Study in the Netherlands - Study abroad destination

Costs and Funding for Studying in the Netherlands - Study in the...

A detailed breakdown of tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and student finance options for studying in the Netherlands — for both EU and non-EU students.

Updated March 1, 2026 12 min read

Costs and Funding for Studying in the Netherlands

Understanding the true cost of studying in the Netherlands — and how to fund it — is essential for planning your move. The good news: for EU/EEA students, Dutch tuition is among the most affordable in Western Europe. For non-EEA students, costs are higher but still competitive with the UK and Australia, and a range of scholarships can significantly reduce the burden.

This guide gives you a complete, realistic picture of what you will spend and how to pay for it.

Tuition Fees

The Netherlands has two tuition fee structures: statutory tuition (wettelijk collegegeld) for EU/EEA students and institutional tuition (instellingscollegegeld) for non-EEA students and second-degree students.

Statutory Tuition (EU/EEA Students)

The statutory tuition fee for 2025–2026 is EUR 2,530 per year. This applies to:

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
Students with a Dutch residence permit (certain categories)
Surinamese nationals (in some cases)

This rate applies to your first bachelor's and first master's program. If you are pursuing a second bachelor's or master's degree, you will pay institutional fees.

First-year discount: In most cases, first-year bachelor's students pay half the statutory rate (approximately EUR 1,265) in their first year. This does not apply to master's students.

Institutional Tuition (Non-EEA Students)

Non-EEA students pay institutional tuition, which varies by university and program:

Program Type	Typical Range (EUR/year)	Examples
Bachelor's — Arts/Social Sciences	8,000–13,000	International Business, Psychology, Political Science
Bachelor's — Science/Engineering	10,000–16,000	Computer Science, Engineering, Physics
Master's — Arts/Social Sciences	8,000–18,000	Law, Economics, European Studies
Master's — Science/Engineering	12,000–20,000	AI, Electrical Engineering, Data Science
Master's — Business (MBA)	15,000–35,000	MBA, Executive programs

Tuition by University (Non-EEA Master's Examples)

University	Arts/Social Sciences	Science/Engineering
University of Amsterdam	EUR 11,000–16,000	EUR 14,000–18,000
TU Delft	N/A	EUR 16,000–19,000
Utrecht University	EUR 11,000–15,000	EUR 14,000–18,000
Erasmus University Rotterdam	EUR 10,000–18,000	EUR 14,000–16,000
University of Groningen	EUR 9,000–14,000	EUR 13,000–17,000
Maastricht University	EUR 9,000–16,000	EUR 13,000–15,000
Wageningen University	N/A	EUR 13,000–19,000
TU Eindhoven	N/A	EUR 14,000–17,000

Pro tip: Tuition fees vary not just between universities but between programs at the same university. Always check the specific program page for exact fees. Some universities offer early-bird tuition discounts for students who accept and pay early.

Living Costs

The Netherlands is moderately expensive by European standards — cheaper than the UK, Scandinavia, or Switzerland, but more expensive than Germany, Spain, or Eastern Europe. Living costs depend heavily on your city.

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown

Expense	Budget Range (EUR/month)	Mid Range (EUR/month)	Comfortable (EUR/month)
Housing	400–550	550–750	750–1,000
Food & groceries	200–250	250–350	350–450
Health insurance	30–60	60–130	130
Transport	0–30	30–60	60–100
Phone & internet	15–25	25–40	40–50
Books & supplies	20–50	30–50	50–75
Social & entertainment	50–100	100–200	200–350
Clothing & personal	30–50	50–100	100–150
TOTAL	745–1,115	1,095–1,680	1,680–2,175

Living Costs by City

City	Average Monthly Cost	Rent (Student Room)	Character
Amsterdam	EUR 1,200–1,600	EUR 550–900	Most expensive, most international
Rotterdam	EUR 1,050–1,400	EUR 450–750	Slightly cheaper than Amsterdam
Utrecht	EUR 1,100–1,450	EUR 500–800	High demand, limited supply
The Hague	EUR 1,050–1,350	EUR 450–700	Government city, good value
Delft	EUR 1,000–1,350	EUR 400–700	Small city, limited housing
Eindhoven	EUR 950–1,300	EUR 400–650	Growing tech city, reasonable
Leiden	EUR 1,000–1,350	EUR 450–700	Historic, moderate costs
Groningen	EUR 900–1,200	EUR 350–550	Most affordable major student city
Maastricht	EUR 900–1,200	EUR 350–550	Affordable, close to Belgium
Enschede	EUR 850–1,150	EUR 350–500	Most affordable option

Pro tip: Cooking at home saves a significant amount. Dutch supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi) are well-stocked and competitive. A weekly grocery bill of EUR 40–60 is realistic if you cook most meals. Budget supermarkets Lidl and Aldi are 20–30% cheaper than Albert Heijn for staples.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands for all residents. The system works differently depending on your status:

EU/EEA Students

If you do not work in the Netherlands: Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides basic coverage. Consider supplementary travel/student insurance for additional coverage.
If you work in the Netherlands (even part-time): You must take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering), which costs approximately EUR 130/month. You are entitled to healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) of up to EUR 111/month if your income is low.

