Is Amsterdam expensive for international students?

Asked by: Ashley Thiel  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (29 votes)

As an international student in Amsterdam, you will need a budget to cover rent, food, insurance, transport and other expenses. An indication of likely expenses is given below. Between €900 and €1,600 per month is usually enough to cover basic costs such as rent, food, insurance, transport and other expenses.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam as an international student?

The cost of living in Amsterdam is approximately 1,000-1,200 euros per month according to the reputable institute NIBUD.nl. Student's living expenses in Amsterdam mostly go towards student accommodation, food, and transport.

Is Amsterdam a good place for international students?

While several cities in the Netherlands are great for international students, Amsterdam stands out due to its vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, and excellent academic institutions. Other notable cities include Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, offering unique experiences and benefits.

How much money do I need to study in Amsterdam?

Tuition fees for Amsterdam universities

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.

How much does the University of Amsterdam cost for international students?

Dutch and EU/EEA students €5,460 per year. Non-EU/EEA students € 19,000 per year.

Netherlands - A Day in my life in the BEST UNIVERSITY OF NETHERLANDS

27 related questions found

What GPA do you need to get into the University of Amsterdam?

General entry requirements

In most cases, you should have at least two years of academic education, a grade point average of 3.0 (US system), and you should be able to show a relevant academic background in the proposed field of study.

What language is spoken in Amsterdam?

Dutch is the major and sole official language of the country. There are, however, a couple of others that are spoken in certain regions – most notably, West Frisian (or Frysk), several dialects of Dutch Low Saxon and Limburgish.

Is it hard for international students to get into University of Amsterdam?

The University of Amsterdam has seven faculties: humanities; social and behavioural sciences; economics and business; science; law; medicine; dentistry. Its overall acceptance rate for international students is somewhere around 4.3 percent, although this varies greatly from course to course.

Do you need to speak Dutch to study in Amsterdam?

In summary, while you don't need to learn Dutch to study at HZ, having some knowledge of the language can be beneficial. It's not a barrier to your studies or daily life, but it can enhance your experience and opportunities in the Netherlands.

Is Amsterdam affordable for students?

As an international student in Amsterdam, you will need a budget to cover rent, food, insurance, transport and other expenses. An indication of likely expenses is given below. Between €900 and €1,600 per month is usually enough to cover basic costs such as rent, food, insurance, transport and other expenses.

Is Amsterdam foreigner friendly?

It's easy for newcomers and expats to settle in, given the city's cosmopolitan spirit, rich cultural life and large international community – combined with the city's compact size to make getting around a breeze. But of course, there are a few boxes to tick ahead of your relocation.

Which is better for international students Netherlands or Germany?

If you have the means to study in the Netherlands, it's easier to gain admission into Dutch universities with less bureaucracy. However, if you prefer a tuition-free education, a less restrictive option to work while studying, and connect with more international students, life in Germany is perfect for you.

What language does the University of Amsterdam teach in?

As a bilingual university, the UvA offers programmes in both Dutch and English and will continue to do so in the future.

Is the Netherlands cheap for international students?

The cost of studying in the Netherlands is also relatively low compared to other popular study-abroad destinations, making it an attractive option to study abroad on a budget.

Is it too expensive to live in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is certainly an expensive city to live in, especially when compared to other major European cities, with the total cost of living for a single person, including rent, coming to approximately €3,114 per month.

Is the Netherlands student friendly?

According to international student reviews, the Netherlands offers a higher academic satisfaction than the European average. Many students are satisfied with the quality of learning and the modern facilities provided by universities in the Netherlands.

Can I go to Amsterdam if I only speak English?

If you're traveling in the Netherlands and its capital city, Amsterdam, you can just speak English. You'll be able to travel around easily, get help if needed, and converse with other people you meet.

Is Dutch hard to learn?

While Dutch may have some challenges, it's not considered one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn. The degree of difficulty you'll encounter largely depends on your prior language learning experience, your exposure to the language, and your individual aptitude and motivation.

Is Amsterdam a good city for international students?

Amsterdam has much to offer international students. It's famous for its bikes, canals, museums, gallleries, food, parks and culture. There are over 16,000 live performances throughout the city every year with many happening in the famous concert hall, The Royal Concertgebouw.

Which university is easiest to get into as international student?

The easiest universities to get into for international students in 2025 are as follows:
  • University of North Carolina – Pembroke.
  • Kansas State University.
  • St. Cloud State University.
  • University of South Dakota.
  • University of Kansas.
  • Northern Arizona University.
  • South Dakota State University.
  • School of Visual Arts.

How much GPA do you need to study in Netherlands?

In the Dutch system: a minimum average of 7 on the 10 point grading scale. Or the equivalent in the U.S. system: a 'B' average or a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 GPA grading scale.

What currency is used in Amsterdam?

As in most European countries, the currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies (like USD, or GBP) are normally not accepted in Amsterdam, so be sure to change your currency before your trip, or at one of the official currency exchange offices located throughout the city.

How do you say hello in the Netherlands?

Hoi. The translation for “hoi” is “hi” and it is a slightly less formal greeting than “dag” or “hallo”.

Can I live in Amsterdam without knowing Dutch?

Still, there are many expats working in the city for years that don't speak Dutch and they are perfectly fine with that. They don't feel the urge to learn it as they have an international social circle, the job is in English and almost everyone also speaks this language.