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CyprusCost of a first year
Netherlands vs Belgium: what a year of study costs
Belgium is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 4,100 to 19,100 less for a first year.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  Netherlands |  Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 9,000 to 30,000 | EUR 2,300 to 7,100 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 12,000 to 18,000 | EUR 14,400 to 21,600 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 254 | EUR 431 |
| First year, all in | EUR 21,300 to 48,300 | EUR 17,100 to 29,100 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 13,570 | EUR 12,740 |
| Work during term | 16 hours a week | 20 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 1 year | 1 year |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the Netherlands and Belgium 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 the Netherlands or Belgium?
Belgium is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 4,100 to 19,100 less for a first year. A first year in the Netherlands costs about EUR 21,300 to 48,300 and in Belgium about EUR 17,100 to 29,100, 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 Netherlands and Belgium?
Netherlands: EUR 13,570 a year. Belgium: EUR 12,740 a year.