MS in the Netherlands cost for Indian students: tuition, funds & orientation year
See what a Dutch master's costs a non-EU student, how much you must show for your residence permit, and how the orientation year works.
Non-EU students in the Netherlands pay the institutional fee, which for master’s programmes ranges from about €12,000 to €30,000 a year, far above the €2,684 statutory rate that applies to EEA students in 2026/27. For your residence permit you must show €1,130.77 a month in 2026, and graduates of Dutch programmes can apply for a one-year orientation year to find work.
4.9 from 217+ Google reviews · 10,000+ students since 2019 · ₹0 counselling
Get your free Netherlands profile assessment
Takes 30 seconds. A counsellor WhatsApps you within 24 hours.
No fees. No spam. Your details stay with our counsellors.
How much does a master’s in the Netherlands cost for a non-EU student?
Dutch universities charge two kinds of tuition. EEA students pay the low statutory rate, and non-EEA students such as Indians pay the higher institutional fee set by each university:
| Student type | Rate | Yearly amount |
|---|---|---|
| EEA student | Statutory fee, 2026/27 | €2,684 |
| Non-EU bachelor's | Institutional fee | about €9,000–20,000 |
| Non-EU master's | Institutional fee | about €12,000–30,000 |
Averages reported by Nuffic. Each university and programme sets its own fee, so check the programme page. Most Dutch master's programmes last 1–2 years.
How much money must I show for a Dutch residence permit?
The IND requires you to show enough money to cover your stay. For 2026 the required amount for university study is €1,130.77 per month, which works out to about €13,570 over 12 months (12 × €1,130.77). The study permit is valid for the length of your studies plus three months, up to a maximum of five years, as long as you keep meeting the requirements.
What are typical living costs?
Study in Holland reports average student spending of about €1,000–1,500 a month, with housing from roughly €450 to €1,000 a month depending on the city. Student housing is scarce in cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht, so start your search as soon as you have an offer. These are older estimates, so treat them as a guide and check current rents.
What is the orientation year?
Graduates of Dutch programmes can apply for an orientation year permit, which gives them one year to find work in the Netherlands. During the year you can work freely and your employer does not need a separate work permit for you. The IND application fee for orientation-year applications submitted in 2026 is €254, and the IND updates fees each January.
How can I pay for a master’s in the Netherlands?
- Education loans: collateral-free loans go up to ₹50 lakh from partner lenders, depending on the university and course. See our education loan guide.
- Scholarships: check scholarships for Indian students and each university's own awards for non-EU students.
For the full process, read our Study in the Netherlands guide.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 22 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
Everything you need, from one counsellor, for ₹0
Honest shortlist
Dream, Target and Safe universities matched to your marks, budget and career, at no cost.
SOP & documents
Your Statement of Purpose, LORs and application checked until they read like you at your best.
Loans & scholarships
Collateral-free loans up to ₹50 lakh and every scholarship you qualify for.
Visa preparation
Funds audit, forms and daily 1-on-1 mock interviews at our Himayatnagar office.
"What I liked the most is their honesty and clarity. They explained everything properly, from choosing the right course and country to preparing documents and interview tips. They didn't give false promises."
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MS in the Netherlands cost for Indian students?
Non-EU students pay the institutional fee, which for master's programmes averages about €12,000 to €30,000 a year according to Nuffic. Each university sets its own fee, so check the programme page.
How much money do I need to show for a Dutch student permit?
For 2026 the IND requires €1,130.77 per month for university study, about €13,570 over 12 months.
Can I stay and work in the Netherlands after my master's?
Graduates of Dutch programmes can apply for an orientation year permit that gives them one year to find work, and they can work freely during that year.
Is the Netherlands cheaper than the UK?
Non-EU master's fees in the Netherlands (about €12,000–30,000) overlap with many UK fees, so the Netherlands is not automatically cheaper. Compare the programme fee, living costs and the length of the course.
What are living costs in the Netherlands?
Study in Holland reports average student spending of about €1,000–1,500 a month, with housing from roughly €450 to €1,000. These estimates are older, so check current rents in your city.
Get your free plan in one conversation.
Tell us where you stand. We'll tell you honestly what's possible, what it will cost and what to do next.
Or call +91 83097 13212 · Mon–Sat 9–7:30, Sun 10–4