do phd students pay tax in netherlands

PhD Salary Netherlands: After-Tax Income Guide

• PhD Salary Netherlands: After-Tax Income…

The Intriguing World of PhD Salaries in the Netherlands After Tax

Have you ever wondered what the salary of a PhD holder in the Netherlands looks like after tax deductions? If you`re as curious as I am, then you`ll find this article to be an enlightening exploration of the financial landscape for doctoral researchers in the Netherlands.

Understanding PhD Salaries in the Netherlands

Before we delve into the after-tax figures, let`s first take a look at the average gross salary for PhD researchers in the Netherlands. According recent report Dutch Network Women Professors (LNVH), average gross salary full-time PhD researcher Netherlands is €2,261 per month. This, of course, can vary depending on factors such as the university, field of study, and years of experience.

Calculating After-Tax Income

Now, let`s crunch some numbers to determine the net income after tax deductions. The Netherlands has a progressive tax system, which means that higher incomes are taxed at a higher rate. As of 2021, the income tax rates for individuals in the Netherlands are as follows:

Using these tax rates, we can calculate the after-tax income for a PhD researcher in the Netherlands. Let`s take average gross salary €2,261 per month as example:

So after tax deductions, net monthly income PhD researcher Netherlands would be approximately €1,582.90. This is an important consideration for those planning to pursue a PhD in the Netherlands, as it provides a realistic picture of the take-home pay.

Comparing PhD Salaries Across Europe

It`s also worthwhile to compare the after-tax income of PhD researchers in the Netherlands with their counterparts in other European countries. According study Eurodoc, average net income PhD researchers Netherlands is higher than countries Germany and France, where average net income ranges from €1,200 to €1,400 per month.

Reflections on PhD Salaries in the Netherlands

As someone who is deeply passionate about academia and research, I find the topic of PhD salaries in the Netherlands to be both fascinating and important. It`s clear that the after-tax income of PhD researchers can vary significantly depending on the country, and this information can be invaluable for individuals considering a doctoral program abroad.

The after-tax salary for PhD researchers in the Netherlands offers a relatively competitive compensation package compared to other European countries. However, it`s crucial for prospective PhD candidates to consider the cost of living and other financial factors when making decisions about their academic and professional pursuits.

PhD Salary Netherlands After Tax: 10 Popular Legal Questions & Answers

PhD Salary in the Netherlands: Legal Contract

This contract is entered into on this [date] day of [month, year], between [Employer name], having its principal place of business at [address], hereinafter referred to as « Employer », and [Employee name], residing at [address], hereinafter referred to as « Employee. »

Auteur :  admin-ruches

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in the Netherlands

Salaries at Dutch universities are set at the national level and listed in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). An academic’s place on the salary scale   is determined by their position, qualifications, and experience. The salaries listed in this article are pre-tax. Dutch salaries are supplemented by an 8% holiday allowance (paid in May or June) and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance (paid in December). Income tax is high—either 36.5% or 52%—however foreign academics are often eligible for the 30% scheme which allows them to receive the first 30% of their salary tax-free.

Promovendus

A PhD student in the Netherlands is called a promovendus . A Dutch PhD usually takes four years to complete. As PhD candidates are seen as employees rather than students and usually hold the position of Assistant-in-Opleiding (AiO) or Onderzoeker-in-Opleiding (OiO).

A PhD student earns €2,448 to €3,128 per month.

After earning their PhD, many researchers go on to a postdoc often at another university or in another country. A postdoc is a continuation of the researcher’s training that allows them to further specialize in a particular field and learn new skills and techniques. A Dutch postdoc lasts two years.

The salary range for a postdoc is €3,821 to €5,230 per month ( scale 11 ).

Universitair docent

This position is equivalent to the rank of assistant professor and is the first permanent academic position. The initial contract is often for four years at which point the academic is evaluated and their position may become permanent. If the position becomes permanent, it is not uncommon to stay in this position until retirement.

Tenure-track universitair docent positions were initially introduced due to many Dutch academic jobs being temporary and job security being perceived very low. A more experienced candidate with the potential to become a universitair hoofddocent can become a tenure-track universitair docent . After four to six years their performance is evaluated and those who have published and received major grants are promoted to universitair hoofddocent .

The salary scales for a universitair docent ranges from €3,821 to €5,943 per month ( scale 11 and 12 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.

Universitair hoofddocent

A universitair hoofddocent is equivalent in rank to an associate professor. Traditionally to become a universitair hoofddocen t, a universitair docent had to apply for a vacant position. However it is now possible to be promoted to this position based on performance. This is a permanent position and it is not uncommon to remain a universitair hoofddocent until retirement.

The salary scales for a universitair hoofddocent ranges from €5,294 to €7,097 per month ( scale 13 and 14 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.

A hoogleraar is equivalent to a full professor and is at the top of the Dutch professorial hierarchy. They have substantial research accomplishments that have established them as an international or national leader in their field. The position is similar to that of a department chair in that a hoogleraar supervises all the other professors in their department or group. They are also the only ones who can supervise PhD dissertations. Unlike the American tenure system, there is no automatic promotion to hoogleraar . To become one, a universitair hoofddocent has to apply for a vacant position.

The salary scales for a hoogleraar ranges from €5,864 to €10,309 per month ( scale H2 and H1 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.  

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Doing PhD in Germany vs the Netherlands

I am planning to apply for a Ph.D. grant. I have two options, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other one in Stuttgart, Germany.

The one in Amsterdam is 38h per week. The remuneration is €2,395 to € 4,402 gross per month and a favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants, I am not Dutch.

The one in Stuttgart is 40h per week and the remuneration is according to (TV-L E13 level).

How much the net salary will be? I don't know how much income tax will apply in either of these countries.

I know there are a lot of other factors I need to take into consideration. If you have any suggestions or recommendations, please share them here.

Thank you so much.

• netherlands

• 1 Commonly in the Netherlands, you start at 2395 and it goes up every year according to a fixed table. You should be able to get the specifics from the university, the range you give here is huge. In any case, keep living costs in mind (mainly rent and health insurance could differ a lot). –  user53923 Commented Jul 24, 2021 at 17:10
• 2 @Wacek Unlike in the US, in the EU many universities actually take seriously the contract and labor laws, and actively step up to prevent the 60-80 hrs /week scenarios. –  Greg Commented Jul 25, 2021 at 3:31
• 5 Considering the difference in living costs between the countries and cities, and the goal of a PhD, I do not think your main consideration should be the exact value of salary. Small things like living conditions, lab culture, can much more impactful of your overall wellbeing, and you should also consider professional / scientific value of the two projects, too. –  Greg Commented Jul 25, 2021 at 3:35
• 2 @Greg "in the EU many universities actually take seriously". I have never been in us. I have experience from several EU universities (both "eastern" and "western") and my experience is that those who succeed (and remain in science) work for 60-80 h / week. Those who just need a PhD for a CV indeed work less. Counties that I speak of: Germany, Austria, Poland and Lithuania. Common scenario: (day N: 6pm) "we need to do the following" (day N+1 9 am) "did you do it, what are the results". Field of "chemical physics". –  user141903 Commented Jul 26, 2021 at 6:48
• 3 @Greg some of my colleagues were funded by some EU grant that required filling in daily schedules that kept hours. Basically someone wrote an Excel macro that asked you for your vacation days and religion (protestants have different holidays than catholics), and based on that these reports were filled in. Naturally 8 hours per day and 0 on weekends. Always :) –  user141903 Commented Jul 26, 2021 at 6:59

3 Answers 3

The salary range for the Amsterdam position is almost certainly a mistake and should read €2395 to €3061. It would average out (over the 4 years and your progression through the salary range) to ~€2200 after taxes per month but there are holiday and end-of-year bonuses which push it up to ~€2400. Additionally, €500/month is going towards a pension fund. This is money you can't immediately access but obviously it still has value.

If the 30% ruling applies (one of the conditions is that you need to be under 30, have a master's degree and relocate from abroad), 30% of the income will be untaxed. As a very rough first estimate, this would net you an additional €200-400 per month (at the expense of losing out on some relatively insignificant social security benefits).

I don't know the German situation well enough to comment on that, but hopefully this gives you a rough idea of what you would earn in the Netherlands. Note that, for a proper comparsion, in the Netherlands you must have mandatory health insurance which is ~€100/month (which you could view as a kind of tax).

• You're right, the range for Amsterdam was certainly a mistake. That range was actually for postdocs not for PhDs. thanks for correcting that. And thank you for your good answer. –  AziZ Commented Jul 25, 2021 at 6:08
• "€500/month is going towards a pension fund. This is money you can't immediately access but obviously it still has value." - what is person leaves Netherlands permanently? Won't these 500 euro be just taken by the govenrment? –  user141903 Commented Jul 26, 2021 at 6:54
• 1 @Wacek No. It can still be paid out if you retire when living abroad. You can also choose to immediately transfer the accumulated pension to your new pension fund if you take up employment elsewhere. –  Tom van der Zanden Commented Jul 26, 2021 at 7:59
• @Tom van der Zanden, Yes indeed you can. But take into account that when you get it paid out you will probably have to pay taxes over it, it is not tax free money, so that reduces the value somewhat. –  user53923 Commented Jul 27, 2021 at 16:54

Quite certainly the number of hours listed will be irrelevant. It would be extremely unusual for a PhD student to be on the clock.

The salary range listed for Amsterdam is gigantic. Your net salary in Germany will depend on various personal factors, e.g. whether you are married, if so how much your spouse makes; whether you have children and what religion you are. However, in both cases the salary will ultimately be sufficient for a modest lifestyle ; and that is what matters.

