EU vs. Non-EU Students: Cost of Living Differences in the Netherlands

So, you’ve decided to study in the Netherlands, great choice! But before you pack your stroopwafels and bike lights, there’s one big question to sort out:
Does the cost of living differ for EU and non-EU students?

Short answer: yes, it can, but not always in the way you might expect. While rent and groceries are similar for everyone, things like tuition fees, healthcare, and financial aid can vary a lot.

Here’s your clear, real-world guide to what EU and non-EU students can expect when budgeting for life in the Netherlands.

Tuition Fees: The Biggest Gap

Let’s start with the biggest difference, tuition.

If you’re from an EU/EEA country, you pay the statutory tuition fee, which is set by the Dutch government and the same across all universities.
For 2024–2025, that’s around €2,530 per year.

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you pay an institutional fee, which each university sets independently. This can range from €8,000 to €15,000 per year for bachelor’s programs and even higher for master’s degrees.

Tip: Always check your university’s tuition page, fees can differ even within the same city.

• Study in NL: Tuition Fees Overview

Housing: Same Struggles, Same Prices

Here’s one area where everyone’s equal, finding a room is tough. Both EU and non-EU students face the same challenges in finding affordable housing, especially in bigger cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht.

Expect to pay between €500 and €1,200 per month, depending on the city and housing type. Smaller cities like Groningen, Eindhoven, or Nijmegen tend to be more affordable, with rooms starting around €450–€800.

Brave tip: Start your search early, at least 3-4 months before arrival, and use trusted housing platforms such as ROOM.nl or SSH.

Health Insurance and Medical Costs

This is where the rules get tricky, and where EU and non-EU students differ most.

For EU/EEA Students:

If you already have health insurance from your home country, it might cover you while studying in the Netherlands through your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
That means you don’t need to buy Dutch insurance, unless you start working or doing a paid internship.

For Non-EU Students:

If you don’t work, you can use private international insurance or get a student insurance package (like from AON or Loonzorg), which costs about €40–€100 per month.
If you do work or intern with pay, Dutch law requires you to take out basic Dutch health insurance (about €120–€140 per month).

You may be eligible for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) - a monthly contribution from the Dutch government that can cover up to €120/month of your premium.
Check here if you qualify: Belastingdienst – Zorgtoeslag.

Working and Earning Money

Both EU and non-EU students can work in the Netherlands, but the rules differ.

• EU/EEA Students:
  You can work freely, just like Dutch students. No work permit needed, and you can work as many hours as you want.

• Non-EU Students:
  You can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time in June, July, and August - but only if your employer gets you a work permit (TWV) (Which Brave Ones can apply for you if you get a job through us!).

Important: Once you start working, both groups must have Dutch health insurance and may become eligible for benefits such as zorgtoeslag.

For more details, check the Dutch government page on working while studying.

Financial Aid and Benefits

There are some helpful financial supports, but not all students qualify for them.

EU/EEA Students:

You may be eligible for Dutch student finance (studiefinanciering) if you work at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands. This includes a loan, travel product, and sometimes even a partial grant.
Check eligibility at DUO – Student Finance.

Non-EU Students:

Unfortunately, most non-EU students can’t apply for Dutch student finance. However, you can look for university scholarships, Erasmus+ funding, or private grants.
A good place to start is the Grantfinder database.

Daily Costs: Everyone’s in the Same Boat

The everyday expenses - like groceries, transport, and fun - are roughly the same for everyone.
Most students spend:

• €200–€250/month on groceries

• €40–€60/month on public transport

• €100–€200/month for leisure, sports, and fun

These costs depend more on your city and lifestyle than on your nationality.

Student survival tips:

• Buy second-hand bikes instead of new ones.

• Use apps like Too Good To Go for cheap food.

• Ask for student discounts everywhere - from museums to mobile plans.

In Short: Comparing Monthly Budgets

While the exact numbers vary, here’s what most students experience:

• 🇪🇺 EU/EEA Students: around €1,000–€1,400/month, depending on the city.

• Non-EU Students: around €1,200–€1,500/month, mainly due to private insurance and visa-related costs.

And don’t forget tuition - that’s where the biggest gap lies!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re from Spain, India, or South Korea, student life in the Netherlands offers incredible experiences - international friendships, independence, and new perspectives.

Yes, non-EU students face slightly higher costs, but there are plenty of smart ways to save: from choosing a smaller city to applying for allowances or scholarships.

At Brave Ones, we’re here to help you make it all work - with guides on budgeting, housing, and understanding your student rights in the Netherlands.

Explore more tips in our Brave Ones Library.