If you are considering attending school in the Netherlands, one of the first things you will want to do is find out how much it will cost you to do so. The amount that you will have to pay can vary considerably depending on the course of study and the educational establishment that you decide to attend. As a result, let’s have a look at how much it would cost to study in the Netherlands in terms of tuition fees and living expenses, as well as some general pointers on how to save money while studying overseas.
The Netherlands is a common destination for overseas students who are looking to continue their education because it is home to a large number of highly regarded educational institutions. There are a lot of students that have an interest in going to school in the Netherlands, but they don’t end up going there because they’re worried about the expense. The good news is that despite common perceptions, the cost of an education in the Netherlands is actually rather reasonable.
The majority of classes in the Netherlands are instructed in English, and the cost of education is not too high. When you are planning your higher education program in the Netherlands, you need to take into consideration the various prices. Let’s take a look at the costs that come along with going to school in the Netherlands, such as the tuition, the cost of living, and the visa fees.
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands
Compared to other international students, those from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam pay reduced tuition rates. Different costs apply depending on the course, level of study (undergraduate/postgraduate), and university (public/private) selected. The following is an overview of tuition costs for foreign students in the Netherlands:
- Level of Study: Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s degree: 6,000 – 15,000 EUR/year
- Master’s degree: 8,000 – 20,000 EUR/year
However, in comparison to public institutions, private universities are more expensive. You might anticipate paying up to 30,000 EUR per year for various study programs.
Student Visa Costs in the Netherlands
The fee for an adult visa is €80, while the fee for a visa for a kid is €40. Candidates who are residents of the European Union/European Economic Area, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States, or Vatican City do not need either a residency permit or a student visa to study in Vatican City.
Tourists from other countries are required to submit an application for a Schengen visa even if they only intend to visit the area for a period of less than ninety days. If students plan to remain in the country for more than ninety days, they are required to have both a residency permit (VVR) and an entry visa (MVV). The following items must be included with your application in order to be considered:
- Academic transcripts
- Biometric information
- Birth certificate
- Complete study plan – explaining why you are interested in studying the chosen subject area and how and why
- it is related to your prior studies
- Completed visa application form
- Financial proof for the entire period of study
- Official letter from the academic institution in the Netherlands
- Photocopies of all the original documents
- Travel and health insurance
- Tuberculosis test (required for citizens from some countries)
- Two photographs
- Valid passport
Scholarships for Studying in the Netherlands
The Netherlands provides a number of scholarships to international students in order to alleviate any financial difficulties that may arise as a result of their decision to pursue an education in the Netherlands. These can either be offered by the university of choice on the basis of merit or be supported by the government. However, it is in your best interest to investigate the availability of financial aid possibilities through either the university or the government in your own country and to submit an application well in advance of the deadline.
The following is a list of some of the most common scholarships available in the Netherlands:
The Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP): is an initiative that is supported financially by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that aims to encourage capacity building within organizations located in a total of 51 countries by awarding fellowships to professionals for the purpose of the study and training Students enrolled in master’s programs, doctoral programs, or short courses at one of the Dutch institutions are eligible to apply for funding through the NFP.
- Civil society leadership awards: are given to students who not only excel in their academic and professional pursuits but also exhibit a strong enthusiasm for being agents of positive change in the communities in which they live. The prize consists of full funding for a master’s degree.
- Holland Scholarship: is something that foreign students from other countries who wish to continue their education in the Netherlands can apply for. This fellowship is made possible via the kind support of the Dutch Ministry of Education as well as a number of Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. The application period for this scholarship closes in either February or May of each year.
- Scholarship for outstanding global citizens offered to international students: is something that The Hague University of Applied Sciences gives, and it’s geared for prospective students from other countries who want to earn a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree there. Students who demonstrate both talent and ambition are given priority consideration for this grant.
Other popular scholarships in the Netherlands include:
- Orange Knowledge Programme
- Radboud University Scholarship Programme
- University of Maastricht High Potential Scholarships
- Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarships
- Erik Bleumink Scholarships at the University of Groningen
- University of Twente Scholarships
How to Apply to Study in the Netherlands
Because the admissions procedure at the institution to which you are applying can be different from what you are used to, if you have any specific queries you should make sure to speak with the university to which you are applying. In the meantime, proceed with getting started by performing the following steps:
Choose a program
The first thing you need to do is determine which degree program will best meet your needs. Determine the area of research that interests you the most, as well as the degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) that you wish to pursue. Be aware that you may be required to demonstrate your level of proficiency by taking a test or attending extra language classes. Make sure that the degree program that you start with is the right one for you. Whether you are a graduate student or an undergraduate student, you can choose to study for a degree in a wide variety of fields.
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Get the necessary documents ready.
As a standard element of the application process, a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation, and, in certain cases, a portfolio of previous work are required from prospective students at all educational establishments. Additionally, universities will require verification that the applicant has successfully completed previous curriculum.
To demonstrate that you meet this requirement, you must provide the institution with an official transcript either from your secondary school if you are beginning a program leading to a bachelor’s degree or from an earlier university attended if you are working toward a master’s degree or higher. If English is not your first language, you may be required to take and pass an English proficiency test such as the TOEFL in addition to meeting the other requirements.
Check the specific admission requirements.
It is possible that some papers will be required, however this will vary from university to university. Always make sure to check the university website for the specific admission requirements, and if you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the appropriate university office.
Submit your application
The application process to study in the Netherlands, whether for an undergraduate or postgraduate program, is fairly straightforward and uncomplicated once you have determined the field of study you are most interested in pursuing. The fall admissions period for universities in the Netherlands begins in September, and the spring applications period begins in February each year. These are the two key admissions periods.
You can apply for many degree programs offered by Dutch institutions through the use of the online application system known as Studielink. Using Studielink, you can submit applications for up to four different classes at the same time. You have the ability to change the classes that you want to apply for up until the point where the enrollment deadline arrives.
Watch for a choice to be made.
The admissions decisions are often made public toward the end of the spring semester. Students who are not citizens of the EU are required to formally enroll at the school before they may start lessons, and they are typically responsible for paying the tuition for the first semester. In any other scenario, the university at which you will continue your education will send you an official letter of admission, as well as a confirmation of your admission that can be used to apply for a visa, and you will also receive additional helpful information regarding studying in the Netherlands while abroad.
Make an application for a student visa.
As soon as you are extended an invitation to participate in a higher education program in the Netherlands, you should get started on the process of applying for a visa. Do not procrastinate because the process could potentially take a long time and involves a variety of important documents.
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Arrive in the Netherlands
If you have been admitted to a university in the Netherlands and have obtained the necessary visa, it is now time for you to begin your experiences there! Be sure to do some research on how much it costs to live in the city where you will be staying so that you can establish a budget for yourself. After you have that, you will be able to begin looking for a place to stay. It is at last time to make reservations for your trip to the Netherlands and to arrive in your new place of residence! No matter where you choose to stay, you will be able to enjoy a variety of attractions and activities.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands is consistently recognized as one of the top countries in the world, making it a great place to acquire a first-rate education, which is one of the many advantages of choosing to pursue your academic pursuits in the Netherlands. However, in addition to the cost of tuition and living expenses, there are additional expenses involved.
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