The aspects you should focus on are:

• Do you forsee that working in the research group will be pleasant and productive?
• Do you trust that the PhD supervisor will be capable and willing to act as an effective mentor for you?
• Is the idea of living in Amsterdam or Stuttgart respectively for several years appealing to you? Or at least, not off-putting? [If you are planning to bring anyone else along, the same question applies to them.]

• You are right, the range for Amsterdam was a mistake. That was for postdocs not for PhDs. –  AziZ Commented Jul 25, 2021 at 6:10
• The number of hours listed is extremely relevant since that decides what the monthly gross is (irrespectively of what the actual hours worked are). 40 h/wk is a 100 % position. –  cbeleites unhappy with SX Commented Jul 26, 2021 at 19:41
• @cbeleites that may be so in germany, but in the Netherlands 38h weeks are a fulltime position (though people sometimes work 40 and get additional leave days in return) –  user53923 Commented Jul 27, 2021 at 16:48
• @cbeleitesunhappywithSX It is relevant that both positions are fulltime. The hour-numbers don't matter. –  Arno Commented Jul 27, 2021 at 16:51
• 1 @user53923: also 38, 39, 39.5 h/week would all be called full time position in Germany. But there are also PhD positions that are nominally 19-20 h/wk (50 % part time) or 26-ish h/wk (65 % part time). The latter positions will yield half and 65 %, respectively, of the gross wage of a full position. This percentage is the single most important variable factor in finding out how money a PhD student earns. (And those hours paid are in many cases completely independent of the hours a PhD student is expected to work on their thesis). –  cbeleites unhappy with SX Commented Jul 27, 2021 at 19:52

A full time TV-L 13 position in Germany will give you roughly 2200€ oft net income in the first year, and it increases after 1 year, and again after 2 years. So I would guess the amount of money you will have in both Amsterdam and Stuttgart will not differ by much more than a few 100€.

From a pure money perspective, you should thus consider:

• how much would you roughly spend in each city for rent, food etc.?
• how far are the cities from your current home or your family and would you spend considerably more from one of the to places to travel to those?

But as @Arno already remarked, the more important things to consider are the academic surroundings in each place, the research abilities, the prospective colleagues and mentors, as well as things like local language and culture.

• yeah, thanks for your answer. –  AziZ Commented Jul 25, 2021 at 6:09
• 1 Hmm, might it be possible that you just extrapolated the information in the first half sentence from your own experience? In fact, it is not possible to determine the net income without additional information about the OP's personal situation (as pointed out in Arno's answer). –  Jochen Glueck Commented Jul 25, 2021 at 9:11
• @JochenGlueck: it's possible to do a worst-case calculation with tax class I, no kids and high additional health insurance fees of 1.7 % etc. Everything else will lead to higher net (exluding tax class 6, but presumably the PhD position will not be accompanied by any higher paying side job). For a 100 % (40 h/wk) TVL 13-1 for BaWü I get about 2500 € net with the settings above. –  cbeleites unhappy with SX Commented Jul 26, 2021 at 19:44

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The 30% ruling is an option for employees that move to the Netherlands for work to receive a portion of their salary (up to 30%) tax-free. This is applied monthly to your income.

Some of the conditions to be met in order to obtain the 30% ruling in the Netherlands are:

• The employee must be transferred or recruited from outside of the Netherlands
• The employee must not have lived within 150km of the Dutch border for 17 months out of the previous 24 months
• This minimum amount is lowered for PhD candidates under 30 years of age
• The employee must be a highly skilled worker with skills that are coveted in the Netherlands
• In some cases, the requirement that the employee is hired from abroad is lifted if the masters degree or PhD was completed in the Netherlands, as long as the company hires the candidate within a year of completing their studies

More information on the criteria to be met can be found among the links at the bottom of this page.

Application

The application for the 30% ruling should be submitted by the employee and employer. In most cases, the university will reach out to a PhD to complete this together close to the start of their studies. The documents required for the application include:

• Copy of employment contract
• Copy of curriculum vitae
• Proof of residency over the 24 months prior to the start of your employment if you have lived/stayed part of the previous 24 months in the Netherlands or 150 km from the Dutch border. Evidence of at least 17 months of your living address(es) must be provided.
• If you were a PhD student in the Netherlands or in any other EU countries within 150 km of the Dutch border before the start of employment, but before the start of that PhD-student employment, you lived beyond this region, a copy of the letter of employment as PhD student, all residence addresses 24 months before the PhD employment and copy PhD diploma are required. You must also have obtained your PhD degree less than one year before the current employment, or you will obtain it soon.
• Addendum to the letter conditions of employment. Both employee and employer should sign this.

Notably, the 30% ruling could have implications for your pension and unemployment benefits.

• University of Amsterdam (UvA) : https://medewerker.uva.nl/en/content-secured/az/the-30-rule/the-30-percent-rule.html
• Vrije university (VU) : https://workingat.vu.nl/working-at-vu/employment-conditions
• Utrecht university: https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/international-staff-and-guests/visiting-utrecht-university/living-in-the-netherlands/working-in-the-netherlands
• Redboud university Nijmegen: https://www.ru.nl/english/working-at/working-at-radboud-university/personal/vm-coming/coming/vm-before/30-tax-ruling/
• University of Groningen: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/folder30regelingen.pdf
• Leiden university : https://www.staff.universiteitleiden.nl/human-resources/conditions-of-employment-salary-and-allowance/salary/30-ruling
• https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/coming-to-work-in-the-netherlands-30-percent-facility
• https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/living/take-care-of-official-matters/highly-skilled-migrants/thirty-percent-ruling/30-percent-ruling-indepth

Master, PhD and Postdoc Scholarships

PhD and Postdoc Salary in the Netherlands

The salary landscape for academic researchers in the Netherlands is multifaceted, shaped by various factors. In this post, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into the salaries of PhD students and Postdocs in the Netherlands.

Before-tax Salary of PhD in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the gross salary of a PhD student spans a range from 2,395€ for a newly minted PhD student to 3,061€ per month for a fourth-year student. For a fresh PhD student, this translates to a monthly net income of approximately 1,820€, while a fourth-year student can expect a net monthly income of around 2,154€. Details of the calculation .

For postdoctoral scholars in the Netherlands, salaries are substantially higher than those of PhD students. Typically, Postdocs in the Netherlands receive gross monthly salaries ranging from 2,790€ to 4,402€. Consequently, the net monthly income for Postdocs falls within the range of 2,227€ to 2,787€. Details of CAO-NU.

Increasing PhD Stipend 2023-2024 in UK

After-tax Salary of PhD and Postdocs in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, highly skilled migrant workers, including scientists, benefit from a special rule known as the “30% ruling.” This rule allows for a 30% exemption on the gross salary of skilled migrant workers, rendering that portion tax-free. To illustrate, if your annual income is 100,000€, you can enjoy a tax-free allowance of 30,000€ per year. However, specific conditions must be met to qualify for this tax benefit.

Available Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in the Netherlands

For those seeking fully funded opportunities in the Netherlands, Fastepo has curated listings for both:

• Available fully funded PhD Positions in the Netherlands
• Available Postdoc Positions in the Netherlands

The salaries of PhD students and Postdocs in the Netherlands adhere to the Salary Table outlined in the Collective Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). This system is analogous to those in other Western European countries like Denmark , Germany , Switzerland , Sweden , Finland , Austria , Norway , Ireland , France and the UK . However, it’s important to note that these salaries are typically lower than those received by PhD students in ITN (Innovative Training Network) positions or Postdocs hired through the prestigious Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship .

Fully Funded PhD Positions with Salary

• Germany – Fully Funded PhD
• Switzerland – Fully Funded PhD
• Denmark – Fully Funded PhD
• UK – Fully Funded PhD
• Sweden – Fully Funded PhD
• Finland – Fully Funded PhD
• Netherlands – Fully Funded PhD
• Norway – Fully Funded PhD
• Belgium – Fully Funded PhD
• Austria – Fully Funded PhD
• Australia – Fully Funded PhD
• France – Fully Funded PhD
• New Zealand – Fully Funded PhD
• Canada – Fully Funded PhD
• USA – Fully Funded PhD
• Luxembourg – Fully Funded PhD
• Spain – Fully Funded PhD
• Italy – Fully Funded PhD
• Iceland -Fully Funded PhD

The Fastepo team diligently updates various academic positions , ensuring you have access to the latest opportunities. Additionally, follow our Facebook page to stay informed about new vacancies. If you prefer visual content, consider joining our YouTube channel for engaging PhD and Postdoc-related videos. Your academic journey in Switzerland awaits!

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Working in the netherlands as a non-dutch student.

Non-Dutch students may work in the Netherlands during their studies. Please take note of several rules about health insurance, work permits, income taxes and social premiums to which you must adhere as a non-Dutch student employed in the Netherlands.

Do you want to know more about your rights and obligations as a non-Dutch student?

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)     +31 88 043 0430

Do you need a work permit?

Whether you need a work permit to work in the Netherlands depends on your nationality.  

Requesting a work permit via your employer

Your (future) employer must request a work permit for you at the UWV. They must submit your residence permit and prove that you are registered as a student. This takes about five weeks.

Limitations when working with a work permit in the Netherlands

If your nationality requires you to have a work permit to work while studying in the Netherlands, please note that you must choose between the following two options regarding the hours and periods of time that you make work in the Netherlands:

• You do seasonal work in June, July and August.
• You work throughout the entire year, part-time, but never more than 16 hours per week.

These limitations do not apply to residents of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. They may work full-time, just like Dutch students.

