Study in Amsterdam: Best universities, costs and student life

Read the student’s guide to studying in Amsterdam. Learn about the costs, student life and best universities in Amsterdam for international students.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

·

6 Sep 2024

·

Studying

With its high-ranking universities, large international community, and plenty of things to do, Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the Netherlands for students. Before you start applying for universities and exploring student-friendly accommodation in Amsterdam, it’s good to learn more about studying in Amsterdam. This is why we’ve broken down everything you need to know from the best universities in Amsterdam and how to appy for them to living expenses and student life.

Based on their worldwide or nationwide ranking, these are the 4 best universities in Amsterdam for international students and their highest-ranked degrees.

Studying in Amsterdam is a wonderful opportunity to get a degree from an excellent university, meet people from all over the world and take your first steps into adulthood. There are some costs associated with that including tuition fees and living expenses. Let’s break them down.

Tuition fees for Amsterdam universities

Your tuition fees vary depending on where you’re coming from. Students from EU/EEA/Switzerland and Suriname generally pay €2,530 to for Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees at Amsterdam’s universities, provided this is their first Dutch degree.

Students from non-EU/EEA/Switzerland and Surname have to pay between €9,570 and €24,640 for Bachelor’s degrees and between €12,430 and €27,390 for Master’s degrees.

Living expenses in Amsterdam for students

With an average cost of living of between €1,567 and €1,745 per month, Amsterdam is the most expensive city to study in the Netherlands. This is mostly driven up by the rent price in Amsterdam, which is the highest in the country. A private room in shared housing is around €1,007 monthly. Other living expenses include groceries, transport, health insurance, and going out. You can see them broken down in the table below:

While the living expenses in Amsterdam might be high, the city offers high-quality education and plenty of career opportunities for after graduation. You can also save on living expenses in Amsterdam as a student by:

• Getting a bike
• Bringing your student card everywhere to get discounts
• Applying for a rental allowance (Huurtoeslag) depending on the type of accommodation you’re renting
• Printing or buying with your student card at the library/campus
• Shopping at supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi
• Applying for a health insurance allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
• Drinking tap water over buying from the store. Dutch tap water is high-quality, so you can drink it freely without worrying.
• Applying for student financing (DUO) either as a loan or a grant

Tip: If you work more than 56 hours monthly during your studies, you can get free public transport. All you need to do is apply for the student travel product from DUO.

Finding a place to live in Amsterdam

Finding a place to live in the Dutch capital can be challenging, so it’s best to start your search for student accommodation in Amsterdam 2 to 3 months before moving. You have 2 main options: living on campus or finding a place on your own. For campus housing, sign up through your university’s website. It costs between €480 and €550 per month, offering convenience, but spots are limited and highly competitive.

If you prefer renting independently, HousingAnywhere is a great resource. Renting on your own gives you more flexibility in location and helps you meet people outside of university. Rooms in Amsterdam typically range from €900 to €1,000, and you’re more likely to find one this way than through your university. Consider the more affordable neighborhoods in Amsterdam like Oost, Nieuw-West, or Zuidoost for better deals.

Make sure the place you choose allows you to register with the Amsterdam municipality, as this is mandatory. Registration gives you a BSN number, which you’ll need for things like getting health insurance, being employed and opening a bank account in the Netherlands.

To study in Amsterdam as an international student, you need to apply online for your chosen degree. The process is pretty simple and can be completed in a few steps.

1. Choose the program and check the admission requirements, as some studies might require a portfolio or an additional test in a subject
2. Gather the necessary documents, including but not limited to:

• High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree
• Proof of language, e.g. English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL
• Recommendation letters
• School transcripts (translated into English or Dutch)
• CV or portfolio (if applicable)
• Motivational letter

3. Apply through Studielink, which is the official registration platform of all Dutch universities. You can upload your documents and select the programs you would like to apply for.
4. Submit your application on Studielink and complete additional steps your universities might require, like setting up an account on their website
5. Wait for admission decision from the universities which are reviewing your application. Depending on your study, you might have to attend an interview too.
6. Receive an offer and reply Keep in mind that you might be conditionally accepted, provided you submit your high school diploma or university degree or a student visa
7. Pay your tuition fees before the deadline, as you won’t be fully enrolled until you’ve paid the tuition fees
8. Apply for student visa and residence permit which the university does on your behalf. Make sure you’ve sent them all the necessary information to ensure the application goes through

One of the biggest perks of studying in Amsterdam is the tight-knit international student community. Student life in Amsterdam is exciting and dynamic, and you'll never get bored with so many things to do. You can grab a drink at De Krater underneath the library on Roeterseiland or attend any of the events at CREA.

One of the best ways to meet other students is to join the Intreeweek (Intro Week). You’ll attend events and parties, and get to know the city and other students. Once you start studying, you can join student associations that are connected to your study. Their purpose is to create a community of students in the same degree and offer opportunities for socializing and networking. There are also student associations like ESN, AIESEC, or ASN, which aren’t affiliated with studies.

Another student life hub is the library. Studying there can help you focus better and meet others. Keep in mind that the libraries get busy, especially during exam season, so it’s best to go early.

Now that you know everything there is to know about studying in Amsterdam, you’re ready to start applying and searching for student housing options in Amsterdam. Good luck!