Netherlands 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

Fees are determined centrally (currently EUR 1 984 for 2016/17) and have to be paid by all students (1st cycle, 2nd cycle, short cycle). Students in part-time programmes or programmes combining study and work (dual courses) pay between EUR 1 163 and 1 984 upon the decision of the higher education institution.

The fees of a second bachelor or master in higher professional education are on average between EUR 6 500 and 7 000, while fees for a second university bachelor are on average EUR 8 000, with a maximum of EUR 32 000 for medicine. The amount for a second university master is about EUR 12 000, with a maximum of EUR 32 000 for economics (one programme) and health care programmes, including medicine.

International students – outside a country in the EEA, Surinam or Switzerland – pay non statutory fees determined by the higher education institutions without any guidelines from the Ministry.

Student grants

Depending on parental income, a supplementary grant is available to a maximum of EUR 384 per month. This does not need to be repaid if the student graduates within 10 years, but the maximum loan amount is lowered. On average students enrolled in 2015/16 received an annual amount of ca. EUR 3 900.

Students who are delayed in their studies due to medical conditions have a right to an extra year of student finance. They are also eligible for a loan remittance up to EUR 1 200 if they graduate within 10 years.

For all eligible students public transport is free, either weekdays or at the weekends according to their choice.

'Vouchers' for professional training: Students that start in higher education (HBO or university) for the first time between 2015/16 and 2018/19 receive a voucher for professional training when they graduate. This voucher has a maximum value of EUR 2 000 and can be used between 5 and 10 years after graduation.

Loans

Students enrolled in higher professional education or university since 1 September 2015 can apply for a state loan – maximum of EUR 1 028 per month. This is composed of two loans: one to cover living costs, with a maximum of EUR 862.50 per month and the other of EUR 165 per month to cover tuition fees. Those students already enrolled before 2015 are eligible for need-based grants running for the standard length of programmes.

Students can take out the same amount of loan for a further three years after graduation. The loan repayment period is 35 years. The amount to be repaid per month depends on the size of the loan, personal income and interest rates (0.01 % in 2016). When income is below the minimum wage no loan repayments are required. After 35 years, outstanding debt is waived. It is also possible to reduce payments when income decreases by at least 15 %.

Tax benefit for student's parents

No tax benefits for parents and no family allowances.

Family allowances

No tax benefits for parents and no family allowances.