Mandatory when working: basic healthcare insurance

Anyone over the age of 18, who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out a basic healthcare insurance. Basic healthcare insurance covers the standard costs of the GP, hospital and pharmacy, for example. 

Make sure you are well-insured at all times. Fore more questions about when and how to apply for health insurance in the Netherlands, please consult the following websites:

Read more about health insurance at MyMaastricht     Still have questions? Consider visiting the International Student Helpdesk

Income tax and social security

You must pay taxes over your total income. If you receive a scholarship, this might be added to your salary. In the Netherlands, you must file your income taxes once each year.

Do you want to know more about your income tax?

• Go to your employer's personnel department 
• Call the Dutch Tax Service for individuals at 0800 0543 (this telephone number is not available from abroad)

Your employer will deduct a contribution for social security from your gross salary. This deduction is a legal requirement. It ensures you against the consequences of accidents at work.

Working illegally ("undeclared work")

Some students have a part-time job for which no taxes or social security premiums are paid. This is called undeclared work. It appears worthwhile because you earn more. However, undeclared work is illegal. You have no rights as an employee and you are not insured if something happens to you at work. Furthermore, if you are required to have a work permit, working without one is illegal. Your employer runs the risk of a serious penalty or imprisonment.

• PhD Funding in the Netherlands – A Guide for 2024

PhD Funding in the Netherlands

Written by Jennifer Bevan

The Netherlands is renowned for its research, with seven universities in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. This, alongside the many funding opportunities, strong links to the rest of Europe and lack of traditional tuition fees make the Netherlands a popular place to complete a PhD .

There are several funding options for a PhD in the Netherlands including scholarships or bursaries from universities, the government and charities. On this page we’ve researched the main funding options to help you decide the best way to fund your PhD in the Netherlands.

Dutch PhD funding – what you need to know first

The Netherlands is a relatively small country in size and population but when it comes to research Dutch universities are some of the best in the world, outperforming many other European countries. If you’re interested in a PhD in the Netherlands here are some things to consider before you start your serious research:

• Most Dutch universities don’t charge traditional tuition fees. Instead, a majority of PhD students are employed by the university and receive a monthly salary, paying no tuition fees .
• Students employed by the university have excellent rights . Many Dutch universities abide by the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities, which includes a student pay scale that increases with experience, an 8% holiday allowance and a year-end allowance.
• The students not employed by the university have to pay tuition fees comparable to those across the rest of Europe. There are a range of funding options to cover this, including a full or partial scholarship from the government, an industry partner or charity.

If you haven’t already, it might be useful to read our overall PhD study in the Netherlands guide . This article provides an overview of all the factors you should consider before committing to study in the Netherlands.

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The cost of a PhD in The Netherlands

Studying a PhD in the Netherlands is affordable for international students, with tuition fees rarely required, relatively low living costs, and more often than not a monthly salary.

The majority of PhD students in the Netherlands are considered university employees and receive research funding as well as a monthly salary. Therefore, there are no traditional tuition fees for most PhD students.

Those who are not employed by the university include contract doctoral research associates who are sponsored by an external scholarship or an employer and self-funded external doctoral candidates . These students usually pay tuition fees, though they may be covered by a scholarship in the case of contract doctoral research associates.

Each university is free to decide how much to charge for PhD tuition fees so the exact amount students need to pay differs based on the institution. The length of study and area of research also affect the price. Generally, the doctoral fees are comparable to those across the rest of the EU and the fees are the same for EU / EEA and Swiss students.

Living costs

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) requires students to have a minimum of €932.87 a month. This is in line with the €800 - €1,100 a month suggested by most Dutch universities.

As you may expect, living costs vary depending on whereabouts in the country you live, with larger cities such as Amsterdam costing more each month. Similarly, the amount you travel and the lifestyle you lead will affect the cost.

Since most PhD students are employed by the university there isn’t much opportunity to work alongside PhD study. However, it may be possible to offset the cost with some part-time work, especially for those self-funded. EU / EEA and Swiss students can work without restrictions during their PhD. Other international students require a work permit from the UWV ( Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen — the Employee Insurance Agency) which allows them to work a maximum of 16 hours a week through term and full-time during summer.

Other expenses

Whether you’re employed by the university or not, you may still have to pay an additional fee , which covers the costs of supervision, enrolment, and university access. The exact cost varies between institutions, the research discipline, and the equipment you will use. You may not have to pay it at all.

As a PhD student, you’ll be in the Netherlands for over 90 days and therefore, may need a visa. Students from the EU / EEA and Swiss nationals don’t need any kind of visa but must register at the town hall in the municipality you live in if you’re staying for over 4 months. Students from everywhere else must apply for an entry visa (MVV) and / or residence permit through your university. This costs about €210 . Check out the website of your prospective university for more detailed visa information.

Dutch Government PhD funding

Most PhD students in the Netherlands that aren’t employed by the university are funded through a fellowship, scholarship, or grant. The Dutch Government offers a range of funding opportunities open to both Dutch and international students, from full to partial scholarships.

Nuffic is the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. They’re funded by the Dutch Government and aim to provide financial support for students across the world for research to improve society. They offer a range of scholarship opportunities, many of which they partner with other countries to provide including:

• The NRF-Nuffic Programme is a scholarship available for South African students.

They also offer the Erasmus+ scholarship, which is available for international students from a range of countries. Bear in mind, with this scholarship you can only study up to 12 months of your PhD in the Netherlands. The deadline for each scholarship is different so keep an eye on application deadlines on the Nuffic finance website.

Netspar is a think tank, partially funded by Dutch government agencies that offer scholarships to PhD students in areas including economics, sociology, psychology, law and communication. They offer mostly partial scholarships, which are advertised on their website , but do fully fund some advertised projects at certain universities.

If you’re looking for a scholarship separate from a project the Netspar individual research grants may be of interest to you. This covers up to 50% of the cost of a PhD student for a maximum of 3 years. The deadline for this is around January. You can find more information about this grant on the Netspar research funding page.

Research bodies

The Dutch Government funds a number of research councils, many of which offer scholarships to PhD students across a range of disciplines. Often your prospective university must apply on your behalf so speak to them to see which scholarships or grants they recommend. Below are a few examples of research bodies open to funding international students:

• The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) , who offer around 12 scholarships across a range of subjects, though not all may be available to international students.
• The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NOW) , who generally fund advertised projects in partnership with universities.

Other opportunities

The EURAXESS website is another source of funding and offer scholarships across Europe for home and international students. The search can be filtered by country and field of research.

Industry and charities

There are many organisations interested in research in the Netherlands, whether they have a charitable goal or are commercial companies looking for new products they may offer PhD funding. These kinds of opportunities differ from year to year and can be relatively well hidden so speak to your prospective supervisor to find out which organisations are best to apply for in your research area.

Most industry-funded PhD projects are advertised through a specific university and have attached funding. However, depending on your subject area some companies may have separate scholarships you can apply for. Your prospective supervisor may have some industry contacts to suggest so speak with them about your options first.

In the Netherlands there are many charities dedicated to research that offer scholarships to PhD students, including international students as long as they are studying at a Dutch institution. Below are a few examples of charities that offer this kind of funding, though there are many, many more:

• Hersenstichting
• ReumaNederland
• KWF Kankerbestrijding

University grants and assistantships

As mentioned above most PhD students in the Netherlands are paid by their university. Many universities in the Netherlands are bound by the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities, meaning as a PhD student you’ll be paid the same salary regardless which university of the group you study at. Currently, your salary would be around €3,247 a month before tax depending on your experience and qualifications. Since PhD students are seen as members of staff, they also receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end of year allowance .

Often these positions are similar to assistantships, with students taking on additional task alongside their PhD research, such as teaching. However, this isn’t always the case and depends on your supervisor and the research area you study. Generally, international students are eligible for these university-funded PhD opportunities, though some will only be open to those proficient in Dutch!

Search for a PhD in The Netherlands

You can browse current Dutch PhD opportunities on our website, or sign up for free updates and advice.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

Interested in studying your PhD in the Netherlands? In this guide we've collected some of the global university rankings to help you decide the best university to study at in Holland.

Read about the language requirements and recognised tests for PhD study at Dutch-speaking universities in the Netherlands and elsewhere..

What's it like to live in the Netherlands during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

Holland and the Netherlands are a welcoming destination for international PhD study with historic and globally-renowned research universities. Our guide covers admissions, visas, fees and funding.

Here's what you need to know about applying for a Masters or PhD at one of the Netherlands' excellent universities, with advice on applications, fees, funding and arrivals.

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Taxation of researchers

Tax exemption.

Usually, if you move to another country to work, you'll also have to pay tax there.

Find out more on income taxation in Europe .

But researchers in the EU can sometimes simply continue paying tax in their home country .

This is often the case if you are a visiting PhD student, or if your income comes from a public body in your home country. In that case, your income is covered by the bilateral tax agreements Open as an external link between your home country and your new country of residence.

These seek to avoid double taxation , but there is likely to be paperwork to complete before you move.

Paying tax as a post-doc

Post-doctoral researchers will usually have to pay tax in their country of residence , either as employees of a university/research institution there, or as self-employed workers conducting research in partnership with such institutions.

Tax situation by country

As the terms of double taxation agreements can vary widely , please check the situation in the country you intend to move to.

Find out more on national portals:

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• FAQs - Taxation of researchers

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

Get advice on your EU rights / Solve problems with a public body

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The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Netherlands in 2024

Browse all phd programmes in netherlands.

• Sep-Jul Academic Year
• 25 Listed Institutes
• 16 Ranked Universities
• 125,000 Int. Students
• 937,000 Students
• 17,211,000 Population

Why study in Netherlands

If you ask us, we think the Netherlands and international students are a perfect match ! The Netherlands is the best country to study abroad because of its diverse population, the abundance of English-taught degrees, and top-notch higher education.  

