Cost of living in the Netherlands
Studying in the Netherlands means budgeting for two things: tuition and living costs. What you pay in tuition depends heavily on whether you qualify for the statutory fee or pay institutional fees. All figures here change over time and must be confirmed officially before you rely on them.
Tuition fees
The statutory tuition fee — paid by EU students and others who meet the nationality and residence conditions — is €2,694 for 2025–26. Non-EU students instead pay institutional fees, which are set by each university and vary widely by programme:
- Bachelor's: typically about €9,000–€20,000 per year.
- Master's: typically about €12,000–€30,000 per year.
Always check the exact fee for your specific programme on the institution's website. Our courses and institutes guides explain how programmes differ.
Proof of funds and living costs
For your residence permit, you must show you can support yourself. The figure for 2026 is €1,130.77 per month — roughly €13,569 per year — covering everyday living costs such as food, transport, insurance and personal expenses, on top of accommodation.
Stretching your budget
- Cycling is the default way to get around most Dutch cities and cuts transport costs sharply.
- Part-time work can supplement your budget within the limits in our working guide.
- Costs are generally higher in Amsterdam and Utrecht than in cities such as Groningen.
Official sources: Study in NL (Nuffic), Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), Government of the Netherlands.