Whether you're thinking about studying abroad or your plans are already serious, finances will play a role. And knowing what you can expect can help you turn your study abroad dream into a reality.
How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?
Wouldn’t it be great to get a specific answer to how much it costs to study in the Netherlands? It would, but it really depends on your situation, where you end up living and what kind of lifestyle you dream of as a student. That said, we can help you get a clearer picture of what to expect. Think between €2,500 and €11,000 a year for tuition fees and €1,000 to €1,500 a month for living expenses. Let's take you through the financial side of studying abroad so you can find out what you need to budget and how you can make your money go further.
For a start, there are standard expenses wherever you study, like tuition fees, health insurance, housing and transport. Other things for your budget include entertainment & socialising, sports subscriptions, and trips out. You might also have extra costs depending on the study programme you're doing, such as for field trips, books, merchandise, and maybe even a uniform.
There may also be ways to supplement your budget. You could get a part-time job or maybe you're entitled to financial support from the Dutch government, for instance to help pay for your rent or health insurance. Depending on your situation, you may also be entitled to Dutch student finance – and that includes a student travel card! It can all make the difference to your budget.
Remember to budget for going home!
One thing you definitely need to remember to budget in: travel costs to get you back home. Of course, you probably won't be popping back to see your family and old friends every weekend, but you may want to go back in the holidays. So make sure you've got those costs covered!
Tuition fees in the Netherlands
Tuition fees are paid annually in the Netherlands. This means you have to enrol and pay for each academic year. How much you pay depends on the type of degree you do and whether you are an EU or non-EU national. One thing is for sure, the Netherlands is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, especially compared to the US and the UK.
- You'll pay statutory fees is you are a citizen of the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname. The statutory tuition fees for 2026-2027 are €2,694. Check our dedicated page for more info.
- You'll pay institutional fees if you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname or if you have a temporary residence permit. Institutional fees for 2026-2027 are €10,335. Check our dedicated page for more info.
Other costs depend on the study programme you're doing, such as:
- Course materials, like books, supplies and other educational materials
- A laptop
- Contributions for field trips
- A suit or uniform (for instance, if you're studying hospitality)
- A knife set (for instance, if you're studying hospitality)
Use the Tuition Fee Calculator
Do the maths without doing the maths. The Tuition Fee Calculator will help you work out what your tuition fees will be depending on your situation.
Living expenses in the Netherlands
Rent, groceries, transport, insurance, wifi, streaming services, nights out, weekends away... What will your student life cost? It's a bit of a chicken and an egg story: the lifestyle you want will influence how much money you'll spend and the amount of money you have will influence what kind of lifestyle you can have. So get prioritising. What's important to you and what are you willing to pay?
As a rough idea, you should budget between €1,000 and €1,500 a month.
Good to know: the north of the Netherlands is not only more affordable than elsewhere in NL, but it when it comes to housing, it also gives you more room for your money! Always a plus.
Let's break down a few costs for you:
The basics
| Accommodation incl. utilities | €450 - €1000 |
| Food (per month) | €200 - €350 |
| Medical insurance (per month) | From €58 |
Other expenses
| Sports pass | From €10 |
| Cinema ticket | From €12.50 |
| Dining out (main course) | From €20 |
| Bicycle (used) | From €40 |
| Single city bus ticket | From €2 |
| Single train ticket to Amsterdam (without discount) | From €30 |
So how much is your student life going to cost you?
Let's help you on your way with your budget. Use the Living Expenses Calculator and get an overview of what you could be spending.
Assured housing for international students
Where will you be calling home later? It's best to start looking as soon as possible so you can find the room that suits you best.
Want the good news? Housing is assured for our first-year international students. Our housing partner in Leeuwarden can actually guarantee accommodation for our first-year international students. And in Emmen and Meppel, there's enough choice for everyone.
What does housing cost? Well, that depends on the type of room, and whether you share the apartment or house with others. Basically, you can expect to pay between €450 and €1,000 a month (including utilities).
Is studying in the Netherlands affordable? Netherlands vs other study destinations
Studying in the Netherlands is considered affordable compared to UK and US universities, especially when you consider the high-quality education it offers.
The cost of living for students is reasonable compared to many other European countries, especially the Scandinavian countries.
So what are the benefits of studying in the Netherlands?
- Government-regulated tuition fees
- Strong quality-to-cost ratio
- English-taught degrees within the EU
- Interactive, team-based learning
- Excellent post-graduate career opportunities
- High quality of life
- Healthy work-life balance
- Generally affordable living costs
Financing your studies
How are you going to finance your studies? You may have savings or get help from parents or family, but there could be other options too. Depending on your situation, you may be able to work alongside your studies or get financial support from the Dutch government.
Can I get a job while I study in the Netherlands?
Yes, you can. And there are plenty of options for part-time work in the Netherlands, even if you don't speak fluent Dutch.
If you're from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you can work alongside your studies without a work permit. You may need to take out Dutch health insurance
If you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, there are additional rules for working while you study. Your employer will generally need to arrange a work permit. You'll also need Dutch health insurance and make sure you’re adequately covered for third party liability
Find out more about student jobs
Can international students get Dutch student finance?
Some international students can get Dutch student finance through DUO, but it depends on factors such as your nationality, residence status and study programme.
If you're from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, working in the Netherlands can be one route to eligibility. For instance, one of DUO's criteria is having at least 32 hours of paid work per month. There are other routes to qualify too, so check the current conditions on the DUO website to see what applies to you.
Dutch student finance can also include the student travel card, which gives you free or discounted travel on public transport.
Can I get help with paying my rent?
Possibly. International students can qualify for rent benefit from the Dutch government depending on their situation.
For instance, you need to be legally resident in the Netherlands and your accommodation needs to count as an independent living space. Your income, household and rent can also affect how much you receive.
Check Dutch Tax Office website to see whether your accommodation and situation make you eligible.
Can I get help with health insurance costs?
If you have health insurance through a Dutch insurance company, you may be entitled to healthcare benefit.
