Costs of Studying in the Netherlands for International Students

Studying in the Netherlands for Bachelor’s or Master’s degree comes at a cost. The Netherlands welcomes a diverse international students population and a large number of Dutch university offers English-taught programmes. The Netherlands is also one of the safest places in Europe for international students.

The cost of studying in the Netherlands is worth it considering the quality of education you will get at a Dutch university. When compared to other studying destinations like the U.S, U.K, Canada, and Australia, the cost of studying in the Netherlands for international students is quite affordable.

Costs of Studying in the Netherlands for International Students

The overall cost of studying in the Netherlands as an international student depends on several factors, such as the course of study, the University of your choice, and the city of resident etc. Getting a scholarship to study in Holland and other financial assistance could also cut down on the cost of study.

University Tuition Fees in Holland

Tuition fees in Dutch universities favour students from the Netherlands, European Union or European Economic Area countries, Switzerland or Suriname.

Students from non-EU/EEA countries can be charged double, or sometimes even triple the amount of tuition fees that is charged to EU/EEA students.

Tuition fees in the Netherlands are broken down into the statutory fee (for EU/EEA students, or students with special residence permits) and institutional fee (for non-EU/EEA students).

On the average, tuition fees for EU/EEA students range at around 2,000 EUR/year, while for non-EU students, the tuition fees start from 6,000 EUR/year. However, the amount paid depends on the institution, the degree, the type of residence permit, previous study history and scholarship opportunities.

A bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands lasts for four years so, students from EU/EEA countries should estimate about 8,000 EUR on university tuition in total, while non-EU/EEA students should estimate to spend a maximum of 24,000 EUR.

Private schools running bachelor and MBA programmes are more expensive and can cost student between 16,000 – 36,000 EUR for the full programmes of study.

University Application Fees in the Netherlands

Almost all colleges and universities in the Netherlands charge a fee for admission application. The application fee is between 50 – 100 EUR depending on the course or programme of study. Ensure you have this fee available while applying to study in the Netherlands.

Student Living Costs in the Netherlands

In addition to the actual tuition and application fees, students will also incur extra fees while studying in Holland. Daily expenses incurred by students include food, public transport, books, clothes and leisure activities.

International students studying in the Netherlands should take into account the cost of housing and insurance. Students living and studying in the Netherlands can spend between 800 – 1,200 EUR/month.

According to Eurostudent, out of the total monthly study abroad expenses, student spend on average:

• 37% for accommodation
• 15% on tuition fees
• 3% for transportation

Costs of Living in the Netherlands Cities

Study-related costs paid by students in the Netherlands are relatively high compared to the European average. Take a look at some of the living cost in major Dutch cities.

• Amsterdam: 1,000 – 1,500 EUR/month
• Delft: 780 – 1,200 EUR/month
• Enschede: around 650 – 920 EUR/month
• Eindhoven: around 850 – 1,350 EUR/month
• Rotterdam: 760 – 1,250 EUR/month

Cost of Accommodation in the Netherlands

Renting a room in the Netherlands can cost you between 300 – 600 EUR/month. The main housing options for international students in the Netherlands are:

• Renting an apartment – the price range 300-600 EUR/month
• Living with partner/child – the price range 600-700 EUR/month
• Students living in student accommodation – 350 EUR/month

Most international students studying in the Netherlands live in student accommodation. Cost of accommodation in the Netherlands is above the international average.

Other accommodation-related expenses include utility cost of about 155 EUR/month and internet subscriptions of 30 EUR/month.

Cost of Food in the Netherlands

International students living alone in the Netherlands could spend around 170 EUR/month on food bills. However, how much you spend depends on your lifestyle and your city of residence.

Keep in mind that shopping in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam is much more expensive than smaller cities like Eindhoven and Groningen.

Cost of Transportation in the Netherlands

Students studying in the Netherlands could spend about 35 EUR/month. However, you can save a lot on transportation by renting a bike which is a popular transportation option in the country.

RECOMMENDED:

• How to Apply to Universities in the Netherlands.
• Cheapest Universities in the Netherlands for International Students.
• How to Apply for Dutch Student Visa.

Scholarships and Funding to Study in the Netherlands

Students could also have access to scholarships, grants, student loans as well as rent subsidies. Some of the available financial assistance options include;

• Tuition fee loans apply to EU/EEA students who are not eligible for Dutch study finance.
• Holland Scholarship to study in the Netherlands
• Scholarships offered by Nuffic.
• Various scholarships and grants offered by Dutch universities and organizations.