Below we list four more reasons why international students choose to study in the Netherlands :  

• A truly international environment. Every year, the Netherlands welcomes international students from more than 160 nationalities . The country is also home to many highly skilled migrants. Additionally, more than 95 per cent of Dutch citizens can speak English, making the Netherlands even more attractive and internationally friendly.  
• Student life and community. Universities in the Netherlands seek to foster student communities by organising events and activities. Whether you’re interested in a sport, enjoy exploring the nightlife or want to expand your academic knowledge, Dutch universities have many student hubs, associations and parties to suit different tastes and interests.  
• Interactive and independent learning. The lecturers will provide the necessary materials but leave planning how and when to study up to you. In the Netherlands, students are responsible for being active in classrooms and, in turn, they get the freedom to share their ideas and opinions.  
• Casual relationship with professors. Dutch value flat organisation structure over hierarchical. Because of that, everyone is encouraged to be critical and express their opinion. Without the unnecessary formalities, you can expect to maintain a casual and friendly relationship even with your teachers.  

If you're looking to study at a university in the Netherlands , you will find a range of study programmes, with a variety of quality universities to choose from. Dutch Higher Education is well-recognized, whilst the tuition fees and living expenses are relatively lower than in English-speaking countries. Because the Dutch society is internationally-minded and English-fluent , foreigners feel welcomed no matter where they land in the Netherlands.  

Furthermore, Dutch universities honour high worldwide rankings and are recognised for their top-notch Business, Engineering, Law and Medical schools. The country is known for their Water Resource Management programmes as well as other engineering and technology-related disciplines. No matter your interests, whether you wish to pursue a more traditional  discipline, such as Law, or learn more modern subjects like Cybersecurity, the Netherlands definitely has a suitable degree for you to enjoy.   

Culture in Netherlands

People in the Netherlands don’t like to beat around the bush. They value honesty and choose to communicate directly about what they think and feel. While for some people, the direct nature of the Dutch may at first seem a little confrontational, it’s merely a shared characteristic that allows locals to maintain transparency and clarity in their communication. Thanks to this directness and openness to different opinions, Dutch people are approachable and easy to connect with.  

Dutch society is culturally diverse and open, increasing the chances of falling in love with this country. The Netherlands is generally a welcoming country in which people with different religions, sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds coexist in harmony.  

Languages spoken in the Netherlands.  

The country’s national language is Dutch, but most Dutch citizens are bilingual. They are true language wizards, oftentimes also able to speak fluent English, French and German. 

Dutch food culture.  

Compared to other European countries, Dutch cuisine is definitely a humble one. You can expect different variations of sandwiches for lunch and a wide choice of deep-fried snacks paired with a variety of beer options. Nevertheless, the Netherlands never stops surprising, and before you know it you’re going to be enjoying fries in a Dutch way - by dipping them in mayonnaise. 

Weather in the Netherlands. 

Unpredictable is the best way to describe this country’s climate. Sometimes, in a span of an hour you can experience sun, rain, wind and clouds. Nevertheless, Dutch summers are relatively warm, generally reaching higher than 20 degrees Celsius, while winters are moderately cold, ranging between 1 to 6 degrees Celsius on average.  

Dutch culture and lifestyle.

Dutch people enjoy a great work-life balance. They like to spend their free time being active and enjoy taking part in the many markets, parades, carnivals and festivals happening in the country throughout the year. Nothing better describes the activeness of the Dutch than the fact that there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands . So if you plan to study here, prepare to tone your leg muscles while getting around by bicycle.  

How to choose a university in Netherlands?

It can become overwhelming when deciding on where to study in the Netherlands. Worry not! We are here to make it easier for you. We have explained how to choose a university in the Netherlands in the following checklist: 

1. Decide between the two different levels of higher education offered by the Netherlands: 

• Research oriented education, in Dutch, known as wetenschappelijk onderwijs (WO), is offered by research universities. These institutions provide what is traditionally considered an academic university programme. They teach students academic and scientific skills and aim to prepare them for both the future employment and the undertaking of independent research.  
• Higher professional education, known as hoger beroepsonderwijs (HBO), is offered by universities of applied sciences. Programmes at these universities prepare students for particular professions and are more practically-oriented.  

2. Take into account the cost of living in different areas in the Netherlands: 

• If you choose to live and study in the Randstad area, your living expenses will be the highest compared to other regions in the Netherlands. The Randstad area involves big cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, and almost half of the country’s population lives here. In this region, you can expect the highest accommodation and eating-out prices.  
• If you’re on a tighter budget, studying in another region in the Netherlands is more affordable. Consider cities outside the Randstad area, such as Tilburg, Enschede, Wageningen, Eindhoven or Groningen, to save some money on accommodation.  

3. Choose a university according to the discipline you wish to study. 

In the Netherlands, universities are known for the different subjects they excel at. For instance, Tilburg University is recognised for its Law disciplines, while the University of Twente focuses on Technology, and Behavioural and Social Sciences. Furthermore, research how well a university performs in your field of interest by checking THE World University Rankings by subject.  

What are the best universities in the Netherlands? 

You may not know it yet, but the Netherlands is home to some of the best universities in the world . In fact, according to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2023 , these five universities in the Netherlands feature among the top 80: 

• Wageningen University & Research . Situated in the heart of the country, this university specialises in agricultural and environmental science.  
• University of Amsterdam . It’s the third oldest university in the country, based in the capital city of Amsterdam. The university ranks especially high for arts, humanities and social sciences programmes. 
• Utrecht University . This Netherland’s most prominent research university each year attracts thousands of international students  with its wide range of English-taught programmes.   
• Delft University of Technology . It’s the oldest and largest public technical university in the country. Founded by the royal academy for civil engineers, Delft University is known for its science and engineering programmes.  
• University of Groningen . Located in the city of Groningen, this university offers 180 English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  

>>> Click here for the full list of university rankings in the Netherlands.  

What are the top student hubs in the Netherlands? 

Because of many inhabitants in the Netherlands, even the smallest cities can feel lively and relatively crowded. However, as a student, it’s nice to live in a city where at least one university is located. This way, you know there’s a student community around you, organising activities and events to mingle and find fellow students at.  

To give an idea of where all the students gather, we list top student hubs in the Netherlands: 

• Randstad area - the region with the biggest cities attracting the most international students. Study in Amsterdam , Rotterdam , Leiden , Utrecht or The Hague to get the most out of your student life.  
• North Brabant - another Dutch province where locals very humbly like to call themselves the friendliest Dutch in the country. Experience student life in Eindhoven and Tilburg , two major student hubs in the region.  
• And let’s not forget Groningen and Nijmegen - home to a number of research and applied sciences universities. These cities are known for their youthful atmosphere, where student parties and other activities run all week long. 

Tuition Fees in Netherlands

Here is all the main information about tuition fees in the Netherlands so you can easily sail through the bureaucracy and better understand the Dutch tuition fee structure.  

Besides public universities, there’s also a limited number of private ones in the country, and these charge higher tuition fees. Unsurprisingly, for this reason, public universities in the Netherlands are the first choice for international students. To illustrate what we mean, here is a brief overview of the tuition fees: 

• For a public university you can expect to pay approximately between 2,000 and 20,000 EUR per academic year. Typically, students coming from the EU/EEA pay lower tuition fees for public universities, but we will come back to this further in the guide.  
• Meanwhile, for private universities, yearly tuition fees can go as high as 30,000 EUR.  

Since private universities determine their own pricing, we will focus on explaining the differences between the two types of tuition fees for public universities: statutory and institutional. Generally, European and Dutch students pay lower tuition fees in the country compared to non-European students. But more on that in the following text.  

Statutory tuition fees 

These fees are determined by the government and adjusted to the inflation each year. For instance, for the academic year of 2022-2023, the statutory tuition fee is €2,209, and in 2023-2024 it is expected to increase to €2,314. 

Students that qualify for the statutory tuition fee need to meet the following criteria: 

• Be of Dutch nationality or a national of any other EU/EEA country, Switzerland or Suriname. Or you hold one of the listed Dutch residence permits . 
• Enrol in a government-funded programme. 
• At the start of the academic year, you do not hold a comparable degree from a government-funded Dutch university. For example, you haven’t already obtained a Master’s degree when starting a new Master’s programme.  

Institutional tuition fees 

If you don’t meet the criteria above, you will most likely need to pay the institutional tuition fees. Compared to the statutory tuition fees - the institutional ones tend to be much higher. Since every university can set its own institutional tuition fee, the prices vary between €6,000 and €20,000 per academic year depending on the institution, programme and degree level (for instance, Master’s degrees are typically more expensive than Bachelor’s). 

Overall, the cheapest tuition fees for international students tend to be found in universities of Applied Sciences. Medicine, Dentistry, and Business degrees usually cost more than other university programmes. Also, universities listed higher in the global rankings tend to be more expensive. 

Tuition fees deduction 

The Netherlands has, what we call, a tuition fee lottery for statutory fee payers - you can get two degrees for the price of one and also pay a reduced first-year tuition fee. 

According to the new regulation, when you pay a statutory tuition fee for your first enrolment in a Bachelor's or Master’s programme and decide to enrol into another degree at the same time, you will only pay the tuition fee for the first programme. This applies only to Dutch public universities, but you can choose to study within the same or two different universities.  

Another great news is you might qualify for halved tuition fees for the first year of higher education if you meet the following conditions: 

• You’re enrolling in a Dutch public higher education institution;  
• You will do a Bachelor’s degree or associate degree programme;  
• You meet the requirements for paying the statutory tuition fee. 

