Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the cheapest universities in the Netherlands for international students. If you’re a Bangladeshi student dreaming of studying abroad without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place. The Netherlands is known not only for its picturesque landscapes and rich culture but also for its world-class education system, which is surprisingly affordable.
Tuition in the UK can cost between 12,000 EUR and 18,000 EUR. But in the Netherlands, it’s only 7,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR. This makes the Netherlands an excellent choice for international students looking for quality education without spending too much.
We’re excited to share how to find the cheapest universities in Netherlands for international students. Our team knows a lot about the Dutch education system. They can help you choose the school that fits your academic and financial needs.
Key Takeaways
- The Netherlands offers some of Europe’s most affordable university tuition fees, with average costs ranging from 7,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR.
- The country boasts the largest number of English-taught programs in continental Europe, making it highly accessible for international students.
- The government-funded education system in the Netherlands prioritizes affordability, benefiting both domestic and international students.
- Public universities, universities of applied sciences, and specialized art institutions in the Netherlands provide high-quality, budget-friendly education options.
- Scholarship opportunities and lower cost of living in Dutch cities further enhance the affordability of studying in the Netherlands.
Affordable Education in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its affordable and top-notch education for international students. Universities here charge fees for EU citizens and more for others. Fees range from €2,530 for EU/EEA/Switzerland and Surinam students to €9,000 – €20,000 for Bachelor’s and €12,000 – €30,000 for Master’s for non-EU students.
Aside from low study programs in the Netherlands, the Netherlands offers excellent work opportunities worldwide. Dutch universities focus on research and practical skills. This ensures students get balanced and economical tuition fees in Netherlands education.
- The Dutch higher education system offers programs in English at different levels: Secondary vocational education (MBO), Higher professional education (HBO), and Academic education (WO).
- The grading system is based on a 10-point scale, with 5.5 being a passing grade.
- Academic degrees are divided into three cycles: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
The Netherlands is an excellent choice for international students. It offers affordable tuition, quality education, and a lively student life. It’s perfect for inexpensive study programs and economical tuition fees in the Netherlands.
Why Choose the Netherlands for Budget-Friendly Education
The Netherlands is a top pick for affordable higher education. It offers world-class education, many English-taught programs, and a lively student scene. This makes it an excellent value for international students.
Quality Education System
The Netherlands is known for its innovative education. Its universities are among the best in Europe. Students get hands-on training and research chances, preparing them for the global job market.
English-Taught Programs
Studying in the Netherlands means many English-taught courses. Over 100,000 international students choose the Netherlands. This shows the country’s dedication to a multilingual education environment.
Student Life Benefits
The Netherlands is more than just a great education. It has a modern setup, bike lanes, and a healthy lifestyle. Students can dive into the culture and startup world, growing both personally and professionally.
Dutch University Fee Structure
The cost of higher education in the Netherlands is essential for international students. Dutch universities charge fees for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students. Statutory fees for EU/EEA students are often cost-effective. Non-EU/EEA students pay higher institutional fees but are competitive with other countries.
Public universities in the Netherlands usually offer affordable education options. But, some specialized programs might cost more. It’s key for students to check the tuition for their program to plan their budget.
| Fee Type | Tuition Cost Range | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory Tuition Fees | Approximately €2,601 per year | EU/EEA, Swiss, and Surinamese students |
| Institutional Tuition Fees | €6,000 to €20,000 per year | Non-EU/EEA international students |
The Dutch government helps make cost-effective Dutch higher education more accessible. They offer scholarships like the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship). It gives €5,000 to non-EEA students for full-time bachelor’s programs.
International students in the Netherlands can also work part-time. This is possible with the right work permit. With good planning, students can find affordable education in the Netherlands that fits their needs.
Cheapest Universities in Netherlands
International students looking for affordable higher education in the Netherlands have many options. The country offers a range of budget-friendly universities and specialized institutions. These places cater to different interests and financial situations.
