-
Dutch Phone Number & Data
•
Let’s be honest, we are all addicted to our phones in some way. Imagine moving to the Netherlands and needing Wi-Fi to look up simple things like directions, opening times, or messaging your parents that you have arrived. First of all: Should you get a Dutch phone number? Long-term, we recommend getting a Dutch…
-
Public transport
•
Commuting within the Netherlands can be a costly expense. This article will guide you through the different modes of transportation, how to pay there, and what we recommend for a regular commute, allowing you to save some money. In the Netherlands, almost all transport is paid per kilometer instead of per ticket. That means…
-
Getting started
•
Just thinking about studying in the Netherlands? Here are some simple steps that can help you figure out what you want.
-
Health insurance
•
Being insured is not just a good thing to be; it is actually mandatory for both non-EU and EU/EEA students. Knowing what insurance to choose and understanding the Dutch healthcare system is important. Student Insurance Now this sounds like the go-to solution for all students. However, it is targeted at non-EU/EEA students and is…
-
Helpful resources
•
There are many places on the internet where you can find more information regarding studying in the Netherlands. We have compiled a list of pages we find especially helpful: Join our Discord server! We have a community of prospective and current students on Discord. You are invited to join and ask all the questions…
-
Benefits (Toeslagen)
•
There are several benefits given to low-income residents. Since most students don’t make a lot of money, you are likely to be eligible for these. Yes, non-EU students can also qualify! Housing allowance (Huurtoeslag) This allowance subsidizes rent for people renting a whole unit (e.g., an apartment, studio, or house) and not just a…
-
The Dutch language
•
The Netherlands currently has three official languages: Dutch, Fries (only spoken in the province of Friesland), and Dutch Sign Language. Dutch is by far the most common used. Do I have to learn Dutch? It is not expected by the majority of the population for foreigners to speak Dutch, and it is unlikely that…
-
Registering with the municipality (BSN)
•
BSN = Burgerservicenummer (Citizen Service Number) You need a BSN when dealing with the government, your doctor, tax offices, and more. You also need it to start a job, open a bank account, and apply for basic health insurance. Gemeente (Municipality) = The local government organization responsible for you. Legally, you are required to…
-
Opening a bank account
•
Do I need a bank account? We use the Euro in the Netherlands and in many other European countries. If you are from a Euro country, you can most likely use your local bank card and account for however long you wish. However, there are still advantages to getting a Dutch bank account (see…
-
Ways to finance your studies
•
Tuition fees Studying costs money. You can see the tuition fees below. These are the same for all public HBO and WO universities and rise every year. Academic year 2025/26 (full-time) EU/EEA nationals pursuing their first (Dutch) diploma of this type Non-EU nationals 2600 EUR/year 9000-25000 EUR/year depending on the institution There are exceptions…