People who wish to study a Master’s degree in Teaching can also receive a reduced tuition fee, but only if they have first entered higher education in 2018/2019 or later. For more information on the tuition fee deduction, check out the Government of the Netherlands page . 

How you can pay your tuition fees in the Netherlands 

Tuition fees can be paid either in one go, before the beginning of the academic year, or in five to ten instalments via a direct debit card. The latter option is only possible when the fee is paid with a bank account from the Netherlands or a country belonging to the Single Euro Payments Area ( SEPA ). You might also need to pay additional Dutch university application fees of €75-€100, but, fortunately, only once. 

>>> Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee by clicking the top right Sort button.  

Can I study in Netherlands for free?

We hate to break it like this, but there is no free education in the Netherlands for international nor local students. However, Dutch citizens can apply for study loans and receive supplementary grants to ease their study budget. International students can also get a tuition fee loan , but the amount of it will depend on the type of tuition fee that they need to pay. Furthermore, only the citizens of EU/EEA can receive a supplementary grant if they meet additional requirements.  

Scholarships are always a great way to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. In the Netherlands, there are many scholarship options for foreign students. Check our article about tuition fees and funding and continue grabbing insights from our guide. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Netherlands

Luckily, the Netherlands doesn’t leave you hanging in financial havoc . Instead, it offers plenty of scholarships, grants, student loans, and even rent subsidies and support for your health insurance and living costs. 

Types of scholarships on offer 

There are several types of financial aid in the Netherlands. But, mostly, you will find: 

• Scholarships for good academic performances, funded by universities or the Dutch government. 
• Bursaries and grants given by the government based on students’ financial needs. For more specific information visit the Dutch government’s page on student finance . 
• Student-specific scholarships for students coming from certain backgrounds.  
• Loans offered by the Dutch government to cover study tuition fees.  

Each scholarship or grant has different application criteria, so be sure to read the requirements thoroughly. There is no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for. Explore our article on how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad , get your laptop and start applying! 

Where to find scholarships? 

To start, you can search for  scholarships and grants to study in the Netherlands on our Mastersportal . Likewise, you can find hundreds of scholarships provided by NGOs, governmental or private institutions, and universities. 

Examples of credible sources where you can apply for scholarships and find financial aids include: 

1.  Studyportals Scholarship  

International Distinction Award, open to all international students – see FAQ about the award here.  

2. University websites. 

Often, you can find scholarships offered by universities on their official websites. Some examples are: 

• Leiden University Excellence Scholarship  
• University of Twente Scholarship  
• Utrecht Excellence Scholarships  
• VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme  
• Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships at TU Delft  

3. Government-funded scholarships. 

Some examples are: 

• Holland Scholarship - for international non-EEA students 
• Orange Knowledge Programme - open to mid-career professionals from specific countries 
• Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme - for citizens of India or Indonesia 
• More options can be found on the study in NL website . 

4. Erasmus+

Students coming from European Union countries, Erasmus+ offers to support their study in other EU countries, including the Netherlands. 

5. Private organisations and NGOs 

Such institutions sometimes offer scholarships to study abroad. 

How to apply for scholarships in the Netherlands? 

After you’ve made your choice on the scholarships, it’s time to start applying. The scholarship application process may seem foreign and intimidating, but we’re here to make it easier for you. Follow these steps and learn how to apply for a scholarship in the Netherlands: 

1. Check the eligibility criteria - make sure you fit all the requirements for the scholarship. Bursary or grant application process may differ from the scholarship. 

2. Gather all the necessary documents. Examples of what you may need: 

• Motivation letter; 
• Proof of low income; 
• Proof of academic or other achievements; 
• Acceptance letter from a university; 
• Translation of documents that are written in a different language. 

3. Complete the application - ensure you have filled in all the questions. 

4. Submit the application and wait for an official response! 

If you are still unsure, read through our article on how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad . 

What to include in your application? 

Depending on the scholarship or financial aid you are applying to, you might need to include additional documents. For example, you might be asked for: 

• Samples of your academic writing; 
• Recommendation letters, typically written by your former teachers, employers, professors, etc.; 
• Financial, personal and academic information; 
• A portfolio of your work; 
• Honours, awards and other certifications. 

Moreover, in almost all cases (except for applying for supplementary grants or tuition fee loans given by the government), you will be asked to explain why you are applying for the financial aid and how it can help you to achieve your goals. In other words, you will need to present a motivational letter for applying for a scholarship. Learn from our guide on how to write a scholarship essay . Use the guide to prepare a motivational letter for scholarship and knock the judging committee's socks off with it. 

Interested in scholarships for Netherlands? Check out our scholarship search page.

Apply to university in Netherlands

Applying to a Dutch university doesn't have to be intimidating! We, as former international students, want to make sure you have an easy and stress-free experience while getting prepared. In the following sections we answer all the typical questions about how to apply for universities in the Netherlands and the study visa process . 

How to apply for Dutch universities online? 

First and foremost, always check the official website of the university that you wish to apply to. On these pages, information about the application process is listed. Keep in mind that the requirements and application processes may differ per institution.  

Furthermore, for the majority of the programmes, you will be required to first register on the Studielink tool (similar to the UCAS system in the UK) to proceed with your application. Studielink Studielink is an official registration and enrolment portal where you can manage your applications to Dutch higher education institutions. The platform is fairly easy to navigate. But if you struggle to create an account and apply to programmes, you can find step-by-step instructions by Studielink . 

Here are a few things you need to know before applying for universities via Studielink: 

• You can apply to up to four courses per academic year.  
• You can change the courses you want to apply to any time before the enrollment deadline. 
• If you are rejected by one university, you can select and apply to another one.  

Applying to programmes with a limited capacity 

For some courses in the Netherlands, there is a limited number of available places. The programme capacity is determined by education institutions and is called Numerus Fixus (read more about it here ). 

There are three things to note when applying to Numerus Fixus programmes: 

• For Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene and Physiotherapy programmes you can only submit one application per programme, per academic year. 
• For the rest of the Numerus Fixus programmes, you can only apply to two courses at a time. 
• The application deadline is earlier. If you’re applying via Studielink, the last day to apply is around the 15th of January. 

When to apply to Dutch universities? 

Stay on top of your application timeline and make sure you submit before the deadline. Check out the official website of the institution for exact submission dates, but generally speaking, aim to have applied by these deadlines for universities in The Netherlands: 

• 15 January for Numerus Fixus programmes. 
• 1 May for most courses at research universities. 
• 1 April for non-EU students. 

Note: different deadlines apply for courses that start in the middle of the academic year (for example, February).  

What’s the structure of the Dutch academic year? 

Generally, the Dutch academic year in universities begins in September and lasts until the end of June of the following year. Also, good to know that: 

In some cases, the academic year may start a week earlier, at the end of August, and finish off with exams taking place until mid-July.  

The academic year can be divided into: 

• two semesters (the second semester starts in February), and one midterm per semester. The midterms happen in the middle of the semester and usually include one class-free week dedicated to exam preparation and another week for exams and assessments. 
• or in four blocks/periods, each roughly 7 weeks long. Likewise with semesters, after each block/period follows a week of preparations and another week of exams.  

Sometimes, the academic year starts in February. However, this mostly happens in some Master’s programmes.  

You can find a detailed description of the academic year on the official website of the university in which you plan to study. 

Documents needed to apply for university 

While application requirements may vary per university, most of them require you to provide these documents: 

• A passport or ID copy. 
• A passport picture. 
• Copies of obtained secondary school diplomas, certificates and/or grade lists. When in doubt, compare diplomas from different countries to Dutch diplomas to know what you need to provide.  
• Transcript of records. 
• Proof of English or Dutch language proficiency. 
• Proof of payment of application fee. For most research and some applied sciences universities, you need to pay a non-refundable one-time fee of around €100. This fee will cover multiple programmes at the same university. 

Note: if any of these documents are not in English, French, German or Dutch, they need to be accompanied by an official English translation. 

Additionally, you may be asked to include the following documents in your application: 

• Your CV or resume. 
• One or more reference letters. 
• Motivation letter. Learn from our article how to write a successful motivation letter . 
• A portfolio of your academic or other work. 

Once you submit your application, all that's left to do is wait for the response. If you are lucky enough to receive a conditional or an unconditional offer, then it just means more good news is in store. A conditional offer simply implies that you need to meet certain requirements to be fully accepted. An unconditional offer, on the other hand, confirms that you are officially in and ready to kick off your studies! 

Language requirements

Are you a native English speaker? Lucky you! You likely won't need to take a language test if you're planning on taking a program at a Dutch higher education institution. However, if English is not your mother-tongue, never fear - there are several certificates that can prove your English proficiency and make sure you meet the necessary requirements: 

• TOEFL  
• IELTS  
• Cambridge English  

 >>> To learn more about the different tests you can take, read this comprehensive guide we’ve put together. 

Since the requirements for the English test scores vary per university, visit the official website of your preferred study institution to learn how you can demonstrate proficiency in English.  

Furthermore, Dutch language skills are only necessary for those that want to pursue their studies in Dutch. Then, passing the Dutch TUL intermediate exam or holding a Dutch NT2-II diploma is required. 

Student housing in Netherlands

In most cases, students live off-campus when they study in the Netherlands. There are two common types of student accommodation off-campus:  

• houses and apartments shared by several students 
• private student housing apartments, and studios.  

Some Dutch universities offer on-campus housing, but such accommodation is scarce. Before arriving in the Netherlands, contact your university to see whether they can arrange a room for you, or you need to do it by yourself. The open spots for on-campus housing are reserved months before the beginning of the academic year, so be fast and apply as soon as possible. 