Non-EEA Students

If you do not work in the Netherlands: You are not eligible for Dutch basic health insurance. You must take out international student insurance or insurance through your university, typically costing EUR 30–60/month.
If you work in the Netherlands: Same rules as EU students — you must take out Dutch basic health insurance.

Compare health insurance options for the Netherlands

Pro tip: Many universities offer group insurance packages for international students at competitive rates. Check with your university's international office before purchasing insurance independently.

Scholarships and Grants

The Netherlands offers several scholarship programs for international students. Competition is strong, so apply early and to multiple programs.

Holland Scholarship

Amount: EUR 5,000 (one-time payment in the first year)
Eligibility: Non-EEA students starting a bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch university
Application: Through the university (not Nuffic directly)
Deadline: Typically February 1 – May 1 (varies by university)
Criteria: Academic excellence, motivation, and fit with the program
Note: This does not cover full tuition — it is a contribution toward costs

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Amount: Varies — partial to full tuition, sometimes including living costs
Eligibility: Students from specific countries (check nfrcs.nl for participating countries and universities)
Application: Through Nuffic's country offices
Countries: China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, Russia, Vietnam, and others
Note: Each university participating in the program sets its own scholarship amount and criteria

OKP (Orange Knowledge Programme)

Amount: Full scholarship covering tuition, living costs, visa, and travel
Eligibility: Professionals from developing countries (specific country list) pursuing short courses or master's programs
Application: Through Nuffic
Note: Focused on development-related fields. Applicants must have relevant work experience and return to their home country after studies.

University-Specific Scholarships

Most Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Here are some notable examples:

University	Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility
TU Delft	Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships	Full tuition + living costs	Non-EEA master's students
University of Amsterdam	Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AES)	EUR 25,000	Exceptional master's students
Utrecht University	Utrecht Excellence Scholarships	EUR 10,000–30,000	Non-EEA master's students
Leiden University	Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)	EUR 10,000–full tuition + EUR 15,000 living	Non-EEA students
Erasmus University Rotterdam	Erasmus University Holland Scholarship	EUR 14,000	Non-EEA bachelor's/master's
University of Groningen	Eric Bleumink Fund	Full tuition + living costs	Students from developing countries
Maastricht University	Holland High Potential Scholarship	Full tuition + EUR 11,400 living	Non-EEA master's students
Wageningen	Africa Scholarship Programme	Full tuition + living costs	African students
TU Eindhoven	TU/e Scholarship	Full tuition	Non-EEA master's students

Pro tip: Many universities offer tuition waivers or discounts that are not widely advertised. Contact the admissions or scholarship office of your target university directly and ask about all available funding options. Also check whether your home country offers government scholarships for students studying abroad.

External and Government Scholarships

Scholarship	Country/Origin	Coverage	Field
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master	EU-funded	Full tuition + living + travel	Specific joint programs
Fulbright (USA)	US students	Varies	All fields
DAAD (Germany)	Can be used in NL for exchanges	Varies	All fields
CSC (China Scholarship Council)	Chinese students	Full coverage	All fields
Chevening (UK)	British alumni going to NL for exchange	Varies	All fields
Your home country government	Check your Ministry of Education	Varies	Varies

DUO Student Finance (EU/EEA Students)

EU/EEA students who work in the Netherlands can access the DUO student finance system (studiefinanciering), which provides significant financial support:

Eligibility

You qualify if you are:

An EU/EEA citizen or Swiss national
Working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands
Enrolled in an accredited Dutch program (full-time or dual)

What You Receive

Component	Amount (2025–2026)	Repayment
Supplementary grant (aanvullende beurs)	Up to EUR 419/month	Converts to gift if you graduate within 10 years
Student loan (lening)	Up to EUR 1,089/month	Must be repaid after graduation (0% interest during studies)
Public transport card (OV-chipkaart)	Free weekday OR free weekend travel	Converts to gift if you graduate within 10 years
Tuition fee loan	Up to EUR 2,530/year	Must be repaid

Important DUO Notes

The supplementary grant becomes a gift if you graduate within 10 years — you do not have to repay it
The loan must be repaid over a maximum of 35 years with income-dependent repayments
You must maintain the 56 hours/month work requirement throughout your studies to keep eligibility
Apply through DUO.nl — processing takes approximately 8 weeks
You can also apply for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) of up to EUR 111/month

Pro tip: DUO student finance is one of the most generous student support systems in Europe. For EU students willing to work 56 hours/month (about 14 hours/week), the combination of grant, transport card, and healthcare allowance can cover a significant portion of living costs. The key is securing a job that consistently provides 56+ hours per month.

