There are several universities in the Netherlands that do not require students to pay application fees. Though most students will pay nothing for their education, some (like me) can’t afford the cost of a university education. I did a lot of research and found out those which have a no application fee policy. Ordinarily, these fees range from € 75 to € 100. Fees and conditions vary by institution. Always make sure to check with the Dutch institution of your choice if you have to pay an application fee.

The Netherlands is a great destination for international students looking for quality education in Europe. The Dutch environment and people are very friendly towards foreign students and there are many English-taught programmes available. On our portals alone, you can find over 400 Bachelor’s and 1,400 Master’s degrees in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has some of the best universities in the world. In fact, it is one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of highly ranked universities.

However, there are several universities in this country that do not charge tuition fees to international students. The following list shows you some of the top universities in Netherlands that do not charge application fees.

free universities in netherlands for international students

Here is the list of all the affordable universities in Netherlands. We will first go over the list of cheap bachelor’s colleges and universities in Netherlands. Then after that, we will go over the list of cheap master’s colleges and universities in Netherlands. Location, tuition fees, and some of the degrees offered will be available for each institution

The Free University of Amsterdam, commonly referred to as VA Amsterdam, is a public university with more than 140 years history. It offers degree programs in Sciences, Business and Economics, Theology, Law, Medicine, and Humanities. The university has more than 31,000 students, with nearly 5,200 international enrollment.

Free University of Amsterdam is the most affordable educational institution in Netherlands for undergraduate studies. Incoming international bachelor’s students are required to pay as low as 4,140 Euros.

1. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The first university on our list of cheap universities in Netherlands is Radboud University.

• Application Fees
• No application fee for: students who have obtained an International Baccalaureate or A-level degree in the Netherlands and students applying through Holland ISC Foundation Year or the Foundation for Refugee Students, as well as VASVU students and those applying for the StuNed scholarship

2. Radboud University

The next university on our list of cheap universities in Netherlands is Radboud University.

• Application Fees
• No application fees for: students from the EEA, students supported by the UAF, those applying for Master’s programs in Theology and European Law, those on a full scholarship and those currently studying at Radboud University as an exchange student
• International Bachelor’s Tuition: 5,360 Euros to 8,726 Euros
• Domestic Bachelor’s Tuition: 1,104 Euros to 2,209 Euros

The next university on our list of cheap universities in Netherlands is Radboud University.

Radboud University is a career-oriented higher institution that provides high standards of teaching and research in arts and culture. It offers top-class programs in film, art and design, theatre, music, architecture, and arts education. As an industry-specific university, it has been known for educating and training creative individuals. And even as an internationally recognized institution, it continues to improve and develop quality programs to offer to its current and future students. Radboud UniversityAmsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) is a career-oriented higher institution that provides high standards of teaching and research in arts and culture. It offers top-class programs in film, art and design, theatre, music, architecture, and arts education. As an industry-specific university, it has been known for educating and training creative individuals. And even as an internationally recognized institution, it continues to improve and develop quality programs to offer to its current and future students.

International students planning to study for a bachelor’s degree at Amsterdam University of the Arts must prepare a tuition fee of 5,360 Euros to 8,726 Euros.

3. Utrecht University

• Application Fees
• No application fee for: exchange students, those with a refugee status in the Netherlands, and students applying for admission on the basis of an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate, or a diploma originating from an EU/EEA country, a VWO diploma for Aruba or Surinam, or a Maturitätszeugnis from Switzerland

Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a specialized English-taught art school in Amsterdam. It primarily offers undergraduate degrees. Bachelor’s students begin first-year with the same program – Basic year – before choosing from one of 12 specialties. Another option for undergrads is the five-year DOGtime program, which includes three years of in-depth study. The academy’s Sandberg Instituut provides Master’s degrees. However, there are only two such programs available.

This private university has a tuition fee range of 6,552 Euros for international students studying a bachelor’s program.

4. Erasmus University Rotterdam

Another zero application fee university to consider in Netherlands is the Erasmus University Rotterdam.

• Application Fees
• No application fees for: students with a Dutch university diploma

Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam in Dutch, is one of the elite public universities in the Netherlands. The institution has gained recognition in the local and international community for its high-quality education. It has been consistently included in the national and global academic rankings. In addition, the university has partnered with other renowned foreign institutions to offer joint programs for eligible students.

As a first-year international student here, you will be required to pay a tuition fee of 7,000 Euros to 13,500 Euros. This is really affordable compared to other schools in Netherlands.

5. Universiteit Leiden (Leiden University)

• Application Fees
• No application fee for: students who have a European Baccalaureate diploma from a Dutch department, students who have previously registered at the university in exchange, SAP, degree or pre-master’s programs, students applying for the BSc in Molecular Science and Technology, students with a refugee status or those who have previously been admitted to Leiden University but postponed their start year.

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is one of the universities in the Netherlands with no application fees. It is also one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe and also a leading research university on the continent and worldwide. Its campus extends to The Hague as well as Leiden and it also includes de highly respected Leiden University Medical Center. Moreover, it partners with Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam for academic exchanges and research opportunities.

One of the unique features of LU is the Leiden Bio Science Park, where the university collaborates with businesses, the Medical Center and the Municipality of Leiden in projects such as drug development. It is a great place for alumni to find work, too.

Leiden University has waived the application fee in many cases for students coming from Holland or who meet certain criteria. For all others, the application fee is fixed at €100.

Affordable Universities In Netherlands

Average Tuition Fees	EU/EEA Students	Non-EU/EEA Students
Bachelor’s programmes	1,040 – 2,083 EUR/year	6,000 – 15,000 EUR/year
Master’s programmes	1,070 – 2,083 EUR/year	8,000 – 20,000 EUR/year

Affordable Dutch Universities

• Radboud University – average tuition fees 2,143 EUR/year


• University of Twente (UT) – average tuition fees 2,083 EUR/year


• Utrecht University – average tuition fees 2,143 EUR/year


• HAN University of Applied Sciences – average tuition fees 2,083 EUR/year

Top-ranked Dutch Universities

• Delft University of Technology – average tuition fees 2,143 EUR/year


• University of Amsterdam – average tuition fees 2,083 EUR/year


• Wageningen University and Research – average tuition fees 2,083 EUR/year


• Erasmus University Rotterdam – average tuition fees between 2,083 – 52,000 EUR/year

Maximum Tuition Costs

• Bachelor’s programmes: 19,400 EUR/year


• Master’s programmes: 52,000 EUR/year