Studying in the Netherlands is a dream for many international students seeking world-class education at affordable costs. The country’s public universities offer high-quality programs taught in English, and the tuition fees are relatively lower compared to the US or the UK.
In 2025, several Dutch universities are expected to continue offering low tuition fees, flexible visa policies, and opportunities for students to bring dependents. Below is an updated list of the Top 10 Universities in the Netherlands with Cheap Tuition Fees, verified with current 2025 data.
Summary Table: Top 10 Affordable Universities in the Netherlands (2025)
| University | City | Average Tuition (€/year) | Courses in English | Direct Link |
| University of Groningen | Groningen | €8,000 – €12,000 | 100+ Bachelor’s/Master’s | rug.nl |
| Radboud University | Nijmegen | €7,000 – €11,000 | 85+ English programs | ru.nl |
| Utrecht University | Utrecht | €8,000 – €13,000 | 90+ programs | uu.nl |
| University of Twente | Enschede | €9,000 – €12,000 | Engineering & IT majors | utwente.nl |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | Eindhoven | €9,500 – €12,000 | STEM-focused | tue.nl |
| Wageningen University & Research | Wageningen | €8,000 – €11,000 | Environmental & life sciences | wur.nl |
| Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) | Delft | €10,000 – €13,000 | Engineering, Design | tudelft.nl |
| Maastricht University | Maastricht | €9,000 – €12,000 | Medicine, Business | maastrichtuniversity.nl |
| Leiden University | Leiden | €9,000 – €13,000 | Social sciences & law | universiteitleiden.nl |
| University of Amsterdam | Amsterdam | €10,000 – €13,000 | Arts, Law, Science | uva.nl |
Universities in the Netherlands with Cheap Tuition Fees
University of Groningen
City Located: Groningen
Tuition Range: €8,000 – €12,000/year
Courses Taught in English: Over 100 Bachelor’s and Master’s programs across science, arts, and business.
Language Proficiency Test Requirement: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / Cambridge C1
School Page Link: https://www.rug.nl
School Range Annually: Tuition + living = €20,000–€25,000 per year
Visa Requirement
Students need an MVV (entry visa) and a residence permit (VVR). Required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of admission from the university
- Proof of sufficient financial means (€1,300/month)
- Health insurance
- TB test results (for some nationalities)
- Birth certificate
Requirements for Dependents
You can bring your spouse or children under 18 under a family reunification visa. Required documents:
- Marriage/birth certificate (authenticated)
- Proof of financial means (€2,000/month for family)
- Valid residence permit copy
- Health insurance for dependents
Radboud University
City Located: Nijmegen
Tuition Range: €7,000 – €11,000/year
Courses Taught in English: 85+ programs in humanities, law, and science
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Link: https://www.ru.nl
School Range Annually: €19,000 – €23,000
Visa Requirement
Documents include admission proof, health insurance, financial evidence (€1,325/month), and a completed MVV form.
Dependents
Allowed after your residence permit is issued. Must show proof of relationship and financial means.
Utrecht University
City Located: Utrecht
Tuition Range: €8,000 – €13,000/year
Courses in English: 90+ international programs
Language Test: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 93
Link: https://www.uu.nl
Annual Range: €20,000 – €25,000
Visa Documents:
- Proof of university enrollment
- MVV/VVR forms
- Bank statement showing €1,350 per month
- Passport photos & proof of accommodation
Dependents:
Students can bring dependents after 1 year of study. Requires marriage certificate, financial proof (€2,000/month), and insurance.
University of Twente
City: Enschede
Tuition: €9,000 – €12,000/year
Courses in English: 80+ programs (engineering, business, IT)
Language Test: IELTS 6.5
Link: https://www.utwente.nl
Annual Cost: €21,000 – €26,000
Visa: Proof of acceptance, finances, housing, and insurance.
Dependents: Allowed with financial means proof (€2,200/month total).
Eindhoven University of Technology
City: Eindhoven
Tuition: €9,500 – €12,000
Courses in English: 60+ engineering and design programs
Language Test: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Link: https://www.tue.nl
Annual Range: €20,000 – €25,000
Visa Requirements: Admission letter, finances, insurance, and MVV/VVR.
Dependents: Family visa allowed; proof of sufficient income required.
Wageningen University & Research
City: Wageningen
Tuition: €8,000 – €11,000
Courses: Life sciences, agriculture, and environment
Language: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80
Link: https://www.wur.nl
Annual Cost: €19,000 – €24,000
Visa Documents: Financial proof, admission letter, health insurance, and passport.
Dependents: Allowed; must prove €2,000/month income.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
City: Delft
Tuition: €10,000 – €13,000
Courses: Engineering, architecture, technology
Language: IELTS 6.5
Link: https://www.tudelft.nl
Annual Cost: €22,000 – €27,000
Visa: Standard MVV & VVR with financial proof.
Dependents: Allowed for spouse/children.
Maastricht University
City: Maastricht
Tuition: €9,000 – €12,000
Courses: Medicine, law, social sciences
Language: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Link: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl
Annual Cost: €21,000 – €25,000
Visa: Proof of acceptance, housing, and funds.
Dependents: Family reunification possible; same financial rules apply.
Leiden University
City: Leiden
Tuition: €9,000 – €13,000
Courses: Law, social sciences, international studies
Language: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Link: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl
Annual Cost: €22,000 – €26,000
Visa: MVV & residence permit with proof of insurance and funds.
Dependents: Allowed after student registration; €2,000/month income needed.
University of Amsterdam
City: Amsterdam
Tuition: €10,000 – €13,000
Courses: Arts, business, law, sciences
Language: IELTS 6.5
Link: https://www.uva.nl
Annual Cost: €22,000 – €27,000
Visa: Standard Dutch student visa with health insurance and funding proof.
Dependents: Spouse and children allowed under the family visa policy.
FAQs
Can international students study in the Netherlands with low tuition fees?
Yes, many public universities offer affordable tuition between €7,000 €13,000/year for non-EU students.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. International students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during the summer.
Can I bring my family to the Netherlands as a student?
Yes. Spouses and children under 18 can apply for a dependent visa (family reunification). You must show proof of income and relationship documents.
What language tests are accepted?
Most universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge results. Minimum IELTS: 6.0–6.5.
How much money do I need monthly?
You’ll need around €1,300/month to cover rent, food, and transport.