You want to study a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands? Great choice! Universities in the Land of Tulips attract many international students every year thanks to top-ranked universities, numerous English-taught courses, and a friendly multicultural environment.
In this article, we'll talk about tuition fees and living costs in the Netherlands. We'll explore average prices, accommodation options, and how much money you'd actually need to study in this beautiful European country.
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1. Tuition fees in the Netherlands
Tuition for EU/EEA students at public universities
If you're from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam, you will benefit from lower tuition fees in Dutch public universities. Costs usually range between 700 - 2,100 EUR/academic year, and they are influenced by the university where you study, the discipline, and the degree type (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD).
Tuition for non-EU/EEA students at public universities
For all the other international students, tuition fees are higher. You can expect to pay anywhere between:
- 6,000 - 15,000 EUR/year for a Bachelor's degree
8,000 - 20,000 EUR/year for a Master's degree
Tuition fees at private universities
If you enrol in a Dutch private university, you will usually need a larger budget. For some study programmes, you can expect to pay as much as 30,000 EUR/year. Medicine and Business are some of the most expensive courses.
Universities we recommend in the Netherlands
- Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
- University of Twente (UT)
- Utrecht University
- University of Amsterdam
- Wageningen University and Research
Check out the best universities in the Netherlands according to global rankings.
2. Living costs for students in the Netherlands
Your monthly expenses will include accommodation, food, transport, books, clothes, and leisure activities. To cover these expenses, you'll need between 800 - 1,200 EUR/month.
Here are the average living costs in major Dutch student cities:
- Enschede: 650 - 920 EUR/month
- Eindhoven: 850 - 1,350 EUR/month
- Amsterdam: 1,000 - 1,500 EUR/month
- Delft: 780 - 1,200 EUR/month
- Rotterdam: 760 - 1,250 EUR/month
Accommodation costs
Renting a room in the Netherlands can cost between 300 – 600 EUR/month. Student houses are more affordable, and some universities even offer on-campus accommodation. Your university may help you find a room if you contact them after you're admitted. Another option is to rent a single flat or share a larger apartment, but prices are higher.
Average costs depending on the accommodation type:
- Renting a single apartment (studio): 500 - 1,000 EUR/month
- Sharing a rented apartment: 400 - 700 EUR/month
- Student houses: 350 - 600 EUR/month
Other costs related to accommodation
Keep in mind that utilities are not always included in the accommodation costs. When you rent a room, always ask what's included and how much you should expect to pay for utilities every month.
You also have to pay a deposit, usually equal to one month's worth of rent. If you don't damage the place, you get the money back at the end of the tenancy agreement.
Other expenses:
- Average utilities costs: 100 - 230 EUR/month
- Internet: 30 - 50 EUR/month
Food costs
Students living alone pay around 150 - 170 EUR/month for food and groceries. Lidl, Aldi and Albert Heijn are some of the cheapest supermarkets. How much you spend depends on your lifestyle and the city in which you live.
You should expect shopping in Amsterdam and Rotterdam to be more expensive than in smaller cities like Groningen or Eindhoven.
If you prefer eating out, affordable restaurants offer meals for around 10 – 20 EUR.
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Transportation costs
In the Netherlands, average monthly transportation costs for students are 35 - 70 EUR/month. You can save money by renting a bike – a popular transportation option in the country; prices start at 10 EUR/day.
There are also many inexpensive options to buy a second-hand bike, which can prove to be a better investment in the long run.
Extra costs
- Books and other study materials: between 30 - 65 EUR/month
Social activities/entertainment: 50 - 60 EUR/month
You can user your student card to get discounts in many bars, restaurants, and cinemas.
3. Visa fee in the Netherlands
Ready to study in the Netherlands? Here's some more helpful information like the best international universities in the Netherlands, applying for the Dutch student visa, or enrolling in a Dutch university.
The student visa fee is 171 EUR. Here are more details about the Dutch student visa based on your country of origin: