Low Tuition Universities in Netherlands for International Students with Tuition Fees

Analysis of low tuition universities in Netherlands, their tuition fees, living expenses, admission requirements and how to apply to universities in the Netherlands.

About Netherlands

Holland is one of the non-English-speaking countries offering English-language academic programs for foreign students who wish to study in English.

You will receive high and quality education at low tuition rates in the Netherlands, which is appropriate in this current educational standard. Get ready as I’m now digging into the main problem.

Netherlands Universities’ Admission Requirements

1. Undergraduate

If you are applying for undergraduate studies, you must have clear secondary school/high school results. You are also expected to prove your Dutch or English language proficiency. You are also expected to take additional qualifying courses in some cases.

• Read also; how-to-apply-and-get-a-student-loan-to-study-abroad

In Summary;

• A true result of secondary school/high school
• Depending on the language of study, present proof of proficiency in Dutch or English.
• Pass any additional qualifying exam that may be administered.

2. Postgraduate – Masters

For foreign students requesting a master’s degree,

• A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma

3. Postgraduate – PhD

In same manner, it is mandatory for students applying for doctoral studies to be in possession of;

• A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma

Language requirements for studies at universities in Netherlands (Holland)

1. Dutch

When planning to apply for a course in which your language of instruction is Dutch, you will need to demonstrate test rest findings that prove that you are fluent in any of the language tests below;

• Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (Certificate of Dutch as a Foreign Language)
• Profiel Taalvaardigheid Hoger Onderwijs (PTHO)
• Profiel Academische Taalvaardigheid (PAT)
• Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) (Dutch as a second language) are accepted

2. English

Concerning English programs, test results from either of these tests are valid as a mastery result for your English taught course.

• TOEFL, with a score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based).
• IELTS, with a score of at least 6.
• Other tests may also be accepted.

I suggest that you review any other course-specific requirements at the website of your university.

Tuition Fees in Netherlands for International Students

When compared to other developed European countries and even the US, tuition fees in the Netherlands are not quite costly and are very cheap. Tuition rates vary depending on whether you are from a European Union country or not.

The tuition fee for European Union (EU) students in the Netherlands is approximately EUR 1,950 per year and the tuition fee for foreign students is approximately EUR 6,000 and EUR 15,000 (US$ 6,750-16,850).

If you equate these tuition fees with those in the UK and the US, you can note that the tuition fees are very low and affordable. Better still, if you want to get rid of or waive these tuition fees, apply for scholarships. Yes Yes! In the Netherlands, different scholarship opportunities are open.

How to apply for admission to universities in Holland

It is possible to apply to any university in the Netherlands in two ways: directly to the institution or to Studielink, a centralized online application hub.

The process you follow will depend on the college and the course you are applying for. You may even be forced to use a combination of the two, so consult with the organization carefully.

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low Tuition Universities in Netherlands for International Students

• Delft University of Technology
• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Erasmus University of Rotterdam
• The Hague University
• Hogeschool Eindhoven
• Hogeschool van Amsterdam
• Hogeschool van Utrecht
• IJselland Polytechnic
• Leiden University
• Nijenrode University
• Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden
• Open University of the Netherlands
• Tilburg University
• University of Amsterdam
• University of Groningen
• University of Limburg
• University of Nijmegen
• University of Twente
• Utrecht University
• Vrije University
• Wageningen University

Are Universities Free in the Netherlands?

Higher education students in the Netherlands have to pay tuition. This is true for both locals and international students. But, Dutch citizens along with citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries only pay a statutory tuition fee of 2,143 EUR or $2,500 USD per academic year. Citizens of Switzerland and Suriname citizens also pay the same amount.

On the other hand, students who aren’t EU, EEA, Swiss, Suriname citizens will have to pay higher tuition. The tuition starts at around 7,920 EUR or $9,400 USD per academic year.

What are the languages of instruction for universities in the Netherlands?

Most of the schools in the Netherlands use Dutch as the main language of instruction. But, a growing number of schools are gradually practicing a bilingual curriculum where English is one of the languages of instruction.

Aside from acquiring a second language, these bilingual schools aim for the integration of an international focus into their curriculum. With this, many degree programs in Dutch universities are already being taught entirely in English.

Despite this, it’s still better for you to learn Dutch so you’ll better enjoy your stay in Holland. In fact, a good number of international students in the Netherlands are also learning how to speak the language.