Creating a Realistic Budget

Annual Budget — EU/EEA Student

Item	Amount (EUR/year)
Tuition	2,530 (1,265 in first year)
Housing	6,000–9,000
Food	2,400–4,200
Health insurance	360–1,560
Transport	0–720 (free with DUO OV-card)
Books & supplies	400–700
Social & personal	1,200–3,600
TOTAL	12,890–22,310

Annual Budget — Non-EEA Student

Item	Amount (EUR/year)
Tuition	8,000–20,000
Housing	6,000–9,000
Food	2,400–4,200
Health insurance	360–720
Transport	360–1,200
Books & supplies	400–700
Social & personal	1,200–3,600
TOTAL	18,720–39,420

Financial Proof for Visa

Non-EEA students applying for a residence permit must demonstrate they have sufficient funds. The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) requires proof of approximately EUR 13,000–15,000 per year in available funds (in addition to tuition), depending on the year. This can be shown through:

Bank statements
Scholarship award letters
Sponsor declarations (with supporting financial documents)
Blocked bank account

Money-Saving Tips

Cook at home — eating out in the Netherlands is expensive (EUR 15–25 for a basic meal). Cooking saves EUR 200–400/month.
Shop at Lidl and Aldi — 20–30% cheaper than Albert Heijn for most products.
Buy a second-hand bike — EUR 50–150 saves you hundreds on transport annually.
Use your university's facilities — free printing, software licenses, gym discounts, and cultural event tickets.
Apply for all eligible benefits — healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), rent allowance (huurtoeslag), and DUO grants.
Get a student discount card — many shops, restaurants, and cultural venues offer 10–20% student discounts.
Use Too Good To Go — rescue surplus food from restaurants and shops for EUR 3–5 per bag.
Travel off-peak — NS (Dutch railways) offers 40% off-peak discount subscriptions for EUR 5/month.

Compare health insurance options for the Netherlands

Next Steps

Got a handle on costs? Continue with these guides:

Apply for your visa — Understand MVV, residence permits, and the arrival process
Find housing and settle in — Navigate the housing market and city life
Explore work opportunities — Part-time work, post-graduation careers, and the zoekjaar
Browse programs and universities — Compare institutions and find the right fit

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands for international students?

EU/EEA students pay statutory tuition of approximately EUR 2,530/year. Non-EEA students pay institutional fees ranging from EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000+/year depending on the university and program. Engineering and science programs tend to be at the higher end. Living costs are approximately EUR 1,000–1,400/month.

What is the Holland Scholarship?

The Holland Scholarship is a EUR 5,000 one-time award for non-EEA students starting a bachelor's or master's program at participating Dutch universities. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating institutions. Application is typically through the university, with deadlines between February and May.

Can EU students get student finance in the Netherlands?

Yes. EU/EEA students who work at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands can qualify for DUO student finance, which includes a supplementary grant (up to EUR 419/month), a loan (up to EUR 1,089/month), and a public transport card (OV-chipkaart) — either free weekday travel or free weekend travel.

What is the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a collection of scholarships offered by Dutch universities and coordinated by Nuffic. It is available to students from specific countries (including China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, and others). Each participating university sets its own scholarship amount and criteria.

How much is rent for students in the Netherlands?

Student room rent ranges from EUR 350–600/month in cities like Groningen, Enschede, and Tilburg, to EUR 500–900/month in Amsterdam and Utrecht. Self-contained studio apartments are more expensive (EUR 700–1,200/month). University housing is typically cheaper than the private market.

Is health insurance expensive for students in the Netherlands?

EU students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may have basic coverage, but students working in the Netherlands must take out Dutch basic health insurance (approximately EUR 130/month). Non-EU students who do not work can use international student insurance (EUR 30–60/month). Health insurance is mandatory.

Can I work while studying to cover costs?

Yes. EU/EEA students can work without restrictions. Non-EEA students can work up to 16 hours per week (or full-time during June, July, and August) with a TWV work permit arranged by the employer. Students typically earn EUR 12–16/hour in part-time jobs.

Are there tuition-free programs in the Netherlands?

No. Unlike Germany, the Netherlands charges tuition fees for all programs. However, EU/EEA students pay a relatively low statutory fee (EUR 2,530/year), and several full-tuition scholarships are available for non-EEA students, particularly for master's programs in STEM fields.

Related Guides

✨

Why Study in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers the most English-taught programs in continental Europe, innovative teaching methods, and a post-graduation orientation year — here's why 122,000+ international students choose it.

🗺️

Plan Your Studies in the Netherlands

A step-by-step planning guide covering the Dutch academic system, Studielink registration, credential evaluation, and timelines for starting your studies in the Netherlands.

🎓

Programs and Universities in the Netherlands

A comprehensive guide to Dutch universities — from WO research universities like TU Delft and UvA to HBO institutions — including top programs, rankings, and how to choose.

📝

Admissions and Application for Dutch Universities

Navigate the Dutch application process — from Studielink registration and Nuffic credential evaluation to numerus fixus selection and document requirements.

🛂

Visa and Arrival Guide for the Netherlands

Everything you need to know about MVV entry visas, VVR residence permits, health insurance, BSN registration, and settling in as an international student in the Netherlands.

🏡

Living in the Netherlands as a Student

Your complete guide to student life in the Netherlands — from finding housing and navigating the bike culture to healthcare, public transport, and making the most of Dutch city life.

💼

Work and Career in the Netherlands

Complete guide to working during and after your studies in the Netherlands — part-time work rules, the zoekjaar orientation year, highly skilled migrant visa, and top employers.