Living expenses

Living costs in the Netherlands

International students in the Netherlands spend on average €1,100–€1,500 per month. This usually covers rent, insurance, food, public transport, study books, clothes, and everyday expenses.

Extra costs when you arrive

In the first months, your costs will be higher due to:

• housing deposit
• introduction week
• study books

Make sure you have enough money for all study books and living costs for the first two months.

Financial proof for non-EEA students

The Dutch Immigration Service (IND) asks non-EEA students to show that they have enough money:

• €13,140 - degree students (first year of studies)
• €6,570 - exchange students

You can show this by:

• bank documents, or
• transferring the amount to the Fontys bank account

If transferred to Fontys, the money will be refunded in the first month after arrival. Refunds go to a Dutch bank, Bunq, or Revolut account.

You will receive a payment letter for tuition fees and visa costs. Only in the first year you have to pay the full sum in a single payment. From the second year, you can pay the tuition fee in installments.

 
Important for some nationalities

Students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cameroon, and Nigeria must transfer the full living expenses amount to Fontys. Bank documents are not accepted for these students.