Study costs depend on the education route and your eligibility. For HBO and university, distinguish statutory tuition (wettelijk collegegeld) from institutional tuition (instellingscollegegeld). Student finance is a separate eligibility question.
2026/27 tuition
The statutory tuition fee for qualifying HBO/university students in academic year 2026/27 is €2,694. Students who do not meet the statutory-fee conditions can face an institution-set fee, which is commonly higher. Private institutions set their own fees.
MBO fees are different
Students who are 18 or older on 1 August 2026 and attend full-time MBO-BOL generally pay statutory course fees. For 2026/27 that amount is €1,511. BBL and other routes use different fee rules, so do not apply the HBO/WO collegegeld rules to MBO.
Student finance: check your own eligibility
DUO student finance can include a basic grant, supplementary grant, student travel product and loans, depending on the study and personal circumstances. Nationality/residence rules matter, including specific rules for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and family members. Use DUO’s current eligibility guidance rather than assuming that living or studying in the Netherlands automatically qualifies you.
Tuition-fee credit and lifelong-learning credit
Eligible higher-education students can use collegegeldkrediet. People who do not qualify for ordinary student finance may in some circumstances qualify for levenlanglerenkrediet. In 2026/27 the lifelong-learning credit can cover qualifying tuition/course fees up to the applicable limits; it does not cover books, travel or accommodation.