Cost of Studying in Netherlands (2027) for International Students

Non-EU/EEA students pay an institutional tuition fee set individually by each university, commonly from about EUR 9,000 to EUR 20,000 a year for a bachelor's degree and EUR 12,000 to EUR 30,000 a year for a master's degree; medicine, dentistry and some joint-degree programmes charge more, with confirmed 2026-2027 bachelor's rates up to about EUR 35,640 at some universities. Eligible EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students pay the much lower statutory fee, EUR 2,694 for 2026-2027. Some universities also charge a non-refundable application or handling fee, commonly around EUR 100, for applicants with a diploma from outside the Netherlands; other universities charge none.

A typical student living budget runs EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 a month. Rent is usually the largest cost, from about EUR 450 to EUR 1,000 a month for a room depending on the city, alongside groceries, study materials, transport, leisure and health insurance; Amsterdam and other large cities generally cost more than smaller university towns such as Enschede or Groningen.

For a study residence permit, the IND requires proof of at least EUR 1,130.77 a month for higher education study (valid 1 January to 31 December 2026), most often shown through a scholarship, a loan agreement or a sponsor's own income. Students from outside the EU/EEA may work up to 16 hours a week during term time, or full time in June, July and August, which can help offset living costs alongside university and government scholarships.