Cost of Studying in Netherlands

Your everyday spending covers food, public transit, books, clothing, and movie tickets, alongside housing and insurance expenses. Research shows that students living and studying in the Netherlands for a full year typically spend between €800 and €1,100 each month.

• Cost of housing and accommodation in the Netherlands:

The Netherlands does not feature on-campus dormitories. A standard room in the country generally runs between €400 and €600 per month, keeping in mind that student hostel rooms tend to be costlier. Prior to accepting any room, verify which utilities (such as gas, electricity, internet, and television) are bundled into the monthly rent and thoroughly review your lease agreement before signing. Note that rental agreements specifying a minimum duration or a fixed timeframe are legally prohibited. Furthermore, we recommend avoiding cash rent payments unless your landlord provides an official receipt. Several university towns feature a Rent Team (Huurteam) to help tenants negotiate rental terms with property owners, while the Dutch Student Union (Landelijke Studentenvakbond, LSVb) runs a student hotline offering complimentary legal guidance.

• Cost of food in the Netherlands:

Groceries and dining out can account for up to one-third of your overall expenses while residing in the Netherlands. Fortunately, most tertiary institutions provide hot meals at affordable rates, and numerous towns feature pubs (eetcafés) serving quality dishes at reasonable prices. Still, preparing your own meals remains the most economical choice. Typical reference prices include €2 for a cup of coffee or tea at a café, €3 for a cheese sandwich, and €10 for a dinner at a standard student eatery.

• Cost of transportation in the Netherlands:

Getting around in the Netherlands can present some challenges. Bicycles are widely used by locals and offer an easy, highly economical way to navigate the city thanks to excellent cycling infrastructure. A single city bus ticket costs approximately €2. You might also consider purchasing a railway discount card, which grants a 40 percent price reduction during off-peak hours.

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) grants global students access to appealing discounts and promotions spanning travel, retail, museums, and beyond. Numerous bars, eateries, museums, and theatres offer student price reductions, though most request verification through your institutional student ID. It is always wise to confirm student discount availability in advance.

Specialized insurance for overseas students is provided by two main providers: IPS and AON Students Insurance. If you plan to engage in part-time work while studying in the Netherlands, obtaining Dutch public healthcare insurance (zorgverzekering) is mandatory, and you may select any authorized Dutch public healthcare insurer. Consult your educational institution, employer, or internship coordinator for recommendations on insurers offering discounted rates. Because Dutch public healthcare coverage solely addresses medical treatments, you must secure separate repatriation insurance and liability coverage. Basic health policies can reach up to €100 per month.

Income Tax:

You are obligated to pay taxes on your aggregate Dutch earnings for the calendar year, and scholarships may also be classified as taxable income and included in the total. Additional details regarding income tax can be obtained directly from your employer or the Dutch Tax Office.

Bank balance required for visa approval:

As a visa prerequisite, you must maintain adequate funds in your bank account to support yourself throughout your stay in the Netherlands. The requirement for 2019 was approximately €882 for every month you intended to reside in the country.