Why this programme
Which country has got the most advantageous taxation scheme in a specific situation? And what are the consequences of new tax laws on specific companies? Those are just some examples of the questions you’ll be confronted with as a tax specialist. Tax law is a constantly changing field of law that will stretch your intellectual abilities.
This specialisation is a cooperation between Maastricht University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Tilburg University. This means that you will follow most of your courses at Maastricht University, but you will also take one course in Tilburg. Please consider that the required travel expenses are excluded from the tuition fee (estimated at EUR 350 if you are not eligible for student finance).
Meet the requirements for the Dutch Association of Tax Advisors
Students that have studied Fiscaal Recht or Fiscal Economics can jointly replace the courses ‘Fundamentals of International Taxation’ and ‘European Corporate Tax’ with the course ‘Europese en Nederlandse Vennootschapsbelasting’ and an elective. In addition, with such a Dutch tax law background, the specialisation will allow you to comply with the requirements you’ll need to meet to become a member of the Dutch Association of Tax Advisors (NOB). The international orientation of the programme will therefore not hamper your ability to pursue a career in the Netherlands.
Our students on PBL
In our education Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is central. It requires you to be proactive in setting learning goals and encourages you to work with your fellow students on legal issues. In this way, you build up the social skills you need for future legal practice. What do our students think about Problem-Based Learning? They explain it in this video!
With our Problem-Based Learning method you...
- learn to think and work in a solution-focused way to solve practical problems.
- learn to conduct independent research and develop a critical mindset.
- learn to collaborate with others in a dynamic and international environment.
- get actively involved in small tutorial groups of maximum 19 students.
- acquire the knowledge and skills that will boost your future career.
Internships
Internships not only enhance your studies by giving you practical experience, but they also give you an edge when looking for a job. In fact, many graduates end up working at the organisation where they intern. The faculty considers internships an indispensable experience and encourages master’s students to do them during their studies. Students may apply for credits earned during a university-supervised internship to count towards the programme. While students themselves are primarily responsible for arranging an internship at a firm or public body where the student is not yet employed, the faculty’s internship office may be of assistance with arranging the university supervision.
Internship examples
In the past, International and European Tax Law students have interned at organisations such as:
- Tax consultancy offices
- Tax authorities
Moot court competitions
Each year, student teams from the UM Faculty of Law participate in the most prestigious national and international moot courts competitions, where teams vie against each other in simulated proceedings to present a convincing legal case to an expert jury. Our Law Faculty has built an excellent reputation for performing outstandingly and has been awarded the first prize in competitions such as the European Law Moot Court Competition, the VAR Moot Court Competition and the National Round of the Philip Jessup Moot Competition.
More about mooting competitions and legal clinics
Participation in moot courts and legal clinics is extracurricular, no credits are granted within the programme.
For students of the International and European Tax Law programme, moot court competitions offer a unique opportunity to delve into real-world tax disputes and hone essential legal skills, from drafting memoranda to mastering oral pleadings. In this video, our students share their personal experiences, including how they prepared, the challenges they faced, and the valuable lessons they gained.
Honours programmes
PREMIUM
Want to gain that extra edge by getting real-world experience during your studies? The PREMIUM honours programme will help you gain the experience and develop the skills employers are looking for. As part of a team of students and under the guidance of our academic staff, you’ll spend about three months working on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. It will take about 250 hours, but it will give you a lifetime of benefits.
Master Honours Research Track
Are you thinking about going into research after you graduate? Then you should consider applying for our Master Honours Research Track. In addition to your regular studies, you’ll spend a year writing an extended master’s thesis in the fields of European comparative law and human rights law. You’ll be familiarised with the main methodologies used in academic research in this field and you'll improve your practical research skills. The track will give you the experience you need to be a successful PhD candidate.
