If I want to do masters in public policy or international relations, which countries or universities offer better job prospects in Germany/Netherlands for a Master's?

Your choice here comes down to language and the kind of job market you want after graduation. The Netherlands gives you an entirely English-language path into The Hague's international courts and NGOs or Amsterdam's think tanks and multinationals. Germany offers a highly respected, often low-cost education, but most domestic public sector and civil service roles expect fluent German, so Hertie School in Berlin is your strongest bet if you want to stay English-first.

Job Ecosystem Comparison

Top Programmes to Consider

• Hertie School (Berlin): Master of Public Policy or Master of International Affairs, with a strong network into Berlin's policy circles and think tanks like SWP.
• Leiden University: Public Administration or International Relations, based partly in The Hague with direct links to international courts and embassies.
• Erasmus University Rotterdam: International Public Management and Public Policy, with strong placement into the European Commission and public consultancies.

My Advice

If you are not planning to learn German to a working level, put the Netherlands, specifically Leiden or a Hague-based programme, at the top of your list instead of Germany. If Germany's low tuition is the deciding factor for you, start German lessons now alongside your application, since your job prospects there depend heavily on hitting C1 fluency by graduation.