Daily student expenses and cost of living in the Netherlands | Study in NL (2024)

Housing

An average room in the Netherlands costs somewhere between € 450 and € 700 a month. The costs depend on the city where you study, what is included in the rent and the arrangements made by the institution. Housing in Amsterdam for example is more expensive than in smaller towns such as Enschede.

You can find more information about accommodation in our section on housing.

Food

Most higher education institutions offer hot meals at reasonable prices. All cities have pubs (called eetcafés) where you can get a good meal at a good price. In the bigger cities you will find lots of foreign restaurants. But the cheapest way to eat is to do your own cooking.

Some average prices:

  • a cup of coffee/tea in a café: € 3,00
  • a cheese sandwich: € 4,00
  • dinner in a typical student restaurant: € 12,50

Transportation

You can get around town easily on a bike. This is not only typically Dutch but also a cheap means of transportation. Bus tickets cost around € 2 for a single fare in the city. You can buy a 40% discount card for train tickets for travelling outside rush hour. Visit the website of the Dutch railways for more information.

Student discounts

Many bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas give student discounts. Most of these ask for proof in the form of a student card from your institution.

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can give you discounts on travel, shopping and museums. It is valid worldwide.

Daily student expenses and cost of living in the Netherlands | Study in NL (2024)

FAQs

Daily student expenses and cost of living in the Netherlands | Study in NL? ›

Average Cost of Living in Netherlands for International students. An International student needs an average of €800 to €1,500 EUR (INR 72,600 to 1,36,100) per month to cover their cost of living in the Netherlands.

How much does it cost to live in the Netherlands as a student? ›

On average, a single person may spend around €800-€1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. Students can expect to live comfortably in the Netherlands with a monthly budget of INR 86,000 (€952).

How much does it cost to live in Groningen for international students? ›

Studying in the Netherlands costs roughly between €800 and €1,100 a month. This amount includes rent, food, buying books etc. Tuition fees are excluded. If you include going out and having an active social life, you may need (much) more.

How much does Netherlands cost for international students? ›

Tuition for non-EU/EEA students at public universities

For all the other international students, tuition fees are higher. You can expect to pay anywhere between: 6,000 - 15,000 EUR/year for a Bachelor's degree. 8,000 - 20,000 EUR/year for a Master's degree.

Is 2500 euro a good salary in the Netherlands? ›

Average Wages

The average monthly salary in the Netherlands can vary significantly depending on factors such as occupation, experience, education, and location within the country. According to recent data, the gross average monthly salary is typically around 3,000 to 3,500 euros.

Do international students pay tax in Netherlands? ›

You must pay taxes over your total income. If you receive a scholarship, this might be added to your salary. In the Netherlands, you must file your income taxes once each year. Do you want to know more about your income tax?

How much bank balance is required for a Netherlands student visa? ›

Proof of funds: you must show proof of having at least 900 Euros per month for the duration of your degree. This figure of minimum funds is updated by the IND twice every year. Proof of language proficiency in English: exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.

What is the minimum wage for international students in the Netherlands? ›

There is no minimum wage in Netherlands for international students as set by country. It is subject to vary according to the type of part-time job and length of time spend in that job. Netherlands per hour salary for students in part-time jobs goes up to 20 Euros per hour which is equivalent to INR 1,700.

What is the college dropout rate in Netherlands? ›

While 60 percent of Dutch students complete their course within four years, this figure is 65 percent for students from within the European Economic Area, and 61 percent for students outside of Europe.

How many hours can a student work in the Netherlands? ›

I am a student with a non-EU/EEA nationality. How many hours per week am I allowed to work? If you reside in the Netherlands on a student residence permit, you are allowed to work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year, or fulltime in the summer months (June to August).

How many international students stay in the Netherlands after graduation? ›

On average, 24% of international graduates still live in the Netherlands 5 years after graduation (Nuffic, 2022).

Is Netherlands cheap for students? ›

In general, the monthly cost of living in the Netherlands for an international student will be around €800-1200. An average room will cost between €400 and €700, but keep in mind that small towns will generally be cheaper than cities and that the type of accommodation will also have an impact on the price.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in the Netherlands? ›

The cost of living in the Netherlands for a single person = ~ €1,782 per month and ~ €21,384 per year. Average cost of living in the Netherlands for a student = ~ €1,250 per month and ~ €15,000 per year. Cost of living in the Netherlands for a family = ~ € 4,102 per month and ~ €49,224 per year.

Is the Netherlands cheaper than the US? ›

United States is 11% more expensive than Netherlands. Jun 2024 Cost of Living.

Is university free in the Netherlands? ›

Higher education in the Netherlands is not free, however, it is subsidised by the Dutch government, making it affordable for Dutch students and also fairly accessible for international students. Learn more about tuition fees and higher education costs in the Netherlands.

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