When to apply for student accommodation 

In many Dutch cities, especially in the larger student hubs, there’s a shortage of student accommodation and finding a good place to live can take a lot of effort and time. Hence, the most crucial advice is to start looking for student housing as soon as possible and before you arrive in the Netherlands. 

If you’re searching for off-campus student housing, there are several approaches to that: 

• Look independently on online Facebook groups. For each big Dutch city, there’s a Facebook group where student accommodation options are listed. Usually, other students living in the accommodation are looking for new roommates.  
• Use public and private housing providers to find a place. You can hire a private agent to search for accommodation for you, or you can sign-up on websites where landlords list their housing offers. In most cases, you need to pay for both of these options. 

Here are some organisations where you can look for student housing: 

• Kamernet - an online marketplace that connects prospective tenants with landlords. A paid membership is required to use the platform. 
• Pararius - a website listing rental properties. You can contact the accommodation owners directly via email or phone.  
• The Social Hub - a student hotel offering all-inclusive temporary and longer stay accommodation.  
• ROOM - an online platform listing student accommodation options around the Netherlands. A paid registration to the portal is necessary. 
• Funda - an online marketplace listing different types of accommodation.  

When searching for a place to live in the Netherlands, be very cautious of the available offers. Many scams are happening in the Dutch housing market. Checking the reliability and quality of the accommodation providers is your own risk and responsibility. Make sure you take the following steps as a precaution when you’re searching for international student housing: 

• Read your rent contract carefully. 
• Pay for rent via bank transfers instead of cash. If you pay in cash, ask for receipts.  
• Avoid paying big amounts of money before signing a contract. 
• If you find the accommodation provider suspicious and vague, consider not renting from them. 
• Before signing a contract, ask to view the housing online or offline. 

Cost of living in Netherlands

Depending on where you’re coming from, living costs in the Netherlands for both international and Dutch students can be relatively high. The cost of living in the Netherlands is on average lower than in some other European countries like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Ireland, and Denmark but higher than most other countries in Europe.  

Typically, students in the Netherlands spend, on average, between 800 EUR and 1200 EUR per month. The differences in living costs mainly depend on the city you choose to live in. For instance, Amsterdam has the highest cost of living in the Netherlands. In this city, rent prices in the private market often start from 750 EUR per month. Meanwhile, in smaller Dutch cities the cheapest student accommodation in a shared apartment/house can be as low as 250 EUR per month. Furthermore, eating out will likely be more expensive in big cities in the Netherlands, and you may need to spend more on local transport to get around the city. T​​​​​​he prices for other cost of living, such as groceries, are similar around the country.  

To give you a better understanding, we made a rough breakdown of general living expenses in the Netherlands: 

Accommodation will, generally, be cheaper in smaller cities than in bigger cities, but the average costs are: 

• A room in a shared student house or flat: 250-500 EUR 
• Private studio: 400-750 EUR 
• Private apartment: 750-3000 EUR 

Utilities are usually not included in the rent and can make up to an extra 75-175 EUR per month. Prices for the Internet are 30-50 EUR monthly.  

Transportation costs depend on your lifestyle and travel distances: 

• By using public transport you can expect to spend on average 35-70 EUR/month. 
• Taking a bike, on the other hand, will save you a lot of money. You can rent a bike from Swapfiets for 19.90 EUR/month (+ get a student discount) or pay 50-200 EUR for a second-hand bike.  

Entertainment expenses will depend on the activities and how often you plan to do them, but some examples are: 

• Cinema: around 12 EUR per ticket. 
• Gym membership: around 30 EUR per month. 
• Museum pass that allows you to visit 450 museums in the Netherlands: 64.90 EUR for a year. 

Cost of food in the Netherlands 

Eating at home is a fiscally responsible choice for students living in the Netherlands. Not only that, but it's easy to whip up a delicious pasta pesto meal and get major points on price, effort and taste! If Italian-infused cuisine isn't your thing, here are the average costs of food in the Netherlands: 

• Chicken fillets (1kg) - 8.20 EUR 
• Eggs (12 pieces) -  2.30 EUR 
• Milk (1l) - 1 EUR 
• Potatoes (1kg) - 1 EUR 
• Loaf of fresh bread - 1.80 EUR 

Overall, students in the Netherlands spend approximately 180 EUR per month on groceries at local supermarkets. Meanwhile, eating out is more expensive. You can expect to pay around 15 EUR for dinner in an inexpensive restaurant. For more information on living expenses in the Netherlands explore our article.  

Work and study in Netherlands

Living in the Netherlands can be expensive, but having a side job while studying is a great way to increase your budget. Working part-time is incredibly common, and you can find rewarding jobs in hospitality and other service sectors. Moreover, it's a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet other students and make the most out of your student life.  

Are international students allowed to work in the Netherlands? 

Based on your nationality, there are different requirements and allowed working hours for international students in the Netherlands: 

• EU/EEA students are not limited to a specific number of working hours and do not need a work permit. 
• Non-EU/EEA students can work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week. However, they can work full-time in June, July and August. A work permit for these students is required, but only the employer can apply for it before hiring the student. The work permit must be requested via UWV Werkbedrijf and can take around 5 weeks to finalise. 

Additional information for non-EU/EEA students: 

• For voluntary work in the Netherlands, a work permit is no longer required, and the so-called Volunteer Declaration (Vrijwilligersverklaring) is now enough. 
• A work permit is also not necessary for relevant internships alongside your studies. However, you should sign a tri-party internship agreement between you, your academic institution and the internship provider. 

Where can I find jobs? 

You can look for a part-time student job by searching online on job listing websites such as Linkedin and Indeed . Also, try checking your university’s official website for any open positions on campus. 

If you’re seeking a side job in the hospitality industry, why not take the initiative and stop by some of the places in your city where you'd love to work? Think of it as an adventure - make a list of catering spots around town, print off multiple copies of your resume, and go visit! Dutch people will likely respond positively to your friendly approach; so don't be afraid to ask if they have any open positions. Read our article on how to find a part-time job for more good tips. 

Is Netherlands safe?

The Netherlands is generally considered a very safe country. However, just like in any other country, being mindful of certain safety measures is important: 

• Remember the emergency number 112. 
• Try not to walk around alone at night. 
• Look after pick-pocketers.  
• Beware of online scams in the housing market. 
• Avoid areas that feel sketchy or unsafe. 

Student insurance in Netherlands

According to Dutch law, all students are required to have health insurance. However, the type of health insurance you need will depend on your circumstances. 

Here are the three most common situations: 

• If you are in the Netherlands for study purposes only, you cannot take out Dutch health insurance. Instead, you need a student health insurance policy from your home country or you can take out private health insurance in the Netherlands. Students coming from the EU/EEA may can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers all the necessary medical costs. 
• If you are not only studying but also have a job (both part-time or full-time) next to your studies, you need to take out Dutch health insurance. The cost of national insurance in the Netherlands is around 100 EUR/month, but you may be eligible for a healthcare allowance.  
• If you are doing an internship you may be allowed to take out Dutch health insurance. In case your internship pays you at least as much as the minimum wage in the Netherlands, then you are required to have Dutch insurance.  

>>> Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.  

Support services available for international students

Being a student in a foreign country comes with challenges. But whatever you may need help with, your university is the first place to contact and ask for support. Dutch universities offer many student support services, including disability support, counselling and 

mental health, academic support, conflict and violence support and many more. Contact your university for help with any difficulties you may be facing during your education abroad.  

Moreover, here are other examples of student support services and more:  

• Dutch Student Union - offers free legal advice for students in the Netherlands. 
• Zorgverzekeringslijn - provides independent advice on solving health insurance-related problems. 
• Het Juridisch Loket - gives legal advice regarding rent, work, debts, national policies and many other subjects. 
• Frisse Gedachtes - helps students with their mental well-being by providing an opportunity to chat anonymously with fellow Psychology students. 

Student organisations

Being an international student in the Netherlands is a lot of fun because many other foreign students come to study here. Student life in the Netherlands is very rich. Students are encouraged to join different types of student associations in the country. There's a type of student association for everybody, from sports to religion, study to social. Although some of the organisations are run and joined mainly by Dutch students, others are open to internationals and can be a great way to make local friends. 

Overall, each university programme in the Netherlands has a relevant faculty organisation, so be sure to check it out on your university’s website. Moreover, here are some international student organisations to look into: 

• International Student Network (ESN) - a non-profit organisation administered by students, helping international students make the most out of their study abroad experience. 
• AIESEC - global student organisation helping students plan their exchanges.  
• AEGEE - international student network operating worldwide. You can find the organisation in most Dutch cities and join their weekly get-togethers and parties.  
• Amnesty International Student Group - a student community fighting for human rights. You can find the Amnesty Student Group in each city in the Netherlands. 

Things to do for students on a budget

When studying in the Netherlands, you’ll be surprised by how many different activities you can plan in this country. Below we suggest some cheap things to do in the Netherlands as a student.  

