Study in Amsterdam, Netherlands

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. The municipality had 941,927 inhabitants on 1 January 2026, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). It is a compact, international city built around its canals, and English is widely spoken: the city's own guide for newcomers notes that Amsterdammers speak English very well.

Students choose Amsterdam for its universities, its large choice of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes and the chance to live in an international city.

Studying in Amsterdam

Dutch higher education has two types of institution. Research universities offer research-oriented programmes: a bachelor's degree takes three years and a master's one to three years. Universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) focus on the practical application of arts and sciences, with internships as an important part of the programme; their bachelor's degrees take four years. Amsterdam has both:

• The University of Amsterdam (UvA) dates from 1632 and has four campuses in the city. It states that over 100 nationalities are represented among its students and staff.
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a comprehensive university with faculties in the humanities, sciences, social sciences and medicine, on a compact campus in the Zuidas district. Amsterdam UMC is part of the campus.
• The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Amsterdam University of the Arts are among the institutions that Study in NL, the official study portal, lists as offering international programmes.

Our directory also lists ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam, a school of traditional Thai massage (Nuad Thai) that states that it has trained more than 10,000 people since 2009. It offers classes, a teacher training and a therapist programme, all open to beginners.

Most English-taught programmes ask for proof of English, usually an IELTS or Cambridge English test if English is not your first language. Art schools and creative programmes may ask for a portfolio.

Fees, visa and costs

For the 2026-27 academic year, the statutory tuition fee is €2,694 for students from the EEA, Switzerland or Surinam. Other students pay institutional fees, on average between €9,000 and €20,000 a year for a bachelor's and between €12,000 and €30,000 for a master's, according to Study in NL.

EU nationals do not need a visa. Other students may need an entry visa (MVV, depending on nationality) and a residence permit for stays of more than 90 days. The institution starts the application with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) once you have enrolled.

Study in NL puts average student spending at €1,000 to €1,500 a month. Its monthly overview, based on Nibud figures for 2024, lists €561 for rent, €244 for groceries and €67 for transport. Housing is the main challenge: the Netherlands has a severe housing shortage and not enough student housing, so start looking for a room before you arrive. In Amsterdam a deposit of one to two months' rent is usually required, and housing is more expensive than in smaller towns. If you take a part-time job, you must take out Dutch public health insurance.

Getting around and daily life

The bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around a Dutch city. Trams, buses and the metro use the national OVpay system: you check in and out with a bank card, credit card or smartphone, or with the OV-pas travel card. A single bus fare in a city costs around €2, according to Study in NL. The rail network is dense and frequent, and is the quickest way to travel between city centres.

Every resident, including students, must register with the municipality and receives a BSN (citizen service number), which is needed to work or open a bank account. The weather is changeable, so bring clothes for warm and cold days and an umbrella.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Amsterdam?

Yes. Dutch universities and other education providers offer many programmes in English, and the University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam teach bachelor's and master's programmes in English. You usually need an IELTS or Cambridge English result if English is not your first language.

How much does it cost to study in Amsterdam?

EEA students pay a statutory fee of €2,694 in 2026-27; other students usually pay €9,000 to €20,000 a year for a bachelor's. Living costs average €1,000 to €1,500 a month nationally, and rent in Amsterdam is above average.

Do I need a visa to study in Amsterdam?

EU nationals do not. Other students may need an MVV entry visa and a residence permit for stays over 90 days; the institution applies on your behalf after enrolment.

Is it hard to find student housing in Amsterdam?

Yes. The Netherlands has a severe shortage of student housing, so arrange a room before you arrive, never sign a contract for a room you have not seen, and expect to pay a deposit.