IndependentFigures from official sources, with datesNo commission on students

Cost of a year

What will a year really cost?

From the country guide: tuition, living costs and the visa fee, plus the money you must show. The part you lose if the visa is refused is marked.

A year in Netherlands

In EUR as publishedIn EUR
Tuition, one year EUR 9,000 to 30,000 EUR 9,000 to 30,000
Public university, international student
Living costs, twelve months EUR 12,000 to 18,000 EUR 12,000 to 18,000
Visa or permit feeNot refunded if the visa is refused EUR 254 EUR 254
First year, all inEUR 21,250 to 48,250
Money you must show for the visa EUR 13,569 EUR 13,570
Held in your account before you apply; most of it then pays your living costs
Work while you study
16 hours a week in term
Stay after you graduate
12 months, Orientation year (zoekjaar)
Worth knowing. Housing is the biggest risk, with a national shortage of about 20,200 student rooms and Amsterdam costing €1,400 to €1,800 or more a month.

The full Netherlands guide, with every source →

Leaves out flights, deposits and insurance unless the guide includes them. Currency: Rates by Exchange Rate API, 25 September 2026.