Top Student Cities in the Netherlands
Compare and explore the best cities for international students in the Netherlands — from Amsterdam's big-city buzz to Groningen's budget-friendly student scene.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Quick comparison
Rents are typical monthly ranges for a student room (estimates, not official figures).
| City | Rent/month | Cost level | Vibe | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €700–1,200 | Very High | International & liberal | Business, arts |
| Rotterdam | €550–850 | High | Modern & diverse | Architecture, logistics |
| Utrecht | €550–800 | High | Cosy & student-focused | All-round study |
| Groningen | €350–550 | Low-Medium | Young & vibrant | Budget, social life |
| Eindhoven | €450–650 | Medium | Tech & innovative | Tech, design |
| Maastricht | €400–600 | Medium | International & intimate | EU studies, liberal arts |
| Delft | €450–650 | Medium | Small & charming | Engineering (TU Delft) |
| Leiden | €500–700 | Medium-High | Historic & academic | Law, medicine, research |
City by city
Each city scored out of 5 for affordability, nightlife and international-friendliness.
The capital, with a famously international outlook. Rent €700–1,200 a month; cost level very high; best for business and arts.
Known for bold modern architecture. Rent €550–850 a month; cost level high; best for architecture, logistics.
Most beautiful canals in NL. Rent €550–800 a month; cost level high; best for all-round study.
Roughly a quarter of residents are students (local estimate). Rent €350–550 a month; cost level low-medium; best for a tight budget and social life.
City of Light and birthplace of Philips. Rent €450–650 a month; cost level medium; best for tech and design.
The most European city in NL. Rent €400–600 a month; cost level medium; best for EU studies, liberal arts.
Home of Delft Blue pottery. Rent €450–650 a month; cost level medium; best for engineering (TU Delft).
Oldest university in NL (1575). Rent €500–700 a month; cost level medium-high; best for law, medicine, research.
Compare two cities
Rent is only part of the picture — see the cost of living calculator for full monthly budgets.
More Netherlands guides
Budget calculator and prices.
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Culture, work, and fun facts.