Review of Affordable Private & Public Universities in Netherlands for International Students

1. Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EEA students: 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non-EEA students: 7,920 EUR ($9,400 USD) to 10,140 EUR ($12,000 USD) per year

Fontys University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences situated in the southern part of the Netherlands. Established in 1996, the university has campuses in Eindhoven, Venlo, and Tilburg. Its name is derived from the Latin word for “source.” Fontys University of Applied Sciences is considered the cheapest university in the Netherlands for undergraduate international students.

The university is among the best universities for applied science in the Netherlands. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in different fields of study. These programs include Architecture, Information and Communications Technology, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, and Business Administration.

The Eindhoven campus is located in the southeastern part of the Netherlands while the Venlo campus has courses taught in Dutch, German, and English. On the other hand, the Tilburg campus is situated on the outskirts of a city that is known for its art festivals and events.

2. Maastricht University

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Program

• EU/EEA: 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 3,870 EUR ($4,600 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA 8,000 EUR ($9,500 USD) to 32,000 EUR ($37,800 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 3,870 EUR ($4,600 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA – 13,800 EUR ($16,300 USD) to 32,000 EUR ($37,800 USD) per year

Maastricht University is an affordable public university in the Netherlands that was originally called Rijksuniversiteit Limburg or the State University of Limburg when it was established in 1976. It was later renamed Universiteit Maastricht or Maastricht University in 1996. It is the youngest and most international among all the universities in the Netherlands.

The university has pioneered the Problem-Based Learning approach among all European universities. The approach trains students not to focus solely on the subject matter but to develop other skills and talents, like assertiveness, problem-solving, and self-reliance. Maastricht University offers a wide array of courses for its students, including Business Analytics, Biomedical Sciences, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tax Law, and Psychology.

Life after school can be an adventure for the students of the university. They can explore the city of Maastricht and visit its many museums, watch a show at the theatres, or relax at the cafes dotting the city.

3. University of Amsterdam

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 4,435 EUR ($5,200 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA – 8,100 EUR ($9,600 USD) to 22,000 EUR ($26,000 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 4,435 EUR ($5,200 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA –10,100 EUR ($11,900 USD) to 24,310 EUR ($28,700 USD) per year

The University of Amsterdam traces its roots to the Athenaeum Illustre, which was established in 1632 by Gerardus Vossius through his ‘De historiae utilitate’ (On the usefulness of history) inaugural lecture. In 1877, the Athenaeum Illustre became the Municipal University of Amsterdam and started conferring degrees. It received its current name in 1961 after the government made it into a national university.

This cheap university in the Netherlands is one of the 15 best universities in Europe and has consistently ranked as among the top universities in the world. Research has become an important component of the university, which has around 3,000 researchers performing theoretical and experimental research. The university offers a good selection of courses for its students, including Archeology, Business Administration, Political Science, and Sociology, among others.

The four campuses of the university offer a unique learning experience for its students. Some classes are held in charming buildings overlooking canals while others feature modern, state-of-the-art laboratories. So, studying at the university will not only enrich one’s mind but also fill each student with an experience they will never forget.

4. Radboud University

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU/EFTA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EFTA – 8,342 EUR ($9,900 USD) to 11,471 EUR ($13,600 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• EU/EFTA– 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non-EU/EFTA – 9,124 EUR ($10,800 USD) to 12,645 EUR ($14,900 USD) per year

Established in 1923, the Radboud University was originally called the Catholic University Nijmegen. The Radboud Foundation was the organization behind the university, which aimed at emancipating Catholic intellectuals in the Netherlands. The university received its current name in 2004 and was given in honor of Saint Radboud of Utrecht.

The university has a broad range of programs for its local and international students, including several English-taught programs. These programs include Business Administration, American Studies, Chemistry, Artificial Intelligence, and Molecular Life Sciences, among others.

Located in the city of Nijmegen, this affordable Dutch university boasts of world-class facilities that can rival the best Europe has to offer. It prides itself on its personal approach to education where the students are given all the opportunities to learn and work with world-class researchers. Moreover, the university has the cleanest and greenest campus in the Netherlands.

5. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non- EU – 8,350 EUR ($9,900 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• EU – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) /year
• Non- EU – 6,925 EUR ($8,200 USD) to 11,800 EUR ($13,900 USD) per year

Next in our list of cheapest universities in the Netherlands is the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. It is the product of the merge of the NHL University of Applied Sciences and the Stenden University of Applied Sciences in 2018. This brought together two organizations known for their research and innovative practices when it comes to education. Moreover, the university aims to push the boundaries of research and innovation.

The university offers over a hundred programs for local and international students. These programs include Media Management, International Business, International Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and Leisure & Events Management, among others.