Top 5 urban attractions for students in the Netherlands: 

• Look around the beautiful canals in Amsterdam . It’s one of the most popularcities in the world , and for a good reason! The gorgeous Amsterdam architecture, historic buildings, and meandering canals make the city a sight to behold. Come explore all the beauty this Dutch capital has to offer - you won't believe how many spectacular sights await you! 
• Get amazed by Rotterdam skylines. A city unlike any other in the Netherlands, Rotterdam can sometimes feel like a small European version of New York City. The astonishing skyline views from the Erasmus Bridge, yellow Cube houses and modern art museums make the city a dazzling jewel of the country.  
• Visit the oldest city in the Netherlands - Nijmegen . Located in the heart of the country this city holds a rich cultural heritage. There are many Roman ruins and monuments that you won't want to miss. Plus, visit Nijmegen for two must-see events: the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse four-day walking festival and the Zomerfeesten summer party. 
• Explore the political capital - The Hague . For those interested in politics, The Hague is the seat of government in the Netherlands, home to many embassies. It is one of the major cities hosting the United Nations. Another delightful The Hague activity is to take a tram from the city centre to Scheveningen beach and watch the sun dip below the horizon. 
• Experience Eindhoven's amazing design and culture scene. Explore this fun, compact city on foot or by bike and discover the incredible industrial projects from all around the Netherlands. Join Eindhoven for awesome festivals like Glow Eindhoven (an international light festival) and Dutch Design Week (the largest design event in Northern Europe). Plus, don't miss Carnival - a celebration only found in the Southern and Eastern regions of the Netherlands. 

Top 5 Outdoor Attractions in the Netherlands: 

• Experience a blast from the past and visit Zaanse Schans for an amazing, time-travel adventure to the 17-18th century. Located just 15 kilometres north of Amsterdam, you can hop on a train and be at this delightful, traditional Dutch village filled with old windmills in no time. And the best part? Admission is free! 
• Escape the exam-period stress with a trip to Hoge Veluwe National Park —the perfect spot between Arnhem and Apeldoorn! Enjoy the breathtaking nature and wide open fields, reigniting your passion for the outdoors! 
• Village of Marken - your next getaway destination! This charming Dutch village on a small island features traditional painted wood houses and historic fishing boats that make for an unforgettable trip. Hop on a bus from Amsterdam or take a quick ferry ride from Volendam; either way, you'll want to explore the Netherlands in style when you visit Marken. 
• Windmills of Kinderdijk is an incredible, picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site with windmills that date back to the 18th century. It's located between Rotterdam and Dordrecht right on the River Noord. And if you time it just right, you'll get to witness these majestic windmills in motion - what a sight! 
• Discover the grand Kasteel De Haar , just outside of Utrecht. It's an incredible sight and the biggest castle in all of the Netherlands! Enjoy a stroll around its beautiful gardens before venturing inside and exploring its impressive collection of artworks, fabrics, antiques and furniture. 

Travelling in the Netherlands 

The Netherlands is a great place for public transport - you can get to practically any city with a train in just a couple of hours or less! If you're studying in the Netherlands, then you'll love how easy it is to get around - a bicycle and the rails are all it takes! 

To make the most out of train rides, you can choose to get several discounts for the Dutch train system NS: 

• If you travel with a group of 2 to 7 people, you can get a train ticket from 7,50 EUR. 
• You can also buy a monthly 40% discount for weekdays, weekends or both.  
• Or get a day train ticket and travel around the Netherlands only from 48 EUR. 

Visit the NS official website and find more ways to travel on a budget with trains in the Netherlands.  

Learning Dutch

Learning the Dutch language can be a fun activity that can enrich your experience of studying in the Netherlands. There are plenty of great private companies offering Dutch lessons for non-native speakers in the country. But we want to give you even more tips on how to learn Dutch: 

• Ask to practise with a local. Dutch people get very excited when they see foreigners trying to learn Dutch, and they would be more than happy to help you practise their native language. 
• If you’re registered in Amsterdam, the municipality of Amsterdam offers free Dutch language courses to all foreigners. Find more information about it here.  
• Most Dutch universities offer Dutch classes to international students as an extracurricular activity or for extra credits. Contact your faculty to learn more about your options. 
• Read, listen and speak in Dutch as much as you can. There is no better way to learn a language than by immersing yourself in it. 

Living as an expat in Netherlands

After you graduate from a Dutch university, there are a few paths you can take: continue your education and get a Master’s or a PhD degree, or start working in the Netherlands. If you decide it’s time to enter the labour market, you may need a new type of visa or residence permit to continue staying in the country.  

Living in the Netherlands as an expat is very common: there are many expat communities within the country as well as international and local companies open to hiring foreigners. If you want to stay and work in the Netherlands, you need to make sure you have Dutch health insurance and the right visa to continue your stay. Further in this guide, we’ll walk you through work visas in the Netherlands and share other tips for expats.  

Before moving forward, check out former international students’ stories about their experiences of living in the Netherlands after graduation.  

Expat communities in the Netherlands 

The Netherlands is a welcoming country and home to different nationalities. Although EU immigrants make up the majority, you're also sure to cross paths with people from the USA, UK, India, Turkey and so many other countries. It's no wonder why immigration figures are high in the Netherlands – it's a great place for expats to call home! 

To help you integrate in the Netherlands, there are several online expat websites with plenty of useful information - from finding expat health insurance, navigating Dutch taxes, tracking down accommodation and mastering the Dutch language, to discovering all the events happening across the country. Here are some examples of where to find these resources: 

• IamExpat - the biggest Netherlands expat forum, sharing all the Dutch news and giving support to expats living in the country. 
• Expatica - an online expat community that shares guides and information about living and working in the Netherlands.  
• Britsoc - the British Society organising British-flavoured events and meetups for every English-speaking expat.  
• Expat Republic - an online platform uniting expats living in the Netherlands and sharing useful tips on everyday matters.  

Nowadays, Amsterdam is not the only great place to live as an expat. There are many other cities with thriving international communities, like Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, Amstelveen, Groningen, Hilversum, and many other smaller cities in the Netherlands.  

Netherlands Immigration rules

If you’re an EEA or Swiss citizen, after you graduate you are free to live and work in the Netherlands by default, without any visa. More tricky immigration rules apply to nationals coming from outside the EEA.  

How your immigration status changes after graduation 

Non-EEA students, after graduation, need to apply for a different type of visa or residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. This is the most common two-step route that students take after they graduate: 

1. Apply for an orientation year permit. 

This permit will give you a year after your studies to figure out what you want to do and find a job as a highly skilled migrant. Four things to note about this permit: 

• You need to apply for it yourself, either before the expiration date of your student residence permit or three years after graduating.  
• You can apply for the permit after obtaining your Bachelor’s and Master’s, and after each degree, you can get one orientation year permit.  
• The permit is valid for 12 months and cannot be extended. Also, you won’t need any additional work permit and can take on any job.   
• Although in most cases students from outside EEA are eligible for this permit, there may be some exemptions. Check if you can apply for an orientation year permit here . 

2. Get a residence permit as a highly skilled migrant. 

After your orientation year permit expires, you will need to get a residence permit if you manage to find a job in the Netherlands. As a highly skilled migrant, you need to find an employer who can apply for a residence permit for you. To be allowed to sponsor your residence permit, your employer must be recognised by the IND . For more information, read about permits for highly skilled migrants .  

Interested in learning about the different types of residence permits offered by the Netherlands? View a detailed explanation of the options. 

The Netherlands immigration process 

If you enjoy life and working in the Netherlands and can see yourself staying in the country long term, you have two options: get a Dutch permanent residency or apply for a Dutch nationality.  

You can apply for a Dutch permanent residency after you have lived in the country for at least five years consecutively (some exceptions may apply to this). To obtain a permanent Dutch residency permit, you will need to meet several other requirements and pass the civic integration examination. Check out the official Netherlands immigration website for more information on Dutch permanent residency . 

You can ask for the Dutch nationality through naturalisation. To apply for this, you will need to prove that you have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years with a valid residence permit, pass the civic integration examination and meet several other requirements. Explore the official Netherlands immigration website for more information on becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation .  

Immigration processing times 

The processing time for immigration applications in the Netherlands can vary depending on the type of visa or permit you are applying for, and other personal circumstances.  

In general, for most residence permit applications a legal decision period of 60 days applies. For long-term permits, such as Dutch permanent residency or nationality, a decision period can take between six months and one year.  

Job opportunities in Netherlands

The Dutch labour market scene is thriving. The unemployment rate is low, average wages are relatively high, and the Dutch work culture is pleasant. With many local companies expanding and international ones setting their headquarters around the country, there are plenty of job opportunities in the Netherlands for international students.  

Although you will likely find most job offers in bigger Dutch cities, some great ones may come from companies located outside the cities. To maximise your job hunt, you can take a look at these online websites:  

• Linkedin - is a great platform to search for jobs after graduation. 
• EURES (European Employment Services) has vacancies listed per European country. 
• Page Personnel is a general employment agency. 
• European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages) is good for finding EU traineeships. 
• NL lists companies in the Netherlands that are looking for new talent.  

The Netherlands is also a great place to be for the entrepreneurial-minded, with its bustling start-up scene . Innovation and entrepreneurship are highly esteemed here, so if you've ever wanted to take the plunge and launch your own business, this is the place to do it.  

Continue your studies in Netherlands

If you’re an international student soon to be a graduate of one of the Dutch universities and would like to continue to study, there are a few options for you: 

• Pursue a Master’s degree. In the Netherlands, the transition from a Bachelor’s to a relevant Master’s degree is very well-organised. You can consult your study advisors and apply for a Master’s degree that matches your academic profile. Head over here to see over 1600 Master’s in the Netherlands . 
• Go for a PhD. If you already have a Master’s degree in science and want to deepen your knowledge in a selected field, visit our PhD portal to find a suitable programme in the Netherlands.  
• Enrol in a postgraduate diploma or certificate. These accelerated programs are tailored to give you focused instruction in a specific area and can be completed quickly, giving you the skills you need without taking as long as a full degree. 
• Apply for a professional qualification. Whether you're looking to enter law, medicine, or psychology, professional organisations and regulatory institutions offer qualifications that can take your career trajectory to a higher level. 