Public Universities
The Netherlands’ public universities are very affordable. The University of Twente, Tilburg University, and the University of Groningen are known for quality education at low costs. Both local and international students benefit from these rates.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences, like Saxion and Hanze, focus on practical, career-ready programs. They offer these at lower prices. These schools prepare students for the workforce right after graduation.
Art and Specialized Institutions
The Netherlands also has art and specialized institutions with low tuition fees. The Gerrit Rietveld Academie and the Royal Academy of Art are examples. They provide a wide range of programs in arts, design, and more.
International students have many affordable choices in the Netherlands. This ensures they can get quality education without spending too much.
Free University of Amsterdam: Leading Affordable Choice
The Free University of Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a top pick for international students looking for quality education at a low cost. Its bachelor’s programs cost between 4,140 and 12,700 EUR a year. This makes VU Amsterdam studies about 57% cheaper than the national average.
At VU Amsterdam, you can choose from a wide range of studies. These include Sciences, Business, Economics, Theology, Law, Medicine, and Humanities. The university has over 31,000 students, with 5,200 coming from abroad.
| Program | Annual Tuition (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in Sciences | 4,140 – 12,700 |
| Master’s in Business | 12,000 – 18,500 |
| Doctoral in Law | 18,000 – 20,000 |
VU Amsterdam is dedicated to giving students an excellent education at a low cost. It’s a top choice for international students seeking affordable study programs in the Netherlands.
University of Twente: Excellence in Technical Education
The University of Twente is a top school in the Netherlands. It’s known for its excellent engineering, technology, and science programs. The university offers many affordable options, drawing students from all over the world.
Popular Programs
The University of Twente has a wide range of popular programs. These programs meet the needs of today’s job market. Some of the most popular include:
- Industrial Engineering
- Advanced Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
Tuition Cost Overview
The University of Twente’s tuition fees are very competitive. This makes it a great choice for international students seeking affordable education in the Netherlands. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €9,000 to €13,000 per year |
| Master’s | €14,000 to €17,000 per year |
Admission Requirements
To get into the University of Twente, international students need to meet specific requirements:
- Have a relevant bachelor’s degree or something similar
- Show you can speak English well
- Send in a complete application package. This includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Meet any extra requirements for the program you’re applying for
The University of Twente is ranked 202nd globally by the QS World University Rankings 2023. This shows it’s a top place for affordable and economical technical education.
Tilburg University: Budget-Friendly Social Sciences Hub
Tilburg University is in the lively city of Tilburg, Netherlands. It offers affordable, top-notch education. Known for its creative economics, law, social sciences, and humanities courses, it’s perfect for students looking for a good deal.
The university’s fees are reasonable. Bachelor’s programs cost about 9,000 EUR, and master’s programs are 14,900 EUR. Despite being affordable, it ranks 251st globally by Times Higher Education, showing its dedication to quality education.
It has a wide range of courses like Global Law, Psychology, and International Sociology. With around 30,000 students, Tilburg University provides a diverse and lively place for students to grow.
The campus is close to all university buildings, creating a tight community. The city is also close to major European cities like Amsterdam and Paris. This makes Tilburg University a great choice for students wanting a budget-friendly yet connected education.
Maastricht University: Affordable International Experience
Maastricht University is a great choice for Bangladeshi students seeking affordable Dutch higher education. It’s one of the cheapest universities in the Netherlands. Students can access various academic programs at meager tuition rates.
Available Programs
Maastricht University’s bachelor’s programs cost between €9,400 and €13,000 annually. This makes them very affordable for international students. The university’s master’s programs also have competitive prices, with fees from €16,000 to €18,400 annually.
Popular programs include International Business, European Law, and Data Science. These programs offer a global yet affordable education.
Cost Structure
Maastricht University is dedicated to making Dutch higher education affordable. For the 2025/26 academic year, EU/EEA students pay €2,601 for full-time programs. Part-time master’s programs cost €1,851.
Non-EU/EEA students face different fees. Bachelor’s programs start at €13,000, while master’s programs can be up to €25,000. This ensures there’s something for every budget.
