International students studying in the Netherlands can expect to spend between €700 and €1,000 (USD 917 – 1,310) a month. This estimate includes tuition fees, daily expenses and accommodation. 

Tuition fees. The annual tuition fees for degree programs at a Dutch higher education institution start at approximately €1,519 (USD 1,991) for EU students, but are generally higher for non-EU students. For further information about course fees, visit: http://www.nuffic.nl/ispacsearch/ .

Cost of living

The cost of living in the Netherlands is generally low by European standards, and prices in Amsterdam are modest compared with cities like New York, London, Paris and Beijing. The following will give you an idea of what prices are like in the Netherlands:

• Cup of coffee/tea in a café: €1.50
• Cheese sandwich: €2.00
• Dinner in a typical student restaurant: €10
• Cinema ticket: €7.50
• Text message o­n your mobile phone from €0.07

While eating in restaurants can be expensive o­n a student budget, most higher education institutions offer hot meals at reasonable prices. In addition, many cities have pubs (called eetcafés) where you can eat inexpensively. Eating at home is normally the least expensive option, and Dutch supermarkets carry a large variety of international products.

Many students work part-time to earn extra spending money, although you should keep in mind that finding a job is not always easy. If you have a residence permit for study purposes you are eligible to work up to ten hours a week, or to do seasonal work (in June, July and/or August).Your employer would be responsible for applying for a work permit for you.