Ibrahim Gardner
The Netherlands is a popular study destination for international students due to its high-quality education, English-taught programmes, and relatively low cost of living. While it is not possible for international students to study in the Netherlands for free, there are several ways to reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses. Firstly, public universities in the Netherlands typically charge lower tuition fees than private universities. Additionally, international students may be eligible for early bird discounts, scholarships, or financial assistance offered by universities, organisations, or the Dutch government. The Dutch government also offers a student finance programme with benefits such as free public transport and grants or loans for students from low-income families. Furthermore, some companies and organisations may provide financial support in exchange for work after graduation. Lastly, international students can work part-time with a work permit, allowing them to earn an income during their studies. Overall, while university education in the Netherlands may not be free for international students, there are numerous options to make it more affordable and accessible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University fees for international students | Not free; range from €6,000 to €20,000 per year |
| Scholarships | Available from universities, governments, and external organisations |
| Student finance | Available from the Dutch government |
| Student visa cost | €171 or €228, depending on country of origin |
| Average monthly rent | Up to €1,000; university accommodation between €350-€600 |
| Average monthly utility costs | €200 |
| Average monthly internet package | €30-€50 |
| Average monthly phone bill | €20 |
| Average weekly shop | €50 |
| Average meal in a restaurant | €15 |
| Average cinema ticket | €12 |
| Average monthly gym membership | €30 |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants
The cost of studying in the Netherlands ranges from €6,000-15,000 per year for an undergraduate degree and €8,000-20,000 per year for a postgraduate degree. While it is not free, there are several scholarship and grant opportunities available for international students.
Scholarships
The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) is a scholarship for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in the Netherlands. The scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. The scholarship amounts to €5,000, which is awarded in the first year of study. It is important to note that this is not a full-tuition scholarship.
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, some universities in the Netherlands have partnerships with specific countries, offering scholarships to attract international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, athletic or artistic achievements, or a combination of these factors.
Grants
The Dutch Education Organisation NUFFIC offers grants to international students within the framework of cultural agreements between the Netherlands and their home country. Grantfinder is also a useful resource for finding funding opportunities.
Other Options
Some universities offer early-bird discounts or other tuition fee discounts for international students. Additionally, students may be able to work part-time while studying, depending on their nationality and visa status.
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Student finance programme
The Dutch government offers a student finance programme, 'studiefinanciering', to help students with the cost of study and living. This programme offers a range of benefits, including free public transport, grants for students from low-income families, and low-interest student loans.
The Dutch higher education system is subsidised by the government, but it is not free for students, including those from the Netherlands and other EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, or Suriname. The statutory tuition fee for these students is €2,530 per year for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. For students from outside the EU/EEA, the fees can be double or triple this amount, up to €20,000 per year, depending on the institution, degree, residence permit type, and previous study history.
There are a number of ways to reduce the cost of studying in the Netherlands as an international student. Firstly, some universities offer early-bird discounts to attract international students, so applying early can help to secure a lower tuition fee. Secondly, scholarships are available from universities, the government, and external organisations. For example, the NL Scholarship offers non-EEA students a one-off payment of €5,000 to study for a full-time bachelor's degree at a participating institution. 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. Finally, some companies and organisations will help with education expenses in exchange for working for them after graduation.
In addition to tuition fees, there are other costs to consider when studying in the Netherlands. These include visa fees, accommodation costs, utility costs, internet and phone bills, groceries, and leisure activities. The average weekly shop in the Netherlands costs €50 per month, a meal in a restaurant costs €15, and a pint of beer in a bar is €5. Many places offer student discounts, especially with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
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Tuition fees
Although the Netherlands is a great destination for international students, it is not possible for them to study for free as there are no tuition-free programmes available. However, there are other ways to reduce the cost of tuition.
The cost of tuition fees for international students depends on the institution, the degree, the residence permit type, previous study history, and whether the student is from the EU/EEA or not. Students from the Netherlands, the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or Suriname typically pay €2,530 per year for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These are referred to as statutory tuition fees. Students from outside these regions may be charged double or triple this amount, which could be up to €20,000 per year.
Public universities in the Netherlands are considered low-tuition-fee universities for international students, as they usually cost less than private universities. The average tuition fees for international students in the Netherlands are between €6,000 and €15,000 per year for an undergraduate degree, and between €8,000 and €20,000 per year for a postgraduate degree. Some of the cheapest universities in the Netherlands include Radboud University, the University of Twente, Utrecht University, and HAN University of Applied Sciences, which have average fees of around €2,000 to €2,200 per year.