With a global ranking of 278th, Maastricht University is a top choice. It offers an affordable international experience. This can open many doors for Bangladeshi students.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences: Practical Education
Saxion University of Applied Sciences is a great choice for international students seeking a budget-friendly education in the Netherlands. It offers affordable bachelor’s and master’s programs. These programs focus on vocational and technical fields like engineering, IT, management, and business.
Over 3,500 international students from 89 countries attend Saxion. This creates a diverse and multicultural learning environment. The university’s English-taught programs support both academic and personal growth.
Saxion’s tuition fees start at €7,800 for bachelor’s programs. Master’s programs cost between €8,000 and €15,000. This makes Saxion a cost-effective option for budget-friendly universities Netherlands and affordable education in the Netherlands. The university also provides several scholarship opportunities to help fund studies.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NL Scholarship (NLS) | €5,000 | Non-EEA students applying for the first time to full-time bachelor programs |
| Saxion Talent Scholarship (STS) | €2,500 | Non-EEA students applying for the first time to full-time bachelor programs with a GPA of 75% or higher and an IELTS score of 6.0 or above |
| Saxion Excellence Scholarship (SES) | €2,500 | Students continue their study programs for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th years at Saxion, with an average grade of 7.5 or higher, and complete 55 EC or more in one academic year. |
International students may also be eligible for the StuNed Scholarships. These scholarships are for Indonesian professionals with at least two years of work experience in a development-related organization.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences is a publicly funded university of applied science. It is legally set up as a Foundation under Dutch law. With its modern facilities, practical teaching, and diverse student community, Saxion offers a great, budget-friendly university in the Netherlands and an affordable education option for international students.
The Hague University: Affordable Urban Education Excellence
The Hague University of Applied Sciences is a top pick for affordable, quality education in the Netherlands. It’s in the lively province of South Holland. Here, you can find many bachelor’s and master’s programs at low costs.
Program Selection
The Hague University has a wide range of programs. In English, you can study global public management, user experience design, and international business. It’s where over 20,000 students from more than 135 countries learn together.
Financial Considerations
Tuition at The Hague University is very affordable. For the 2023-2024 year, the fee is €2,314 for statutory and €9,045 for institutional. Students from the EU or certain countries might pay less. First-time students in Dutch higher education get a 50% tuition fee discount for their first year.
The university also helps with finding affordable places to live. It guides students in managing their expenses in The Hague. This makes The Hague University a great choice for those looking for quality education at a lower cost in the Netherlands.
Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
As international students, we know how key it is to find affordable tuition fees in the Netherlands. Luckily, the Dutch education system has many scholarship options. These can greatly lessen the financial load.
The Holland Scholarship is a big help, giving €5,000 for the first year of study. You must be a non-EEA national and apply for a full-time program at a Dutch university.
- The application criteria include academic performance and extracurricular activities.
- Prohibited conduct under the Code of Conduct includes activities related to financial misconduct, criminal organizations, money laundering, terrorist offenses, and irregularities.
Many universities in the Netherlands also offer their scholarships. For example, Erasmus University Rotterdam gives up to 50% of the MBA tuition fee to international students. The University of Groningen offers scholarships that cover tuition, travel, living costs, books, and health insurance for master’s studies.
Other scholarships include the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, which covers full tuition and gives €11,000 for living expenses. The Radboud University Scholarship also helps reduce tuition fees to as low as €2,209 for international students.
These scholarships make studying in the Netherlands more affordable. They also open doors to quality education and the lively student life in the country.
Cost of Living Considerations in Dutch Cities
As Bangladeshi students looking for affordable degree programs in the Netherlands, we know how key it is to look at living costs in different cities. The Netherlands is known for being cheap for higher education, but costs can change significantly from place to place.
Places like Amsterdam and Rotterdam tend to be pricier, with students needing around 800 to 1,200 EUR a month. But cities like Groningen and Enschede are more budget-friendly. They offer cheaper housing and transport. University towns also have student-friendly places to live and discounts, making life easier and cheaper for international students.
Eduvisors helps you understand the cost of Dutch higher education. We can show you the cheapest universities and cities. This way, your time in the Netherlands will be both valuable and easy on your wallet.
