15 Cheapest Universities in Netherlands for International Students

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In Netherlands, 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 Netherlands, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 54 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Netherlands, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Free University of Amsterdam 4,140 Euros - 12,700 Euros 57%
Amsterdam University of the Arts 5,360 Euros - 8,726 Euros 44%
Gerrit Rietveld Academie 6,552 Euros 32%
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences 6,930 Euros 28%
Erasmus University Rotterdam 7,000 Euros - 13,500 Euros 27%
HAN University of Applied Sciences 7,650 Euros - 8,965 Euros 20%
Aeres University of Applied Sciences 7,676 Euros 20%
Saxion University of Applied Sciences 7,800 Euros 19%
Hanze University of Applied Sciences 7,900 Euros 18%
Royal Academy of Art, The Hague 8,000 Euros 16%
HZ University of Applied Sciences 8,100 Euros 15%
Fontys University of Applied Sciences 8,330 Euros - 10,700 Euros 13%
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences 8,350 Euros - 11,500 Euros 13%
Avans University of Applied Sciences 8,452 Euros 12%
Inholland University of Applied Sciences 8,495 Euros 11%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 9,523 Euros for universities in Netherlands.

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, a public vocational institution, offers several bachelor’s and associate programs in English or Dutch. Windesheim is one of the country’s leading applied science universities. However, it keeps its population small to maintain a more personal approach to education. Thus, rarely do class sizes exceed 20 students.

5. Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam in Dutch, is one of the elite public universities in the Netherlands. The institution has gained recognition in the local and international community for its high-quality education. It has been consistently included in the national and global academic rankings. In addition, the university has partnered with other renowned foreign institutions to offer joint programs for eligible students.

6. HAN University of Applied Sciences

HAN University of Applied Sciences is a specialized institution for the sciences and is one of the most extensive of its kind in the Netherlands. The programs it offers are science-related, like technology or life sciences. These programs may be available in English and full-time or part-time schedules. It has two locations, one in Arnhem and the other in Nijmegen. The university also has a research facility in Doetinchem, another city in the Netherlands.

7. Aeres University of Applied Sciences

Aeres University of Applied Sciences was founded as an agricultural institution. Such roots are still evident in its selection of courses. It offers several undergraduate and graduate-level programs geared towards a greener society and better agriculture. This includes programs like agribusiness, dairy management, and more taught in either English or Dutch language.

 

8. Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Saxion University of Applied Sciences, or Hogeschool Saxion in Dutch, was established in 1998. Its three campuses across Eastern Netherlands offer programs in Finance, Engineering, Business, and Digital Media. At present, the university is home to nearly 27,000 students.

9. Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Rooted in its mission to make a contribution to society, Hanze University of Applied Sciences offers degree programs with a strong focus on applied research and innovation. It is one of the largest technical universities in the Netherlands. Its campus is located in Groningen and houses several modern facilities to aid students’ learning and research.

10. Royal Academy of Art, The Hague

Established centuries ago, the Royal Academy of Art (The Hague) was one of the oldest art institutions worldwide. It has a relatively small student population (less than 1,000), but it has produced several notable alums in the arts. Thus, it is regarded as a high-quality training ground for art professionals. It is ranked 51st in the world for Art and Design by the QS Top Universities ranking. The programs at the Royal Academy are highly specialized and available at various levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, preparatory, and Ph.D. A limited number of such courses are English-taught.

11. HZ University of Applied Sciences

HZ University of Applied Sciences is among the leading applied sciences universities in the Netherlands. It boasts high-quality programs, which may be taught in English or Dutch. These courses are offered in three locations. They have campuses in Vlissingen, Roosendaal and Middelburg.

The university also offers an English-taught master’s program. It’s a joint degree made possible by a collaboration with two other universities.

12. Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Fontys University of Applied Sciences is a specialized institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level studies. Its name is derived from the Latin for “source”. Such is fitting for an institution that aspires to be a reservoir of knowledge for students. Education at Fontys is practical and research-based, giving individuals much room to learn and adapt to real-world working conditions. English-taught courses for bachelor’s and master’s students are available at Fontys. They may be in full-time or part-time schedules.

13. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences or Zuyd Hogeschool in Dutch offers some of the best undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has a wide selection of English-taught and Dutch-taught applied science programs. It has several campuses in Southeastern Netherlands where students are educated in small groups. This kind of learning environment will be incredibly beneficial for students as the academic faculty can mentor and aid the needs of each student.

14. Avans University of Applied Sciences

Avans University of Applied Sciences or AVANS Hogeschool in Dutch is a young university that provides top-notch educational programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. This thriving institution is committed to generating competent professionals by providing high standards of teaching and research. Since the learning approach is practice-based, students will develop core capabilities and necessary skills that would be beneficial for their future career endeavors.