Aside from receiving internationally-accredited degrees, students of the university are also exposed to practical learning where they are challenged to voice out their opinions. Moreover, the student population of the university is quite diverse with over 80 nationalities represented. The university also has four international branches located in Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, and Qatar.

6. The Hague University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non-EU – 8,375 EUR ($9,900 USD) per year

The Hague University of Applied Sciences was established in 1987 following the merger of 14 higher professional educational institutions. In 2003, the Technische Hogeschool Rijswijk also became a part of the university. It currently has four campuses, Delft campus, Zoetermeer campus, Zuiderpark Sports Campus, and the Hague main campus.

This affordable university in the Netherlands offers programs aimed at providing the best quality education for its students. A good number of these programs are taught in English, including European Studies, International Public Management, User Experience Design, and International Business, among others.

The students also have the chance to let their hair down after classes while at the university. Students can visit museums, watch cultural events, or explore the International City of Peace, Justice, and Security. The students can also join groups and organizations in the university.

7. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 3,143 EUR ($3,700 USD) per year
• Non-EU – 8,471 EUR ($10,000) to 9,471 EUR ($11,200 USD) per year

The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences or the Hogeschool van Amsterdam is a cheap university in the Netherlands aimed at enabling students to fully develop their skills and talents. Established in 1993, the university provides mainly bachelor’s degrees, but also offers several master’s degree programs.

The university has seven faculties offering a good variety of programs for local and international students. These programs include International Business, Sports Studies, Physiotherapy, and Digital Design, among others.

Students at the university have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Dutch culture. Located in the capital city of Amsterdam, students can look forward to a unique experience once they step out of the classroom. The city is known for being a hotbed for research and education in every possible area, including trade and logistics, culture and society, sports and healthcare, and information technology.

8. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• Dutch/EU/EFTA/Surinamese – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non-Dutch/EU/EFTA/Surinamese – 8,547 EUR ($10,100 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• Dutch/EU/EFTA/Surinamese – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non-Dutch/EU/EFTA/Surinamese – 8,547 EUR ($10,100 USD) per year

Another affordable university in the Netherlands is the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht was established in 1988 as the Hogeschool van Utrecht. It received its present name after the Hogeschool van Utrecht merged with the Hogeschool De Horst in Driebergen in 2005.

The university currently has a network of partner universities around the world. This allows its students and professionals to collaborate with companies and organizations through internships, exchange agreements, and projects.

Situated in the city of Utrecht, students of the university have the opportunity to explore the fourth-largest city of the Netherlands. With a cultural life second only to Amsterdam, the city has a lot to offer in terms of museums, events, and musical presentations.

9. University of Groningen

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 4,249 EUR ($5,000 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA – 8,600 EUR ($10,200 USD) to 32,000 EUR ($37,800 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA – 13,500 EUR ($16,000 USD) to 32,000 EUR ($37,800 USD) per year

Established in 1614, the University of Groningen started out as a provincial college and was housed in the Menolda and Sywen convent. By 1815, the school was recognized as a national college of higher education. It gained the status of a state university through the Higher Education Act of 1876.

The university has 11 faculties and offers a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees that are taught in English. The Bachelor’s degrees offered by the university include Art History, American Studies, Media Studies, International Business, Medicine, and Astrology, among others.

On the other hand, the Master’s degrees offered by the university include Archeology, European Studies, Linguistics, Psychology, Finance, and Information Science, among others.

10. Vrije University

Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) to 4,435 EUR ($5,200 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA – 8,796 EUR ($10,400 USD) to 12,335 EUR ($14,600 USD) per year

Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs

• EU/EEA – 2,143 EUR ($2,500 USD) per year
• Non- EU/EEA – 6,976 EUR ($8,200 USD) to 24,310 EUR ($28,700 USD) per year

Final candidate in our list of cheapest universities in the Netherlands is the Vrije University. This institution was established in 1880 by Abraham Kuyper, who became the Prime Minister of the Netherlands in 1901 until 1905. Its name, Vrije Universiteit, means “Free University” and reflected its independence from the church and the government. It was initially open only to Reformed Christians, but the university later accepted everyone.

The university offers a wide variety of Bachelor’s degree programs, including Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Sciences, International Business Administration, Philosophy, and Mathematics, among others. It also offers several Master’s degree programs, including Accounting, Corporate Law, Bioinformatics, Tax Law, and Sociology, among others.

The campus is more than just a place where the students attend classes. It is also the place where people from different parts of the world meet and become friends. Students can also enjoy cultural presentations and workshops in the cultural center of the university.

Moreover, the sports center of the university also offers several sports activities the students can join. These sports range from yoga to football, from boxing to volleyball, and basketball to tennis.

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