Study in the Netherlands 2026/27
English-taught programmes, innovative universities and a bike-friendly lifestyle. Everything you need to know about studying in the Netherlands — cities, costs, housing and student life — with 2026 figures.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Why study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands draws an estimated 115,000+ international students, and in 2025–26 alone Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences welcomed 48,139 new international enrolments (Nuffic). The appeal is easy to see: a huge choice of English-taught programmes, internationally ranked universities, and a compact, bike-friendly country where every major city is a short train ride from the next.
It isn't cheap, though. Living costs typically run €1,000–1,500 a month (an estimate that depends heavily on your city and your rent), and the housing shortage is the single biggest challenge for newcomers. This guide walks you through the practical side, in reading order.
One policy to watch: the Dutch language bill (WIB) is being rewritten. On 5 October 2026 the cabinet proposed that programmes be taught in Dutch by default unless another language adds clear value. It is not yet in force. Our Study in Holland guide explains what it could mean.
The key numbers for 2026/27
| Item | 2026 figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory tuition (EU/EEA, Swiss, Surinamese students) | €2,694 a year (2026–27) | Study in NL |
| Institutional tuition (non-EU/EEA) | About €9,000–20,000 (bachelor's), €12,000–30,000 (master's) a year | Study in NL |
| IND proof of funds (university or HBO study) | €1,130.77 a month, about €13,569 for 12 months, on top of tuition | IND |
| Study residence permit fee | €254 (2026) | IND |
| Non-EU student work limit | Either 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August (you choose one) | IND / UWV |
| Minimum wage, age 21+ | €14.71/hour (from 1 Jan 2026), €14.99/hour (from 1 Jul 2026) | Rijksoverheid |
The IND updates the proof-of-funds amount every January, so the 2027 figure may be slightly higher. Always confirm on Study in NL and the IND.
Explore the Netherlands guide
Compare Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, Eindhoven, and more.
Budget calculator and cost breakdowns for Dutch cities.
Student housing, room rentals, and navigating the Dutch housing market.
Cycling culture, part-time work, student associations, and daily life.
Related scholarships
Tuition is where the Netherlands gets expensive for non-EU students, so funding matters. Two guides worth reading next:
Holland Scholarship and other Dutch government-funded programmes for international students.
EU-funded joint master's programmes with full scholarships across Europe.
Other country guides
Weighing up destinations? Compare with our guides to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and the USA.