
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, friendly environment, and English-taught programmes. While it is not free to study in the Netherlands as an international student, the country offers low tuition fees and affordable living costs compared to other European countries. Dutch universities charge tuition fees to all international students, with EU/EEA, Swiss, and Surinamese nationals often paying lower statutory fees than non-EU/EEA students, who pay institutional fees. These institutional fees can vary between universities and programmes, with Master's degrees typically being more expensive than Bachelor's. Scholarships, grants, student loans, and other funding opportunities are also available to help international students finance their studies in the Netherlands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Master's programmes fees for international students | Between €8,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on the institution and course |
| Master's programmes fees for EU/EEA/Swiss/Surinamese students | Between €1,070 and €2,083 per year |
| NL Scholarship | €5,000 for non-EEA students |
| Work permits for international students | Can work up to 10 hours a week throughout the year or full-time in June, July and August with a work permit |
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What You'll Learn

Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students due to its quality education, friendly environment, and English-taught programmes. When it comes to tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss students, there are a few things to note:
Statutory Tuition Fee:
EU/EEA/Swiss students are eligible to pay the statutory tuition fee, which is the same rate as Dutch students. This fee is generally lower than the institutional fee and ranges from €1,070 to €2,083 per year for Master's programmes. The specific amount depends on the university and programme.
Residence Permit:
Some residence permits also qualify students to pay the statutory tuition fee. For example, a residence permit type EU/EER or 'familielid EU/EER' can make students eligible for the statutory fee. It is important to check the relevant websites, such as DUO and IND, to confirm which residence permits qualify.
Previous Degrees:
If an EU/EEA/Swiss student has already obtained a Dutch Bachelor's or Master's degree and enrols in a second degree programme, they will typically pay the statutory fee. However, this may vary depending on the field of study and the specific requirements of the university.
Scholarships:
EU/EEA/Swiss students may also have access to various scholarships offered by the Dutch government and universities. For example, the NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) provides up to €5,000 of funding for full-time Master's students from outside the EEA. Additionally, specific universities may offer their own scholarships, such as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship for non-EEA Master's students at the University of Amsterdam.
Work Opportunities:
EEA and Swiss students have the advantage of not requiring a work permit and can work unlimited hours while studying. This flexibility can help with financing their studies.
In conclusion, while tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss students in the Netherlands are generally lower than for non-EU/EEA students, there are still variations in the fees based on specific circumstances and the university. It is always advisable to check the latest information on university websites and official government sources to confirm the applicable tuition fees and any available scholarships.
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Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
If you are an international student from outside the EU/EEA, you will likely need to pay the institutional tuition fee, which is typically much higher than the statutory fee. The institutional fee applies if you do not meet the statutory fee criteria. The institutional fee is set freely by universities and varies between institutions, programmes, and degree levels. For Master's programmes, the average institutional fee is between €8,000 and €20,000 per year. The most expensive degrees are offered in disciplines like Business Management, with private universities tending to be more costly.
Utrecht University, one of the Netherlands' most prominent research universities, has an average institutional fee of €2,143 per year. The University of Twente (UT), a public technical university, has an average institutional fee of €2,083 per year.
There are scholarships available for international students, including the NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship), which offers a one-off payment of €5,000 to full-time Master's students from outside the EEA. The Cultural Heritage Scholarship Programme is another option for Master's students from Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Suriname studying a programme related to their cultural heritage. Additionally, the University of Amsterdam offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship for non-EEA Master's students.
It is worth noting that tuition fees in the Netherlands are generally cheaper than in English-speaking countries like the UK. However, they can still be quite expensive for non-European students. International students from outside the EEA will need a work permit to work during their studies, with restrictions on working hours.
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Scholarships and funding
International students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland typically pay the same statutory fees as Dutch students, which range from €1,070 to €2,083 per year for Master's programmes. Citizens of Suriname, a former Dutch country, are also eligible for these lower fees. For students from other countries, universities set their fees, which can range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year.
There are several scholarship opportunities available to international students, including non-EEA students. Some scholarships are offered directly by universities, while others are provided by organisations such as Nuffic. Here are some scholarships that international students can consider:
- NL Scholarship: Formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, this scholarship is for non-EEA students applying for a full-time Master's programme at one of the participating institutions. It offers a one-off payment of €5,000.
- Cultural Heritage Scholarship Programme: This scholarship is for Master's students from Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Suriname who are studying a programme related to their cultural heritage.
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the University of Amsterdam specifically for non-EEA Master's students.
Additionally, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Scholarship Programme (MSP) supports education for professionals from 10 target countries who wish to study in the Netherlands.