Scholarships
There are various scholarship options for international students, with some excellent opportunities for non-EEA students. Scholarships are offered by universities, the government, and external organisations. For example, the NL Scholarship offers a one-off payment of €5,000 to non-EEA students applying for a full-time bachelor's degree at a participating institution. 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 Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is available for non-EEA master's students at the University of Amsterdam.
Early Applications
Some universities offer early-bird discounts to attract international students. Applying early can help to lower tuition fees and increase the chance of your application being prioritised.
Student Finance
The Dutch government offers a student finance programme to help students with the cost of study and living. This includes free public transport, grants for low-income families, and low-interest student loans.
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Living costs
The cost of living in the Netherlands varies depending on location and lifestyle choices. Living in Amsterdam, for example, will be more expensive than living in smaller cities like Eindhoven or Groningen.
The average cost of living in the Netherlands for international students, including rent, is approximately €1,999 per month. This cost includes essentials like food, transportation, and utilities. The cost of living in the Netherlands without rent is about €787 per month.
Accommodation is often the largest expense for students. The average rent in the Netherlands varies depending on the city and type of housing. Student accommodation is usually more affordable, and some universities offer on-campus housing. Renting a room in the Netherlands can cost between €300 and €600 per month. Student houses are more affordable, and you can save money by sharing a house. A single flat or a larger apartment will be more expensive. Utilities are not always included in the accommodation costs, so it's important to ask what's included in the rent. You will also have to pay a deposit, usually equal to one month's rent, which you will get back if you don't damage the property.
Food costs in the Netherlands are manageable, especially if you cook at home. Students living alone pay around €150-€170 per month for food and groceries. Dining out can add variety but is more expensive. A budget meal costs around €10-€15, while a mid-range restaurant will cost €25-€40 for a three-course meal.
Transportation costs in the Netherlands average €35-€70 per month. The Netherlands is famous for its bike-friendly culture, and you can save a lot of money by renting or buying a second-hand bike. A second-hand bike will cost €50-€200, while renting a bike costs around €10 per day.
Study materials cost between €300 and €600 per year.
Health insurance is mandatory for international students and typically covers doctor visits, emergency care, and prescriptions. It costs around €80-€120 per month.
There are several scholarship opportunities available to international students, including the NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship) for non-EU/EEA students. A part-time job can also help finance your studies, especially as tuition fees in the Netherlands can be quite expensive for non-European students. EEA and Swiss students don’t need a work permit and can work unlimited hours while studying. Other international students will need a work permit and can only work either no more than 10 hours a week throughout the year, or full-time in June, July, and August.
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Student visas
The Netherlands is a great destination for international students looking for quality education in Europe. The Dutch environment and people are very friendly towards foreign students, and Dutch universities offer many English-taught programmes. However, if you are an international student, you may need to apply for a student visa.
Firstly, it is important to note that not all international students need a student visa or residence permit to study in the Netherlands. If you are from the EU/EEA or the following countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the US, and the Vatican City, you do not need a visa or residence permit.
For international students from other countries, the type of visa or permit you need depends on the length of your stay. If you plan to study in the Netherlands for 90 days or less, you will need a short-stay visa or a Schengen visa. If you plan to study for more than 90 days, you will need an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR). The MVV is also only valid for 90 days and should be followed by the application for a VVR.
The process of applying for a student visa for the Netherlands involves several steps and requires organising and preparing the necessary documents and information. Firstly, you need to decide on a university and receive an acceptance letter, which is required for the visa application. Once you have been accepted, your university should contact you to start the visa application process. After the university receives approval from the Immigration Service, they will inform you, and you can proceed to apply for the entry visa (MVV) at the closest embassy or consulate in your country.
It is important to note that there may be costs associated with the student visa application process. The Dutch student visa costs 171 EUR. Additionally, there may be application or handling fees when applying to Dutch universities, typically ranging from €75 to €100. These fees are commonly charged to non-EEA students or students with a non-Dutch previous education.
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Frequently asked questions
No, university in the Netherlands is not free for international students. However, there are various scholarship options available to international students, including non-EEA students.
Scholarship schemes available to international students include the NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship), which offers a one-off payment of €5,000 to non-EEA students applying for a full-time bachelor's degree at a participating institution. Another example is the Cultural Heritage Scholarship Programme, which is for Master's students from Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Suriname studying a programme related to their cultural heritage.
The average tuition fee for a degree programme in the Netherlands for non-EU students is €6,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the institution. For example, Radboud University has an average tuition fee of €2,143 per year, while Utrecht University has an average tuition fee of €2,143 per year.
Yes, international students should also consider the cost of living in the Netherlands, which includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses. The Dutch government offers a student finance programme to help students with the cost of study and living, which includes free public transport, grants for low-income students, and low-interest student loans.
