Affordable Universities in the Netherlands for 2024

The Netherlands is a popular European destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and diverse range of programs. While Dutch universities have reasonable tuition fees and policies, sometimes costs can add up and exceed a student’s budget. That’s why we’ve decided to find some of the most affordable universities in the Netherlands.

Higher education costs in the Netherlands vary significantly between public and private institutions. Public universities generally offer more affordable tuition fees compared to private universities.

On our portals, you can explore over 500 Bachelor's degrees and more than 1,700 Master's degrees, offering a wide range of academic options to suit various interests and career goals.

Most affordable universities in the Netherlands, according to our data:

Here's a list of the universities in the Netherlands that are listed on our portals and have the cheapest available degrees for both international and domestic students, in both Bachelor's and Master's levels:

1. Utrecht University
2. Erasmus University Rotterdam
3. Leiden University
4. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
5. Wageningen University and Research
6. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
7. Tilburg University
8. Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen
9. Saxion University of Applied Sciences
10. Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:

1. Utrecht University

Utrecht University, located in the historic city of Utrecht, is one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the Netherlands. It is renowned for its strong research output and comprehensive programs in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university offers relatively affordable tuition fees for EU students, with various scholarships available for non-EU students. Utrecht's vibrant student life is enhanced by the city's rich cultural heritage, numerous festivals, and a lively academic community.

2. Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam is a leading public research university known for its strong focus on business, economics, and medicine. Situated in the dynamic city of Rotterdam, it offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and a variety of scholarships for international students. The university's modern campus and strong industry connections provide excellent academic and career opportunities. Student life is vibrant, with a diverse cultural scene and numerous social activities reflecting Rotterdam's cosmopolitan atmosphere.

3. Leiden University

Leiden University, located in the charming city of Leiden, is the oldest university in the Netherlands, renowned for its research excellence and strong programs in law, humanities, and social sciences. As a public institution, it offers competitive tuition fees for EU students and various financial aid options for non-EU students. The university's historic campus and the city's rich academic tradition create a stimulating environment for students, with a wide range of cultural and extracurricular activities available.

4. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, commonly called VU Amsterdam, is a prominent public research university known for its diverse academic offerings and strong research output in the social sciences, humanities, and life sciences. Located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, VU offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and a variety of scholarships for international students. The university provides a dynamic student life with numerous cultural, social, and academic activities, enriched by Amsterdam's lively and diverse urban environment.

5. Wageningen University and Research

Wageningen University and Research is a leading institution specializing in life sciences, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Located in the small town of Wageningen, it is renowned for its research excellence and practical approach to education. The university offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for non-EU students. Student life is characterized by a close-knit community and a focus on sustainability, with numerous opportunities for involvement in research and outdoor activities.

6. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a highly respected public university known for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Situated in the innovative city of Eindhoven, it offers competitive tuition fees for EU students and a variety of scholarships for international students. The university's close ties with industry and modern facilities provide excellent opportunities for academic and professional development. Student life is dynamic, with a range of extracurricular activities and a vibrant tech community.

7. Tilburg University

Tilburg University, located in the city of Tilburg, is a public research university known for its strong programs in social sciences, humanities, and law. It offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various financial aid options for non-EU students. The university's focus on research and societal impact, combined with a supportive campus environment, provides a rich academic experience. Tilburg's cultural scene and active student organizations contribute to a lively and engaging student life.

8. Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Hanze University of Applied Sciences, located in the lively city of Groningen, is known for its practical and professionally oriented programs in business, engineering, and health care. As a public university, it offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for non-EU students. The university's strong industry connections and focus on applied research provide valuable career opportunities. Student life is vibrant, with a wide range of cultural and recreational activities available in Groningen.

9. Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Saxion University of Applied Sciences has multiple campuses in the Netherlands, including Deventer, Enschede, and Apeldoorn. It is known for its practical programs in technology, business, and health care. The university offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for international students. Saxion provides a supportive and dynamic student life, with a focus on hands-on learning and strong industry connections, complemented by the diverse cultural and social activities available in its campus cities.

10. Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, located in Apeldoorn, is a private institution offering a range of business and management programs. The university is known for its international orientation and small class sizes, providing a personalized educational experience. Tuition fees are higher than public universities, but Wittenborg offers various scholarships and financial aid options. Student life is enriched by the university's multicultural environment and the diverse cultural and recreational opportunities available in Apeldoorn.

Affordable university tuition in the Netherlands

The Dutch government established a tuition fee of about €2,500 for universities to ensure higher education remains accessible and affordable for both domestic and international students. This fee specifically applies to students from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Suriname, who are eligible for the statutory tuition fee. 

By setting a standardised fee, the government supports the nation's goal of fostering a highly educated population, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive economy and advancing societal development. 

Free tuition programs in the Netherlands are rare. However, the government provides significant subsidies for EU students, which can reduce the overall cost of higher education. Some universities offer scholarships and financial aid to further assist students in managing their tuition fees.

Bachelor’s and Master’s for local and EU/EEA students in the Netherlands

• For domestic and EU/EEA students in the Netherlands, tuition fees are relatively low compared to other Western European countries.
• For both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees students pay a statutory tuition fee of around EUR 2,500 per year for domestic students.

Affordable degrees for International students

Tuition fees for international students in the Netherlands are higher compared to domestic students. The cheapest universities for international students in the Netherlands have tuition fees ranging between 7,000 EUR and €9,500 EUR per year.

Cheapest Bachelor’s degrees in the Netherlands for international students

• The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees for international students cost between €7,000 and €9,500 per year.
• Compared to other degrees in the Netherlands, tuition fees between €9,500 and €11,000 can also be considered moderately affordable Bachelor’s by international students.
• Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for international students in the Netherlands cost less than €11,000.

Cheapest Master’s degrees in the Netherlands for international students

• The cheapest Master’s programs for international students in the Netherlands start at approximately 11,000 EUR and reach 16,000 EUR per year.
• When comparing study programs from the Netherlands, international student tuition fees between €16,000 and €18,500 can be considered moderately affordable.
• Half of the MA degrees for international students in the Netherlands cost less than €18,500, while some degrees cost as high as 27,000 EUR per year.

NOTE: The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals at the date of publishing this article.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Netherlands is a highly attractive destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and wide range of academic programs. While tuition fees can be higher for international students compared to domestic and EU/EEA students, the country offers various scholarships and financial aid options to help manage costs. Public universities generally provide more affordable tuition fees than private institutions, making it possible to obtain a degree without breaking the bank. The vibrant student life and rich cultural experience further enhance the appeal of studying in the Netherlands.

Methodology

• We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and yearly tuition fees for affordable degrees.
• All tuition fees mentioned in this article are for 1 year of study.
• We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in this country that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
• In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than what 75% of other university degrees listed on our website.
• Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than what half of the university degrees, but more expensive than the lowest 25% degrees listed on our website.
• For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.

Other resources

• Best Universities in the Netherlands
• Your Guide on How to Survive with a Student Budget in the Netherlands
• Germany vs. the Netherlands: What's the Best Place to Study a Bachelor’s
• How to Apply to an International University in the Netherlands
• How to Get a Student Visa for the Netherlands
• Ready for a Dutch-style education? The Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad in Netherlands

1. How much are the living costs for students in the Netherlands?

Living costs in the Netherlands vary depending on the city, but on average, students can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

2. Do public universities in the Netherlands charge tuition fees for EU/EEA students?

Yes, public universities in the Netherlands charge a statutory tuition fee of around €2,500 per year for EU/EEA students, which is relatively low compared to other Western European countries.

3. Can international students get financial aid in the Netherlands? 

Yes, many Dutch universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students to help manage tuition and living expenses.