Study costs
Tuition or institutional fee
To study at a university in the Netherlands you have to pay the statutory tuition fee, that is if you meet the nationality requirements and you have not already obtained a degree at the same level.
Scholarships
At Campus Fryslân, we understand that studying at university can be a costly experience. Depending on your personal circumstances, there are several funding options available which may help finance your university career. Consult the following page for more information.
Study materials, books, excursions and other costs
It differs quite a bit for each programme but usually the tuition fees aren’t the only costs you make. For many modules it is useful to purchase a computer, notebooks and a lot of pencils. Of course you will also need textbooks. The costs for all of this are different each year. You don’t need a new computer every year but you do need new books.
Costs of living
Rent
Many students choose to live in a student house during their studies. This way you live closer to school, closer to your fellow students and often in the city where you’re studying and enjoying the student life. The average rent in Leeuwarden is lower than the national average and certainly lower than in the so-called Randstad (a region near the big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague). If you choose to join the Global Responsibility & Leadership programme, the first-year of residential housing is obliged.
Groceries
When you’re living on your own you also have to do your own grocery shopping. Although the amount of money you spend on this can differ greatly from one person to another, Nibud has calculated that the average amount spent on groceries is €173 a month.
Transport
While Dutch students have an opportunity to travel for free during either the week or weekend, international students cannot make use of this benefit. Therefore if you are an international student and you are planning to make use of public transport it is wise to check subscribtion options and loose ticket prices with the public transport company.
More information in the international student guide.
Health insurance
From the age of 18 you are legally obliged to have health insurance in the Netherlands. The average basic Dutch health insurance premium in 2022 is about 140 euros per month.
Recreation, clothing and phone
Because studying isn’t just studying, you also have to take into account costs as a night out, going to the cinema, buying new clothes and your telephone bill. These costs can vary greatly from person to person because everyone has different requirements. Exact amounts are therefore very difficult to calculate for these items.
According to the Nibud Student Survey (2021), the following amounts are the average costs for a student per month.
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Rent: 426 euros
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Groceries: 173 euros
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Study books and supplies: 49 euros
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Transport (in addition to the public transport pass): 72 euros
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Recreation, going out and sports: 124 euros
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Clothing and shoes: 53 euros
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Health insurance: 115 euros
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Phone: 19 euros
| Last modified: | 19 February 2024 5.10 p.m. |