Let's put real numbers on the table. All INR figures use EUR 1 = ₹110, which moves, so treat them as approximate.
Tuition
Non-EU/non-EEA students pay 'institutional' fees, set per programme:
| Level | Per year (EUR) | Approx INR |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 9,000-20,000 | ~9.9-22 lakh |
| Master's | 12,000-30,000 | ~13.2-33 lakh |
Universities of applied sciences (HBO) often sit at the lower end; specialised research master's at the top. Always check the exact course page.
Living costs
Study in NL puts student living at EUR 1,000-1,500/month (~₹1.1-1.65 lakh). Amsterdam and Utrecht run higher; Groningen, Enschede, Maastricht, and Tilburg are cheaper.
Proof of funds (the number the IND cares about)
You usually demonstrate this by transferring funds to the university or showing a bank statement. Tuition is separate from this living-cost proof.
Scholarships, honestly
- NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship): EUR 5,000 one-time, first year only. Helpful but not full funding.
- University-specific merit awards: often the biggest realistic source.
So how do most Indian students pay for it?
A mix: family funds, an Indian education loan, plus maybe one partial scholarship. Plan to fund the full first year yourself; part-time work helps with spending money, not the core bill.