been in the same situation one year ago. I can tell you that studying in the Netherlands is definitely a great choice (international environment). Regarding the decision on the Master that would be best suited to you, you should focus on the various approaches followed in the different masters.

For instance at Tilburg University the main aim of the LLM is to give us a good understanding of the importance of taxation in the decision making processes of multinationals and governments.

The content is very important: studying the European VAT system as well as US sales Tax and Chinese consumptions taxes, focusing on Corporate Tax structures ( Corporate Income Tax, Cross border reorganizations), Business Taxation ( financial and tax accounting).

You should see which approach is the best for you and also look carefully at the content, it should give you an overview and good understanding of several systems but also deep knowledge especially in direct and indirect taxation.
Hope it will help.

Good luck,
Jo

Hello!

I've just been admitted yesterday in Leiden University and a week ago in Tilburg Universty too "International Business Taxation LLM". I'm not sure about wich university should I choose. Any advice?

Hi Maripachecou :)

First of all congratulation for your admission in both Masters.
Both Masters are great master for sure.

I was in the same position than you one year ago ( I got admitted in numerous universities in the Netherlands and in other countries for Tax programme).

I can give you more detail about Tilburg University.
One of the key advantage that I can disclose is the composition of the Master we around 20 students from more than 15 countries ( The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, China, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Chili, Greece, Croatia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Brazil, Singapore).
I think it is important to get a good programme as well as a good network worldwide.

Then about the content, basically Tilburg University provides numerous courses but the two most important courses are Value added Tax in Cross Border Situations taught by a Partner from KPMG, and International and European Tax Law taught by Professor Kemmeren and other Partners from Big Four.
These two courses will give you a very important asset for your future career.

Some other teachers have a very good background: one of them is Vice President at Phillips International and one other guest lecturer that often comes regarding transfer pricing has worked for more than 20 years at Unilever and is a current Partner in a Big Four.

Last point: the price of the studies, I believe it is important to take into account the ratio between Quality and Price and Tilburg University convinced me in that field as the fees are fair and the quality is high ( 2000 euro for a european citizen).

The other programmes often require high fees and I personally felt that it was not satisfactory ( One of the programme I applied to was asking for 25 000 euros).

I wanted to give you an overview of the three main elements that helped me to chose my Master degree: composition of Master, content and teaching team, and ratio Value/ Price.

Best regards and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further question.
Jo

Hi Jonathan,

Thank you so much for your help and information.

I have not decided yet, and I have many questions about Tilburg. Can I contact you by email or any other way to talk about this?

Best regards,
Mariela

Hi Mariela,

I sent you a Private message with my email address.

Have a nice week.

PS: If anyone wants more detailed informations about the Netherlands and Tilburg do no hesitate to send me a PM.

Best regards,
Jonathan

Hi Jo,

Hi,

For instance at Tilburg University the main aim of the LLM is to give us a good understanding of the importance of taxation in the decision making processes of multinationals and governments.

Good luck,
Jo

Hi, blackrobes

Regarding your first comment I would say that one of the key point of studying International Tax Law is to value in which extent taxation is a driver, as you already practiced in that field for seven years you know that it is not always the main driver and I think it is important for students having few experience in taxation to look at this issue.

According to your profile ( you have seven years in taxation), I think that you should attend and advanced master in taxation and not an LLM. You probably already have a master degree. An advance master degree will give you the opportunity to focus on technical points rather than basics or less sophisticated issues.

Maastricht Master is not an advanced Master and you are likely to be surrounded by people having limited experience in taxation.

I would recommend you to follow an advanced Master in Tax Law.

One drawback regarding Leiden is that you will pay very high fees, for the same price you can study in the United Kingdom.

Good luck to you,
Jo

Dear all,

I have been selected to Tilburg's LL.M in International Business Tax Law, but I'm currently thinking about applying to Leiden as well.

As far as I know, Leiden has a better reputation than Tilburg. In Netherlands it might not be a big deal at all, but if I'm not mistaken jobs in Netherlands are quite hard to get, if you do not speak Dutch. However, as the case is that I might need to look for employment aborad from Big4, is Leiden really worth it? And I don't mean only academically but also employment prospects. The programme costs ten times more than Tilburg's and I'm not too exited to pay that much money. Nevertheless, if Leiden really offers real possbilities for employment abroad (for example in Luxembourg) then I really think it might be worth the money. So, if there is someone who can give some information regarding recruiment of certain programmes I would be thankful!

Ps. I will start as intern in one of the Big 4 in summer, so let's hope that it will help me.

Thanks!

Many thanks, Jo! Useful advice.

Hi, blackrobes

Regarding your first comment I would say that one of the key point of studying International Tax Law is to value in which extent taxation is a driver, as you already practiced in that field for seven years you know that it is not always the main driver and I think it is important for students having few experience in taxation to look at this issue.

According to your profile ( you have seven years in taxation), I think that you should attend and advanced master in taxation and not an LLM. You probably already have a master degree. An advance master degree will give you the opportunity to focus on technical points rather than basics or less sophisticated issues.

Maastricht Master is not an advanced Master and you are likely to be surrounded by people having limited experience in taxation.

I would recommend you to follow an advanced Master in Tax Law.

One drawback regarding Leiden is that you will pay very high fees, for the same price you can study in the United Kingdom.

Good luck to you,
Jo

Hello, how are the job opportunities in Netherlands after LLM in International tax from Leiden, if one goes for this course directly after graduation? I am from India presently a law student in 4th year of law.