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.

• Tuition fee BSc Global Responsibility & Leadership
• Tutition fee BSc Data Science & Society
• Tuition fee MSc Sustainable Entrepreneurship
• Tuition fee MSc Sustainable Tourism & Society
• Tuition fee MSc Climate Adaptation Governance
• Tuition fee MSc Speech Technology
• Tuition fee MA Multilingualism

Scholarships

Studying at a university can be a costly experience. Depending on your personal circumstances, there are several funding options available.

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

According to the Nibud Student Survey (2024), the following amounts are the average costs for a student per month.

• Rent: 561 euros
• Groceries: 138 euros
• Study books and supplies: 53 euros
• Transport (in addition to the public transport pass): 79 euros
• Recreation, going out and sports: 228 euros
• Clothing and shoes: 70 euros
• Health insurance: 134 euros
• Phone: 16 euros

Rent

​The average rent in Leeuwarden is €406 (Kamernet, 2024), making it one of the most affordable student housing options in the Netherlands. In contrast, Amsterdam has the highest average rent for student rooms at €974 per month and the national average is €706. If you choose the Bachelor's programme in Global Responsibility & Leadership, you have the option to rent a room or studio through StudentStay.

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 2025 is 134 euros per month.