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CyprusCost of a first year
Ireland vs Netherlands: what a year of study costs
The Netherlands is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 11,600 to 12,500 less for a first year.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  Ireland |  Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 16,000 to 29,500 | EUR 9,000 to 30,000 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 16,800 to 31,200 | EUR 12,000 to 18,000 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 60 | EUR 254 |
| First year, all in | EUR 32,900 to 60,800 | EUR 21,300 to 48,300 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 10,000 | EUR 13,570 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 16 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 1 year | 1 year |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the Ireland and Netherlands guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in Ireland or the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 11,600 to 12,500 less for a first year. A first year in Ireland costs about EUR 32,900 to 60,800 and in the Netherlands about EUR 21,300 to 48,300, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Ireland and Netherlands?
Ireland: EUR 10,000 a year. Netherlands: EUR 13,570 a year.