Tuition Fees in the Netherlands

The deal concluded between the British government and the European Union means some very substantial changes came into effect on 1st January 2021. This might not be the final word on tuition fees for British nationals but there certainly will not be a short-term change of policy. Unfortunately, the new reality is not good news for anyone who only has a British passport.

Tuition fees for EU nationals (and Brits resident in the Netherlands before 31st December 2020)

Standard EU tuition fees in 2021/2022 will be €2,168 for most courses although these are currently halved for the first year of any degree.

There are some exceptions to the standard tuition fees and private universities will almost always be more expensive. However, these fees are correct for the majority of courses taught in English in the Netherlands. Fees are set by the government and every year they increase in line with inflation.

The University Colleges in the Netherlands charge higher tuition tuition fees. These are never more than double the standard tuition fee and in some cases are only slightly higher than these.

Tuition fee loans are available for the full amount of the tuition fee. EU students who are resident in the Netherlands throughout their studies are entitled to access Dutch tuition fee loans (see information on 'Collegegeldkrediet' on our loans and grants page).

These tuition fees are for all students with EU nationality, irrespective of where they currently live as the cost of education for EU citizens is subsidised by the Dutch government.

Most Dutch universities offer students two ways of paying fees. You can either pay the full fees up front or in 10 monthly instalments of around €200 each. This means that you don’t have to worry about having the full fees available at the beginning of your course and you will be eligible for a loan to pay your fees if required. In contrast to the United Kingdom, tuition fee loans are paid to the students who must then be responsible for paying the university.

Tuition fees for British students from 2021 onwards

British nationals are now treated no differently from other international (ie. non-EU) students in the Netherlands and will now have to pay full international fees. These range from around €8,000 a year for most degrees in business, arts and humanities, to around €12,000 for science subjects, €14,000 for liberal arts programmes and €32,000 a year for medicine. For most subjects this will be similar to UK tuition fees.

The Dutch government has confirmed that any British national who is living in The Netherlands before the end of transition (currently 31st December 2020) will be eligible for the lower fees for the duration of their studies but from 1st January 2021 this has changed.

The Dutch definitely do not want to penalise British students but this is what Brexit has to mean. Dutch students coming to the UK from now on face an even worse financial situation.