15. Inholland University of Applied Sciences

Inholland University of Applied Sciences is a young university with several campuses in various cities in Western Netherlands. Currently, the institution offers degree programs with Dutch and English as mediums of instruction. For prospective students looking for career-oriented programs, the university offers some of the most innovative degree programs in the country. Several of its English-taught bachelor’s programs are specifically designed for international students.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Codarts University for the Arts 4,025 Euros - 8,915 Euros 67%
Erasmus University Rotterdam 4,300 Euros - 19,600 Euros 64%
Free University of Amsterdam 4,920 Euros - 16,900 Euros 59%
Amsterdam University of the Arts 5,360 Euros - 9,726 Euros 55%
Driestar Christian University 6,540 Euros 45%
Gerrit Rietveld Academie 6,552 Euros 45%
Fontys University of Applied Sciences 7,330 Euros - 10,700 Euros 39%
University of Twente 7,438 Euros - 16,500 Euros 38%
Aeres University of Applied Sciences 7,676 Euros 36%
Hanze University of Applied Sciences 7,900 Euros - 9,750 Euros 34%
Royal Academy of Art, The Hague 8,000 Euros 33%
Avans University of Applied Sciences 8,452 Euros 29%
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences 8,732 Euros 27%
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht 8,812 Euros 26%
Saxion University of Applied Sciences 8,900 Euros - 12,900 Euros 26%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 11,900 Euros for universities in Netherlands.

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1. Codarts University for the Arts

Codarts University for the Arts, commonly referred to as Codarts Rotterdam, is a private institution in the Netherlands. It was established in 2000, though its history can be traced back to 1930. Currently, the university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in Music and Dance.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Codarts University for the Arts should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,025 Euros to 8,915 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Erasmus University Rotterdam

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Erasmus University Rotterdam. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam is 4,300 Euros to 19,600 Euros.

Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam in Dutch, is one of the elite public universities in the Netherlands. The institution has gained recognition in the local and international community for its high-quality education. It has been consistently included in the national and global academic rankings. In addition, the university has partnered with other renowned foreign institutions to offer joint programs for eligible students.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Free University of Amsterdam for incoming international master’s students is 4,920 Euros to 16,830 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Amsterdam University of the Arts

Another affordable university to consider in Netherlands is 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 in Amsterdam University of the Arts for master’s program for foreign students starts from 5,360 Euros.

5. Driestar Christian University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Driestar Christian University 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 6,540 Euros yearly.

Driestar Christian University is an institution that specializes in teacher education. Since its foundation in 1944, the university’s methods and traditions have been deeply inspired by the Christian faith. The university aims to train the next generations of teachers who will be able to provide high-quality Christian education anywhere in the world.

6. 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.

7. Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Fontys University of Applied Sciences is a specialized institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level studies. Its name is derived from the Latin for “source”. Such is fitting for an institution that aspires to be a reservoir of knowledge for students. Education at Fontys is practical and research-based, giving individuals much room to learn and adapt to real-world working conditions. English-taught courses for bachelor’s and master’s students are available at Fontys. They may be in full-time or part-time schedules.

8. University of Twente

The University of Twente is a public technical university established in 1961. Thus, most of its programs are specialized in the sciences, like engineering, technology, life sciences, natural sciences, and medicine. However, the university also has courses in business and social sciences. This top-ranked institution welcomes students at various levels, including pre-university, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. It was ranked 1st by Times Higher Education for its Impact Rankings: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

9. Aeres University of Applied Sciences

Aeres University of Applied Sciences was founded as an agricultural institution. Such roots are still evident in its selection of courses. It offers several undergraduate and graduate-level programs geared towards a greener society and better agriculture. This includes programs like agribusiness, dairy management, and more taught in either English or Dutch language.

 

10. Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Rooted in its mission to make a contribution to society, Hanze University of Applied Sciences offers degree programs with a strong focus on applied research and innovation. It is one of the largest technical universities in the Netherlands. Its campus is located in Groningen and houses several modern facilities to aid students’ learning and research.

11. Royal Academy of Art, The Hague

Established centuries ago, the Royal Academy of Art (The Hague) was one of the oldest art institutions worldwide. It has a relatively small student population (less than 1,000), but it has produced several notable alums in the arts. Thus, it is regarded as a high-quality training ground for art professionals. It is ranked 51st in the world for Art and Design by the QS Top Universities ranking. The programs at the Royal Academy are highly specialized and available at various levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, preparatory, and Ph.D. A limited number of such courses are English-taught.

12. Avans University of Applied Sciences

Avans University of Applied Sciences or AVANS Hogeschool in Dutch is a young university that provides top-notch educational programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. This thriving institution is committed to generating competent professionals by providing high standards of teaching and research. Since the learning approach is practice-based, students will develop core capabilities and necessary skills that would be beneficial for their future career endeavors.

13. 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.

14. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht is a polytechnic university that offers comprehensive academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of its primary goals is to educate thousands of students to become eligible professionals who will significantly contribute to industry-specific sectors. By doing so, the university thrives on providing advanced educational programs and high standards of teaching.

15. Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Saxion University of Applied Sciences, or Hogeschool Saxion in Dutch, was established in 1998. Its three campuses across Eastern Netherlands offer programs in Finance, Engineering, Business, and Digital Media. At present, the university is home to nearly 27,000 students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Netherlands 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!

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 Netherlands, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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