What it costs to study in the Netherlands: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €8,000 to €15,000 for non-EU students |
| Postgraduate | €12,000 to €22,000 |
Medicine and dentistry run higher; universities of applied sciences are slightly cheaper.
Living costs
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €500 to €1,000 (Amsterdam and Utrecht highest) |
| Food and groceries | €200 to €300 |
| Transport | €40 to €100; most students cycle |
| Utilities and phone | €80 to €140 |
| Health insurance | €30 to €50 for student insurance, or Dutch basic insurance if you work |
Total: €1,000 to €1,500 a month.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | €243 (2025), paid to the university |
| Health cover | Student insurance, budgeted above |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Do Dutch universities need IELTS?
Yes in most cases, typically 6.0 for HBO and 6.5 for research universities. Some accept TOEFL, Cambridge or a degree taught in English.
How hard is it to find housing in the Netherlands?
Very hard in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden. Universities have limited reserved rooms; apply for them the day you accept your offer. We help students search from home and avoid scams.
Can I stay after graduating?
Yes, the Orientation Year gives 12 months to look for work. Many students use it to move into a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.