The Netherlands is a premier destination for international students seeking a high-quality education in a supportive, multicultural environment.
The Dutch society is exceptionally welcoming to foreign students, offering a vast array of English-taught programmes. On our portals alone, you can explore over thousands of Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
Accessible tuition fees and manageable living costs are key advantages for students choosing the Netherlands. Read on as we provide a comprehensive breakdown to help you determine if studying here aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.
1. University tuition fees in the Netherlands
Public Dutch universities require tuition fees from all international students, regardless of their nationality. However, students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname often benefit from lower tuition rates compared to non-EU/EEA students.
On our portals, we categorize costs using the terms “EU/EEA” and “International” (non-EU/EEA citizens). When researching specific university websites, you may encounter the terms “Statutory” and “Institutional” fees; here is how they differ:
- Statutory tuition fee: usually applies to international students from the EU/EEA, or to graduates who have already studied in the Netherlands, or have a certain type of residence permit (like the one you receive if you're a family member of an EU/EEA national, if you have an unlimited residence permit or an asylum permit, if you have a "long-term resident-EC" residence permit, and so on).
- Institutional tuition fee: usually, if you don't meet the statutory tuition fee criteria, you are automatically required to pay this type of fee. It applies for most non-EU/EEA students.
Typically, institutional fees are higher than statutory fees because the Dutch government subsidizes the latter for eligible students. While the administrative landscape can feel complex, these fee structures are standard, so do not take them personally.
Average tuition fees for EU/EEA students
- Bachelor's programmes: between 1,040 and 2,083 EUR/year
- Master's programmes: between 1,070 and 2,083 EUR/year
Average tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
- Bachelor's programmes: between 6,000 and 15,000 EUR/year
- Master's programmes: between 8,000 and 20,000 EUR/year
Maximum costs for a degree in the Netherlands
- Bachelor's programmes: 19,400 EUR/year
- Master's programmes: 52,000 EUR/year
Degree programmes in fields such as Business Management or Communication tend to be more expensive. Additionally, you will generally encounter higher tuition costs at private Dutch universities.
Most affordable Dutch universities
Discover a selection of top Dutch universities known for offering affordable tuition fees to international students:
- - average tuition fees 2,143 EUR/year
- - average tuition fees 2,083 EUR/year
- - average tuition fees 2,143 EUR/year
- - average tuition fees 2,083 EUR/year
Universities we recommend in the Netherlands
Explore the best Dutch universities according to leading global rankings.
2. Scholarships and funding options in the Netherlands
Various funding avenues are available, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, as well as rent subsidies and financial assistance for health insurance to help cover your living costs.
- Tuition fee loans apply to EU/EEA students who are not eligible for Dutch study finance
- Various scholarships and grants offered by Dutch universities and organisations
You can also explore the Online Result Scholarship to secure additional support for your studies abroad.
Search through our extensive database of study programmes.
Ready to study in the Netherlands?
Find additional essential information below:
- The best universities in the Netherlands
- Applying for the Dutch student visa
- Enrolling in a Dutch university
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, ensure you meet all requirements for the Dutch student visa, which requires a fee of 171 EUR. Review the specific visa guidelines tailored to your country of origin.
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