8 Cheapest Universities in Amsterdam for International Students

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In Amsterdam, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Netherlands without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Amsterdam, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 10 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Amsterdam, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Amsterdam for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Amsterdam ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Amsterdam Tech 2,900 Euros 52%
Free University of Amsterdam 4,140 Euros - 12,700 Euros 32%
Amsterdam University of the Arts 5,360 Euros - 8,726 Euros 12%
Amsterdam University College 5,400 Euros - 15,500 Euros 11%
Gerrit Rietveld Academie 6,552 Euros -8%
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences 8,732 Euros - 9,732 Euros -44%
University of Amsterdam 9,130 Euros - 13,300 Euros -51%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 6,032 Euros for universities in Amsterdam.

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1. Amsterdam Tech

Established in 2015, Amsterdam Tech is a modern institution for higher education dedicated to helping businesses by developing highly qualified individuals and collaborating with employers. Programs at this university are designed to impart leadership and technological skills to enable its graduates to thrive in any industry. Amsterdam Tech also has a vast network of employers that will allow students to gain real-world experience and increase their chances of securing their dream jobs after graduation.

2. Free University of Amsterdam

The Free University of Amsterdam, commonly referred to as VA Amsterdam, is a public university with more than 140 years history. It offers degree programs in Sciences, Business and Economics, Theology, Law, Medicine, and Humanities. The university has more than 31,000 students, with nearly 5,200 international enrollment.

3. Amsterdam University of the Arts

Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) is a career-oriented higher institution that provides high standards of teaching and research in arts and culture. It offers top-class programs in film, art and design, theatre, music, architecture, and arts education. As an industry-specific university, it has been known for educating and training creative individuals. And even as an internationally recognized institution, it continues to improve and develop quality programs to offer to its current and future students.

4. Amsterdam University College

Amsterdam University College was founded in 2009 through a collaboration between two leading Dutch universities, the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It takes pride in its international campus, which includes a well-equipped academic building and student residences where students from Amsterdam and overseas can interact and study in a vibrant and harmonious environment. The college specializes in different fields of liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis on practical learning and application.

5. Gerrit Rietveld Academie

Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a specialized English-taught art school in Amsterdam. It primarily offers undergraduate degrees. Bachelor’s students begin first-year with the same program – Basic year – before choosing from one of 12 specialties. Another option for undergrads is the five-year DOGtime program, which includes three years of in-depth study. The academy’s Sandberg Instituut provides Master’s degrees. However, there are only two such programs available.

6. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is known as Hogeschool van Amsterdam in Dutch. This specialized institution mainly offers bachelor’s courses, along with a select number of master’s programs. These programs may be pursued full-time or part-time. Some are also English-taught, making it easy for international students to pursue studies at AUAS. Various disciplines are covered by its courses, including design, business, health, technology, and more.

7. University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam is among the top public universities in the Netherlands (UvA). It has been in the academic industry for centuries, and its prominence in the global community is quite evident. Known to be the leading institution in science and innovation, it also offers outstanding educational programs in other areas of study, such as social sciences, humanities, and arts. The university is undoubtedly a remarkable institute that provides the highest standards of teaching and research.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Amsterdam for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Amsterdam ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Amsterdam Tech 3,600 Euros 60%
Free University of Amsterdam 4,920 Euros - 16,900 Euros 45%
Amsterdam University of the Arts 5,360 Euros - 9,726 Euros 40%
Gerrit Rietveld Academie 6,552 Euros 26%
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences 8,732 Euros 1%
University of Amsterdam 11,500 Euros - 22,900 Euros -29%
KIT Institute 13,800 Euros - 21,700 Euros -56%
United Institute (Netherlands) 16,100 Euros -82%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 8,812 Euros for universities in Amsterdam.

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1. Amsterdam Tech

Established in 2015, Amsterdam Tech is a modern institution for higher education dedicated to helping businesses by developing highly qualified individuals and collaborating with employers. Programs at this university are designed to impart leadership and technological skills to enable its graduates to thrive in any industry. Amsterdam Tech also has a vast network of employers that will allow students to gain real-world experience and increase their chances of securing their dream jobs after graduation.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Amsterdam Tech should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 3,600 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Free University of Amsterdam

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Free University of Amsterdam. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Free University of Amsterdam is 4,920 Euros to 16,830 Euros.

The Free University of Amsterdam, commonly referred to as VA Amsterdam, is a public university with more than 140 years history. It offers degree programs in Sciences, Business and Economics, Theology, Law, Medicine, and Humanities. The university has more than 31,000 students, with nearly 5,200 international enrollment.

3. Amsterdam University of the Arts

Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) is a career-oriented higher institution that provides high standards of teaching and research in arts and culture. It offers top-class programs in film, art and design, theatre, music, architecture, and arts education. As an industry-specific university, it has been known for educating and training creative individuals. And even as an internationally recognized institution, it continues to improve and develop quality programs to offer to its current and future students.

The tuition fee at Amsterdam University of the Arts for incoming international master’s students is 5,360 Euros to 9,726 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Gerrit Rietveld Academie

Another affordable university to consider in Amsterdam is Gerrit Rietveld Academie.

Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a specialized English-taught art school in Amsterdam. It primarily offers undergraduate degrees. Bachelor’s students begin first-year with the same program – Basic year – before choosing from one of 12 specialties. Another option for undergrads is the five-year DOGtime program, which includes three years of in-depth study. The academy’s Sandberg Instituut provides Master’s degrees. However, there are only two such programs available.

The tuition fee in Gerrit Rietveld Academie for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,552 Euros.

5. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 8,732 Euros yearly.

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is known as Hogeschool van Amsterdam in Dutch. This specialized institution mainly offers bachelor’s courses, along with a select number of master’s programs. These programs may be pursued full-time or part-time. Some are also English-taught, making it easy for international students to pursue studies at AUAS. Various disciplines are covered by its courses, including design, business, health, technology, and more.

6. University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam is among the top public universities in the Netherlands (UvA). It has been in the academic industry for centuries, and its prominence in the global community is quite evident. Known to be the leading institution in science and innovation, it also offers outstanding educational programs in other areas of study, such as social sciences, humanities, and arts. The university is undoubtedly a remarkable institute that provides the highest standards of teaching and research.

7. KIT Institute

KIT Institute is a leading knowledge institution dedicated to making an impact on society by educating and empowering students and individuals from different communities. Its program offerings focus on sustainability, equality, and addressing global challenges. At present, it offers a Master’s Program in Public Health and Health Equity as well as several specialized short courses on relevant topics.

8. United Institute (Netherlands)

United Institute (Netherlands) was founded in 2014 as the Dutch branch campus of the United International Business Schools based in Zurich, Switzerland. Located in Amsterdam, the United Institute (Netherlands) offers world-class master’s programs in different aspects of business and management tailored to educate, empower, and guide its students toward academic and professional success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Amsterdam?

Applying to cheap universities in Amsterdam requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Netherlands for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Amsterdam?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Amsterdam. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Tech, which offers Software Engineering, Data Science, and Full Stack Development to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Amsterdam Tech offers Data Science & Leadership.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Amsterdam, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Amsterdam as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Amsterdam for international students was helpful!