Managing Your Student Finances in Netherlands
Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Netherlands.
Netherlands Student Money Guide
Tuition a year for a master's, for students from outside the EU (in euros, EUR)
EUR 12,000 to EUR 30,000
Money Topics
Read each guide for the details.
Plan Your Money for the Netherlands
Studying in the Netherlands costs a lot. Make a plan for your costs and where your money will come from.
Essential Monthly Expenses
Rent, a month (average).
A room costs EUR 450 to EUR 1,000 a month, depending on the city.
Groceries, a month (average).
Transport, a month (average).
A single bus ticket in a city costs around EUR 2.
Check which bills (gas, electricity, internet, TV) are in your rent.
Leisure and sports, a month (average).
Books and study materials: EUR 41 a month (average).
Banking in the Netherlands
Most people pay with a debit card (in Dutch: pinpas). You need a bank account if you work or do an internship.
- ABN AMRO lets you open an account without a BSN (citizen service number). Most other banks ask for one.
What You Usually Need
- Your passport
- Your citizen service number (BSN). Most banks ask for it, but ABN AMRO does not.
- Your Dutch address
Money Transfer Options
Bank Wire Transfers
Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.
Money Transfer Services
Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.
Common Payment Methods
Cash
Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.
Smart Financial Tips
Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in netherlands
Budgeting
Plan both tuition and living money before you apply.
The IND (the Dutch immigration office) asks you to show enough money for 12 months: EUR 1,130.77 a month in 2026, for students at a university or a university of applied sciences (HBO).
Plan two years of fees for a two-year master's.
Saving
Cook your own food.
Buy a second-hand bike instead of paying for transport.
Use student discounts with your student card.
Paying
Many grocery stores do not take credit cards, and some do not take cash. Carry a Dutch debit card (pinpas).
You must have a Dutch bank account if you work or do an internship.
Earning
As an employee, you may work only if your employer has a work permit (TWV) for you.
You must choose: up to 16 hours a week, or full time in June, July and August.
Pro Tips for netherlands
Currency Management
- • Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
- • Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
- • Keep some local cash (EUR) for emergencies
Local Financial Culture
- • Learn about local tipping customs and practices
- • Understand tax obligations for international students
- • Explore local student financial support programs
Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.
Complete Guide to Netherlands
Explore all aspects of studying in Netherlands with our comprehensive guides
Finance - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Netherlands with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationCalculate Your Study Costs in Netherlands
Use our interactive calculator to get a personalized estimate of tuition fees and living expenses for your specific program and city.
Use Cost Calculator