Studies in the Netherlands are not completely free, but EU citizens pay a reduced statutory tuition fee – only 2,694 EUR per year (2026–2027). This is only a fraction of the actual cost of studies – the rest is covered by the Dutch government. In addition, if you cannot pay immediately, you can get a tuition fee loan that covers the entire amount, and you will only start repaying it 2 years after graduation. You can find more information on the Kastu finances page.

DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) is a Dutch government agency that provides financial support to students. EU citizens can receive this support if they officially work in the Netherlands for at least 32 hours a month (about 8 hours a week). The support includes: a basic grant (324 EUR/month), a supplementary grant (up to 491 EUR/month), a student loan (up to 315 EUR/month), and free public transport (~111 EUR/month value). The total value of the support is up to 1,242 EUR per month! Detailed information can be found on the Kastu finances page.

This is the best part! The basic grant, supplementary grant, and the value of free transport are initially provided as a loan, BUT – if you graduate and get your diploma within 10 years, these amounts become a gift and you won't have to repay them! You will only have to repay the amounts you borrowed for living expenses or tuition fees. The repayment period is up to 35 years, and the monthly installment depends on your salary.

Admission to Dutch universities is one of the simplest in Europe. Most bachelor's programs do not require a motivation letter or references. The main requirements are: a secondary education diploma and proof of English language proficiency. It is important to know – Dutch universities do not attach great importance to your grades or state exam scores. Filling out the Kastu application form will take you just 20 minutes! More about the admission process can be found here.

In most cases, yes. When applying for bachelor's studies in the Netherlands, EU students must confirm their English language proficiency by passing the IELTS or TOEFL certificate. However, students from certain countries may be exempt from this requirement – for example, if your secondary education diploma is recognized as sufficient proof of English proficiency. You can check the list of exempted diplomas here. More about language requirements can be found on the Kastu page.

The average student budget in the Netherlands is about 900–1,400 EUR per month. This amount includes: housing rent (450–800 EUR), food (250–350 EUR), health insurance after compensation (20–30 EUR), transport with a DUO card (0 EUR on selected days), and other expenses (150–250 EUR). It is important to know – by working and receiving DUO support, you can perfectly cover all living expenses!

Yes! The Dutch state additionally helps students: Housing allowance (Huurtoeslag) – from 2026, the rules are very favorable, especially for students aged 21 and over, for whom there is no longer a maximum rent price limit. Health insurance allowance (Zorgtoeslag) – the state compensates up to 129 EUR/month out of ~150 EUR insurance costs, so the actual insurance costs become minimal (20–30 EUR/month). More information can be found on the Kastu finances page.