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Netherlands Study Abroad 2026: Essential Guide for Students

Netherlands Study Abroad 2026: Essential Guide for Students
Last updated 2/27/2026•~8 min read•More in Study Abroad
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Are you planning to come and study in the Netherlands in 2026? You’ll be happy to know that international student fees here are quite competitive: Prices for undergraduate and graduate study range from the equivalent of €6,000 to €20,000 a year. Monthly living costs here are approximately €800 – €1,200. Requirements include evidence of English proficiency (usually through language test scores) and a student visa, which non-EEA nationals must apply for in advance of their arrival. In this site, you'll find many of the facts and details you'll need for a great study experience in the Netherlands.

  • Tuition fees range from €6,000 to €20,000 annually.
  • Living expenses are between €800 and €1,200 per month.
  • IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 80 is required.
  • Non-EU students need a €210 visa.
  • Apply for admission at least a year in advance.

The Netherlands is offering excellent study options to students across the globe at affordable prices. Apart from low cost of living, a number of colleges and universities in Netherlands provide quality education along with a friendly environment to international students. Thus Netherlands has emerged as one of the excellent study abroad destinations.

Overview of Study in Netherlands for International Students

Netherlands is known for its lively culture, excellent education system and therefore is one of the top preferred destinations for students looking for studying abroad. Netherlands universities are known for carrying out research-oriented study with a more practical approach and offers a numerous number of courses in various fields across the world, many of which are taught in English. As on 2026, Netherlands will carry on being multicultural in nature and students from all over the world would be able to carry on their studies here comfortably.

Coming as an international student to study in the Netherlands you'll enjoy a rich student life. The Netherlands is famous for its diversity in cultures and way of living and offers a large international community. In addition, all of the Dutch cities in which University Colleges Holland has locations have their own rich and long history. Beautiful mix of old and modern architecture – cities are full of character. From the dynamic city life of Amsterdam to the tranquility of Utrecht's picturesque canals, the Netherlands offers an unforgettable experience.

Cost of Living for Students in the Netherlands

The cost of living is an important factor to consider when deciding on a country to study abroad. In the Netherlands, students can expect to pay between €800-€1,200 a month. This works out to approximately $848-$1,272 USD. The costs are broken down into housing, food, transportation and other living expenses.

Rent is a very important part of your monthly budget. As you can imagine the rent will differ a lot depending on where you want to live, the type of accommodation you're looking for and also your location in relation to the university. Typically though you should budget between €300-€800 per month. Food prices are generally not too high with an average budget of €150-€200 per month. Transportation costs can vary from €35 to €70 per month.

Best to buy a bicycle. This is by far the cheapest and the most used mode of transport by the students.

Tuition Fees in Netherlands for 2026

you'll have to pay tuition fees for every study programme you're registered for. There are different fees for Dutch and international students, and for different study programmes. For a bachelor's degree you'll have to pay between €6,000 and €15,000 per year as an international student. For a master's degree the amount can be between €8,000 and €20,000 per year. International students usually pay higher tuition fees than EU students.

There are a number of reasons why studying in the Netherlands can make for a very different university experience. Yet in terms of cost the Netherlands is still a very affordable alternative in comparison to the rest of Europe and the United States. it's also important to remember that students receive an education of a highly professional standard in the Netherlands, so the money is well worth it. the Dutch degree is highly recognized all over the world.

Admission Requirements for Netherlands University

International students must meet the admission requirements set by the universities in the Netherlands, which may vary per course and per study level. In general, you'll need a valid passport for admission in a Bachelor or a Master. For Bachelor courses you'll also need a High School Diploma for admission and for Master courses you'll need a Bachelor degree.

Language proficiency is required. it's normally considered that a level of English that can be shown by achieving an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 80 would be suitable for entry to a university course. Students should be able to understand the material of the course and be able to take part in seminars and discussions.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements

Non-EU/EEA students will have to apply for a student visa (MVV) and a residence permit in order to be able to study in the Netherlands. This application will be charged with an amount of €210 (approximately $223 USD). So, be sure to apply in good time to ensure that you won't run into difficulties when enrolling for your studies.

The university’s international office assists students in obtaining a visa and ensures that all necessary papers and documents are in order, a very helpful task to arrange the necessary official documents to gain a visa for the country.

Universities can vary in their provision of support for international students, so we always recommend asking about any campus workshops or sessions they hold re: visa issues. These can be really helpful in understanding the rules and the timeframes involved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying in the Netherlands

One of the most common issues international students face is underestimating living costs in the Netherlands. Although the tuition fees are relatively high, many students underestimate the costs of their daily living and are therefore often ill-prepared for these high living costs. They don't often plan for unforeseen expenses.

Another mistake made by many isn't learning some basic Dutch words and phrases. Although most courses will be taught in English, learning some Dutch is invaluable. It also pays to start looking for accommodation and scholarships early as the competition is very high.

Tips for Successful Study in Netherlands

Study Abroad in the Netherlands? Start planning at least one year prior to your intended start date. It may seem like a long time but gathering all the necessary information for the application, researching scholarships and finding a place to live can take up so much time. Be an early bird to have the best experience abroad.

At Auckland University of Technology (AUT) students who are coming to study from abroad can work up to 16 hours per week during term time. This can be an excellent way to earn some money and gain work experience. Students can also get involved with student clubs and associations which can be a great way to gain networks and experience as well as having fun and being involved in the AUT community.

2026 Updates in Netherlands Education

In 2026 erwonnen meerdere ontwikkelingen binnen de Nederlandse opleidingssector: Sustainabilty en Green Campus. Diverse Nederlandse universiteiten proberen zoveel mogelijk duurzame projecten binnen de scholen en landschappen op te leveren, tevens binnen de onderwijscontext. Groen opweg wilt meer weten over deze duurzame projecten.

Many universities around the world are introducing hybrid learning models, combining on-campus and online learning. International students often have legitimate reasons for having to travel frequently, such as visiting loved ones or managing work that involves different time zones. Therefore, universities are increasingly introducing new international student support services, including career guidance and mental health wellbeing initiatives.

Comparison with Other Countries

Compared to the UK, the costs for studying and living in the Netherlands are lower. In addition, the Netherlands has a more open, multiculture society similar to Germany, but with more study options available in English.

Several factors have made the Netherlands one of the popular study destinations across the globe. It ensures that it maintains the quality of education while keeping the cost affordable and ensures the smooth integration of the international students within the community.

Cultural Tips for Studying in Netherlands

Students: being on time On time is what really matters in Dutch culture, so students are expected to be in class and for any scheduled appointments on time. The precise Dutch planning and timetables in education also reflect this aspect.

Cycling is also the most popular way of travelling in the Netherlands. All the reasons you’ve heard about cycling in Holland are true. This means that buying a decent bike makes perfect sense.

It's quite normal for the Dutch to come straight out with what they mean. Sometimes this comes as quite a shock. You can actually make the most of this habit in education and in your private lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Netherlands

What are the top universities in the Netherlands for international students?

The University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology and Utrecht University consistently place high in the rankings and are particularly popular with international students.

How can I apply for scholarships in the Netherlands?

it's also possible to apply for the Holland Scholarship and the Erasmus+ program. Information per study can be found via the university’s international office.

Is health insurance mandatory for international students?

Yes. How can I get health insurance? As from 1st January 2016 health insurance is obligatory. EU students should present their EHIC card, whilst non-EU students have to get private insurance.

Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?

Non-EU students can also work during the academic year up to a maximum of 16 hours per week.

What is the language of instruction for most programs?

Most of the graduate programmes offered at the Master level are taught in English and therefore are open to international students.

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