It is worth noting that tuition fees in the Netherlands are generally cheaper than in English-speaking countries like the UK. However, they can still be expensive, especially for non-European students. To finance their studies, international students may also consider working part-time, although work permits and working hour restrictions may apply depending on their nationality.
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Living costs
The cost of living in the Netherlands varies depending on factors such as the type of program and institution, as well as the city and lifestyle choices of the student.
Accommodation
Accommodation costs for students in the Netherlands range from €300 to €1,000 per month. Student houses are more affordable, and some universities offer on-campus accommodation, which is convenient and provides easy access to campus facilities. Renting a room typically costs between €300 and €600 per month, while renting a single apartment can range from €500 to €1,000 per month. It is important to note that utilities may not always be included in the rent, and additional costs such as deposits, gas, electricity, water, and internet bills should be considered.
Food
The average monthly food expense for students in the Netherlands is between €150 and €200. This includes groceries and dining out occasionally. Students who cook at home can manage their food costs effectively, with budget meals available for €10-€15. Dining at mid-range restaurants can cost around €25-€40 for a three-course meal, while a cup of coffee at a cafe is around €2-€4.
Transportation
The Netherlands is known for its bike-friendly culture, and renting a bike or purchasing a second-hand one is a popular and cost-saving transportation option. Monthly public transportation costs for students average €35-€70, with prices varying depending on the city. In Amsterdam, transportation costs can range from €90 to €120, while in smaller cities, they may be as low as €40-€80.
Study Materials and Other Expenses
Study materials, including books, can cost between €300 and €600 per year. Social activities and entertainment expenses can add another €50-€60 to the monthly budget. Additionally, health insurance is mandatory for international students and typically costs €80-€120 per month.
Scholarships and Part-Time Work
While tuition fees in the Netherlands can be expensive for international students, there are scholarship opportunities available, such as the Erasmus Mundus scholarship and the NL scholarship. Additionally, international students can work part-time to supplement their income, with different work permit requirements depending on their country of origin.
Overall, the cost of living for international students in the Netherlands can range from €750 to €1,500 per month, with the potential to save money through scholarships, part-time work, and careful management of expenses.
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English-taught programmes
The Netherlands is a great destination for international students looking for quality education in Europe. Dutch universities offer a wide range of English-taught programmes, with over 1,400 Master's degrees available. The Dutch environment and people are very friendly towards foreign students, and the country offers low tuition fees and affordable living costs.
When it comes to tuition fees for international students, there are two types: statutory fees and institutional fees. The type of fee you pay depends on your nationality, degree programme, and residency status. If you are an EU/EEA national, a Swiss national, or a citizen of Suriname, you will generally pay the same statutory fees as Dutch students. These fees are set by the government and are typically lower than institutional fees. For example, the statutory fee for a second Master's degree in education or healthcare is €2,601.
However, if you do not meet the criteria for statutory fees, you will likely need to pay institutional fees. These fees are set by each university and can vary significantly, ranging from €6,000 to €20,000 per academic year. Master's degrees are usually more expensive than Bachelor's degrees. Additionally, certain disciplines, such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Business, tend to have higher costs.
International students can explore various funding opportunities to help finance their studies in the Netherlands. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, along with Dutch universities, offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the NL Scholarship provides up to €5,000 of funding for full-time Master's students from outside the EEA. Other scholarships, such as the Cultural Heritage Scholarship Programme, are targeted at students from specific regions or backgrounds.
- Utrecht University: This is the Netherlands' most prominent research university, attracting thousands of international students with its wide range of English-taught programmes.
- Delft University of Technology: As the oldest and largest public technical university in the country, Delft University is renowned for its science and engineering programmes.
- University of Groningen: Located in the city of Groningen, this university offers 180 English-taught Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
Overall, the Netherlands offers a welcoming environment, a large selection of English-taught programmes, and affordable tuition fees for international students pursuing Master's degrees.
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Frequently asked questions
No, master's programmes are not free for international students in the Netherlands. However, tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to other countries, and there are many scholarships available.
There are two types of tuition fees: statutory fees and institutional fees. Statutory fees are for international students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname, and graduates who have already studied in the Netherlands. These fees range from €1,070 to €2,083 per year. Institutional fees are for students who do not meet the statutory fee criteria, and they are usually much higher, ranging from €6,000 to €20,000 per year.
Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities available for international students, including non-EEA students. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide various forms of funding for international students pursuing master's degrees. NL Scholarships, for instance, offer up to €5,000 of funding for full-time master's students from outside the EEA.
