Frequently asked questions

1.    do international students need a visa to study in the netherlands  .

Students coming from the EU/EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to study in the Netherlands. However, international students from outside the EU/EEA coming to the country to study a full-time university programme need a long-stay visa and a residence permit.  

2.    Is studying in the Netherlands worth it?  

The Netherlands has a wide range of English-taught programmes, a top-notch higher education system, an internationally friendly environment, a nice work-and-life balance and many part-time options for international students. It’s a great place for a study abroad venture! 

3.    What is the cost of studying in the Netherlands?  

For Master’s and Bachelor’s programmes, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students pay a statutory tuition fee of €2,209 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Meanwhile, other foreign students need to pay institutional tuition fees that can vary between €6,000 and €20,000 per academic year depending on the institution, programme and degree level. 

4.    How much money is required to study in the Netherlands?

During your studies in the Netherlands, you will need an average budget of  800–1,200 EUR/month . This amount should cover your rent, food, transport and additional spending. The necessary monthly budget for studying in the Netherlands will depend based on the city you choose to live in.  

5.    Can I study in the Netherlands without IELTS?  

Unfortunately, to study an English-taught higher education programme in the Netherlands, you will need to prove that you are proficient in English. You can do so by taking one of the following language tests: IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English.  

6.    What are the requirements to study in the Netherlands?  

To study in the Netherlands, you'll need to gather all necessary documents for your application; this includes educational records, proof of English proficiency, a personal statement and references. Plus, depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a study visa and prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies. 

7.    What exams are required to study in the Netherlands?  

Usually, the education institution sets a minimum qualification requirement which can vary depending on the programme. You can check on this website how your diploma compares to the required diploma by the university. Furthermore, an English language test is necessary for higher education studies in the Netherlands.   

8.    How to get permanent residency while studying in the Netherlands?  

You can apply for a permanent residency in the Netherlands after you have lived in the country for at least five years consecutively. Moreover, you will need to meet several other requirements and pass the civic integration examination. 

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in netherlands, what subject to study in netherlands.

• Agriculture & Forestry 0 Masters
• Applied Sciences & Professions 1 Masters
• Arts, Design & Architecture 17 Masters
• Business & Management 27 Masters
• Computer Science & IT 15 Masters
• Education & Training 3 Masters
• Engineering & Technology 42 Masters
• Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 19 Masters
• Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 0 Masters
• Humanities 19 Masters
• Journalism & Media 0 Masters
• Law 7 Masters
• Medicine & Health 21 Masters
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics 34 Masters
• Social Sciences 39 Masters

PhD Degrees in Netherlands

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 181 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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What's the salary of a PhD student in the Netherlands?

I looked up the numbers for PhD salaries in the Netherlands and wrote some quick code in R to visualise the development of the salary over the 4 years.

- Numbers updated in 2022 -

Worth to note that the actual amount of money a PhD gets per year is even higher, because you get nearly two months worth of salary in the form of two bonuses, every year! No wonder many PhD students opt to buy a house rather than renting.

Maximilian JLJ Fürst

Assistant professor of computational protein design.

I research computational protein design and high-throughput protein engineering.

• Applications for PhD positions now live on university website

Openings at ME

Information for candidate phd students, general requirements, further information.

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Partner content, planning to study in the netherlands get your finances sorted.

Coming to study in the Netherlands after the summer holidays? Signing up for a bank account before term begins is a key part of every “to do” list.

New arrivals to the Netherlands are often surprised at how “digital” the country is when it comes to money. New students need to pay a deposit on their student housing, take out a new phone and internet subscription and be able pay for public transport as soon as they arrive, if not before. So it makes sense to open a bank account and get digital as soon as you can.

In the past, this was always a challenge: in order to comply with money laundering and other obligations, the main Dutch banks would always ask for a Dutch tax identification number ( BSN ) before they would open an account.

ABN Amro is now offering the possibility to onboard using a foreign tax number, so that students can arrive in the Netherlands ready to pay their rent, shopping and phone bill…with a local account.

Then, as soon as you have supplied proof of residence – either a BSN or a formal document showing you are enrolled at a college or university – all the features of a current account will be up and running.

Matthé Kooi, a student himself, who works as a client adviser at the international student personal banking team, said that internationals in particular can struggle at the start of term.

“First of all, many universities ask for a cash deposit of €5,000 or €10,000,” he said. “You transfer that to the university, so that the university knows that the student has enough money to live here: then when they arrive here, the money is transferred back them, but they need a bank account to put it in.

“The second point is that this is a really digital country. Students might come from their own country where a lot of shops still accept cash, but here, everything is going digital. If you don’t have a bank account, you can’t pay your landlord. It’s also useful to pay for your groceries. It’s really necessary.”

Digitalisation has gone so far that you pay for public transport by swiping your bank card if you get on a bus or tram. And the tikkie – a way of sharing bills between groups of friends – is an essential part of everyone’s social life.

One of the things that won’t cost you anything is your student bank account: unlike other types of banking in the Netherlands, a student account at ABN Amro is free of charge.

You might have to pay a fee to transfer cash into the account from abroad, however – if the foreign bank demands a charge, this will be passed on to you. “It might make sense to pay one transaction fee for a larger amount, rather than foreign relatives sending money every month,” said Kooi. “Or investigate other ways of transferring money with internet transfer services. But the nice thing is that the student account itself is free so you don’t have to pay for a debit card.”

While you will not qualify for certain services such as banking loans or credit cards – which are based on salary – you may want to look into other banking services like contents insurance or liability insurance, in case you have an accident on your bike.

ABN Amro gives advice to student networks such as the Erasmus Student Network and has a regularly updated website in English with all kinds of recommendations for new arrivals and international students to help them find their feet and get the most out of their time in the Netherlands.

Getting your bank account sorted will just take a weight off your mind, especially if you can onboard using the banking app before you even get to the country, said Kooi. “And that leaves you free to focus on your study!”

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Taxes for working students in the Netherlands

Income tax (inkomstenbelasting)

If you are working and earning money in the Netherlands, you have to pay tax on your income. This income tax you have to declare via your annual tax return (aangifte inkomstenbelasting) . You can do this online yourself, but we are also happy to help you out with this.

If you are employed by a company, then your employer will withhold your income tax from your salary. This is called wage tax and is part of your payroll tax (see next point). If you are self-employed in the Netherlands, then you have to calculate and pay your income tax yourself via the annual tax return.

Payroll tax (loonheffing)

The payroll tax consists of the tax and other contributions that an employer withholds from his/her employee’s salary. As an employee, this saves you from having to pay these taxes and contributions later as part of your income tax. The payroll tax levy is made up of tax on your salary (wage tax or loonbelasting) , national insurance contributions for pensions, unemployment allowance, and other Dutch benefits and allowances. So your payroll tax is deducted from your gross salary every month. Consequently, there is a large difference between your gross salary (bruto salaris) , which includes the payroll tax, and your net salary (netto salaris) , which is what remains after your payroll tax is deducted. Therefore, if you are an expat it is important to keep this deduction in mind when you are negotiating the salary that you will receive for your new job, for the employer will make you a gross salary offer, not a net one.

Taxes for Companies / Self-Employed: VAT sales tax (BTW / omzetbelasting)

The Belastingdienst also collects taxes via the sales or revenue tax (omzetbelasting) , which is called BTW (belasting over de toegevoegde waarde) in the Netherlands. All businesses, except for some foundations and associations, must add BTW to the price of their goods and services. There are three different BTW rates, depending on the type of goods and/or services that a business provides:

• 0%: Mostly for travel and import/export goods and services.
• 9%: Mostly for goods and services pertaining to living and subsistence.
• 21%: The most common rate, which is charged for all goods and services that are not eligible for the 0% or - 9% rate.

So, all businesses (including freelancers) must calculate the BTW they have earned and spent via a quarterly sales tax declaration (BTW aangifte) . If you’re an entrepreneur, you then pay this amount to the Belastingdienst.

Annual income tax return (aangifte inkomstenbelasting)

Even though your wage tax will already be withheld from your gross salary as an advance levy or payment on your income tax, in most cases you will still need to complete an annual income tax return. The Dutch tax-office requires this so it can balance your pre-levied taxes with other factors pertaining to your financial situation – a mortgage, your partner’s income, tax deductions like healthcare or study costs, or savings, investments or additional income. If none of these factors pertains to you, your finances might be simple enough to not require you to complete an annual income tax return at all. However, don’t worry too much over this, because in general, the Dutch tax office will find you if it requires you to complete one. If you are required to complete an annual income tax return, you will receive a letter (aangiftebrief) from the Dutch tax office in January. The Dutch fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31, and in their letter, they will ask you to complete a tax return for the previous year. If you are unsure about your situation or if you feel like you should have received a letter, you can call the BelastingTelefoon on 0800 0543 or visit one of their offices, but you are also welcome to contact us to clarify the matter.

What is the deadline for the Dutch tax return?

From the 1st of March 1 until the 30th of April you can fill in and submit your annual income tax return runs. If you run late with your submission you can be fined for this. However, you or your accountant can request an extension (uitstel aangifte) for this. Keep in mind you’re your request is only valid if the tax office has received it before the tax return deadline. You can request your extension via the BelastingTelefoon or via the “Mijn Belastingdienst” section on their website (you’ll need your DigiD to login).

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Is it true that PhD students don’t need to pay taxes on stipends? (USA)

A few people in my program shared that they simply don’t pay taxes on their university income. Nothing is withheld and they don’t get a W2 or anything from the university. I’ve heard this is common not just at my uni but generally for US unis... any comments to share?