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8 Must have Student Discounts in the Netherlands

10-12-2025
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Grocery Shopping in the Netherlands

8 Must have Student Discounts in the Netherlands

1. Quick Summary Box (“If you’re in a hurry”)

What this guide covers:
The eight most valuable student discounts in the Netherlands - including transport, food, culture, bikes, and lifestyle - and how to claim each one.

Who it’s for:
International students who want to spend less each month and maximise their time in the Netherlands.

Key takeaway:
Using these discounts consistently can save you €80 - €200 monthly. Most require only student verification or having a Dutch bank account.

2. What students usually struggle with

International students often tell us they know discounts exist but don’t know where to find them, how to apply, or which ones are worth it. Dutch systems also tend to assume you already understand how subscriptions work here, which leads to confusion.

In the Brave Ones community, the most common challenges are:

  • Not knowing which student discounts apply to internationals

  • Missing out because platforms require student verification

  • Struggling with Dutch-only sign-up pages

  • Overlooking local city-based discounts (libraries, cinemas, cultural passes)

  • Paying full price simply due to lack of awareness

This guide breaks everything down clearly and shows you exactly how to access the 8 must-have discounts.

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3. The 8 Must-Have Student Discounts (2025 Updated List)

1. OV-Chipkaart + NS Student Train Discounts (Dal Voordeel / Weekend Voordeel)

Why it’s essential: Train travel is one of the biggest student expenses. With NS Flex discount plans, you can save 40% during off-peak hours or weekends.

How to get it:

  1. Make a personal OV-chipkaart.

  2. Create a Mijn NS account.

  3. Choose NS Flex Dal Voordeel or Weekend Voordeel.

  4. Link your card and pick up the product at a station.

Average savings: €20 - €70/month depending on frequency.

2. Museumkaart (Unlimited Entry to 450+ Museums)

Why it’s essential: If you enjoy art, culture, or history, this is one of the most cost-effective cards in Europe.

How to get it:

  • Buy online or at participating museums.

  • Register your card through the app.

Average savings: Visiting 3 - 4 museums already covers the annual fee.

3. UNiDAYS Student Discount Platform

Why it’s essential: Many major brands (Apple Music, Adidas, ASOS, Dell, H&M) offer 10 - 50% off exclusively through UNiDAYS.

How to get it:

  1. Download the UNiDAYS app.

  2. Verify your student status with your university email.

Average savings: Varies - especially useful for clothing, tech, and gym memberships.

4. ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card)

Why it’s essential: Useful for travel discounts and recognition in the EU and beyond.

How to get it:

  • Order online at ISIC Netherlands.

  • Upload proof of enrolment.

Average savings: €5 - €30 per booking for tours, hostels, and flights.

5. Student Priced Gym Memberships (Basic-Fit, USC, Local Gyms)

Why it’s essential: Most Dutch cities have at least one gym offering special rates for students.

How to get it:

  • Bring your student ID to the gym or sign up online with verification.

  • Universities often partner with USC or city gyms for major reductions.

Average savings: €10 - €25/month.

6. Swapfiets Student Plan

Why it’s essential: Owning a bike in the Netherlands is expensive when you add repairs. Swapfiets includes unlimited maintenance.

How to get it:

  1. Go to Swapfiets.nl.

  2. Choose the Student plan.

  3. Verify your student status.

Average savings: Avoids €50 - €200 per year in repair costs.

7. Dutch Supermarket Apps (Albert Heijn Bonuskaart + Lidl Plus)

Why it’s essential: Groceries are one of the highest student expenses, but weekly deals significantly reduce costs.

How to get them:

  • Download AH app → activate Bonus Deals.

  • Download Lidl Plus → weekly coupons.

Average savings: €10 - €40/month depending on habits.

8. Cineville Pass (Unlimited Movies in 60+ Cinemas) 

Why it’s essential: For film lovers, this is the best cultural subscription in the Netherlands.

How to get it:

  1. Sign up at cineville.nl.

  2. Attach to your bank account.

  3. Pick up your pass at the cinema.

Average savings: Pays for itself after 2 - 3 movies per month.

Extra Tip: Other more popular cinema chains such as Pathe and Vue also have the same subscription style. You can find more info at https://www.pathe.nl/nl/abonnementen and https://www.vuecinemas.nl/moviepass.

4. Requirements / Documents

Most student discounts require:

  • Valid student ID or enrolment letter

  • Email address (preferably your university email)

  • Dutch IBAN (for subscriptions)

  • Passport/ID (occasionally)

5. Important details international students should know

  • Dutch subscriptions auto-renew: You must cancel them manually.

  • Some discounts only show in the app: For AH Bonus + Lidl Plus, deals activate digitally.

  • Many city-level discounts exist: For example, Amsterdam libraries and Utrecht theatres have additional student pricing.

  • You don’t need a Dutch OV-chipkaart for Museumkaart or Cineville - but you do for NS discounts.

  • UNiDAYS and ISIC require student verification every year.

6. Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Mistake 1: Thinking discounts are only for Dutch students
International students qualify for the same offers.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to activate weekly supermarket deals
You must activate digital coupons to benefit.

Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong NS subscription
Pick based on when you travel - off-peak vs. weekend.

Mistake 4: Not checking your university benefits
Many universities include free sports, events, or software.

Mistake 5: Paying for multiple overlapping subscriptions
Choose a maximum of 2 cultural subscriptions (e.g., Museumkaart + Cineville).

7. Real examples from Brave Ones Team

Alyssa (Brazil): Have the cinema subscription and saves €35/month on tickets and snacks.
Ciska (Netherlands): Have the library free book subscription for students under 29 years old (available at Gelderland Zuid library).
Malu (Brazil): Stopped paying for bike repairs after joining Swapfiets.

Students often share that once they use these discounts consistently, they feel much more financially stable.

Jay Wennington N Y88twmgwa Unsplash

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Are these discounts valid for exchange students too?
Yes, as long as you have proof of enrolment at a Dutch institution.

Do I need a BSN to get student discounts?
Usually no. Most require only student ID + IBAN.

Which discount saves the most money?
Transport (NS) and groceries (AH + Lidl) usually create the biggest monthly savings.

Is there a student discount for Dutch public transport outside NS?
Some cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague) have local student deals for trams and buses.

Are cultural passes worth it if I’m busy?
Yes, even visiting one museum or one movie per week makes them cost-effective.

9. Glossary

OV-chipkaart: The card used for all Dutch public transport.
NS Flex: Monthly train subscription with discounts.
Cineville: Movie pass for unlimited cinema entry.
ISIC: Internationally recognized student identity card.
Bonuskaart: Albert Heijn supermarket discount card.

10. Sources & Useful Links

Brave Ones Tip: Unlock Even More Student Benefits with Us

At Brave Ones, we help international students settle smoothly in the Netherlands - not only by guiding you through discounts, but by giving you access to trusted partners and student-friendly services.

With Brave Ones, you can:

  • Get support navigating Dutch systems like healthcare, housing, banking, and GP registration

  • Access exclusive partner benefits designed for internationals

  • Receive practical, up-to-date advice based on the real experiences of our community

  • Understand what’s actually worth your money as a student living in Europe

We’re here to make life easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable for you - whether you're in your first week or already settled.

Explore all Brave Ones resources and partners on our platform.

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