Planning a master in the Netherlands as an EU student means paying a statutory tuition fee, but health insurance depends on a detail that many people overlook: whether you only study or also work. This guide sets out the figures with dates and sources and explains the rules for both cases.
Short answer: The University of Amsterdam lists 2,694 euros tuition for EU and EEA students in the 2026/27 academic year and 2,771 euros for 2027/28 (checked October 2026). If you only study in the Netherlands, you usually cannot take out Dutch public health insurance and need adequate cover from Germany or a private policy. A part-time job makes Dutch insurance compulsory. Stand: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Statutory tuition for EU and EEA students was 2,694 euros in 2026/27, according to the University of Amsterdam (checked October 2026).
- The same source lists 2,771 euros for 2027/28.
- Students from outside the EU pay higher institutional fees, which vary widely by programme.
- If you only study, you cannot take out Dutch public insurance and need cover from Germany or a private policy.
- A part-time job makes Dutch insurance compulsory. A letter from the CAK must be answered within three months.
How high is the tuition for EU students?
The statutory tuition fee for full-time students from EU and EEA countries is set by law and applies to all Dutch universities. The University of Amsterdam gives 2,694 euros for 2026/27 and 2,771 euros for 2027/28 (checked October 2026). The page does not show a figure for 2025/26, so the two years above are the ones to plan with.
Students from outside the EU pay different amounts. For 2027/28, the University of Amsterdam lists 20,400 euros for a two-year master in the Humanities, for example (checked October 2026). These figures do not apply to you as an EU student, but they show how strongly fees depend on status.
| Item | Amount | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory tuition EU/EEA, academic year 2026/27 | 2,694 euros | University of Amsterdam, checked October 2026 |
| Statutory tuition EU/EEA, academic year 2027/28 | 2,771 euros | University of Amsterdam, checked October 2026 |
| Institutional fee non-EU, two-year master in the Humanities, 2027/28 | 20,400 euros | University of Amsterdam, checked October 2026 |
Assumption: you start in 2026/27 and study for two years. Then 2,694 euros plus 2,771 euros apply, which is 5,465 euros in tuition. Living costs, housing and insurance are not included.
How are you insured in the Netherlands?
The key question is whether you only study or also work. According to Study in NL, the official information portal for international students, a German student who only studies is legally not allowed to take out Dutch public health insurance. Instead, they need adequate health insurance from Germany or a private policy. In some cases the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can apply, but coverage differs between countries, so ask your German health fund.
If you work alongside your studies, for example in a part-time job, Dutch public health insurance is required. Self-employed students should ask the SVB whether they must be insured. If you receive a letter from the CAK about your insurance obligations, you must act within three months. Otherwise, according to Study in NL, a fine of 529.72 euros applies, even if the letter was sent by mistake.
| Situation | Insurance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Study only in the Netherlands | Adequate cover from Germany or a private policy, possibly EHIC | Study in NL, checked October 2026 |
| Study plus a job or internship | Dutch public insurance is compulsory; ask the SVB about internships | Study in NL, checked October 2026 |
Does a master in the Netherlands suit your plan?
A master in the Netherlands clearly suits some students and not others. The comparison below sorts the main points but does not replace a personal check.
| Often a good fit when | Often not a good fit when |
|---|---|
| Your programme is taught in English and you are looking for this degree | You leave the insurance question open and take a job later without checking the duty |
| The statutory tuition for EU students fits your budget | You expect higher fees as a non-EU student because your status is different |
| You clarify insurance rules early with your health fund and the university | You cannot meet the deadlines for letters and registrations |
How do you fund the studies?
BAföG for a master abroad follows the rules of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), and the responsible office decides. Scholarships and student loans can also help. Check early which support applies to your country and programme, because applications have deadlines. Our German guide on master studies abroad (in German) lists further routes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take out Dutch health insurance as a student?
Not because of the studies alone. According to Study in NL, a German student who only studies is not allowed to take out Dutch public insurance. As soon as you also work, Dutch insurance becomes compulsory. Clarify your situation before you move.
What happens if I receive a letter from the CAK?
According to Study in NL, you then have three months to respond. If you miss the deadline, a fine of 529.72 euros can apply. Even a letter sent by mistake needs an answer, so keep all correspondence and ask the sender to confirm.
Are tuition fees the same in every study year?
No. The University of Amsterdam lists different amounts for two study years, 2,694 euros and 2,771 euros. Check the university’s page for each year before you plan a payment.
Where do I find the current information?
Tuition is published on each university’s site, and insurance rules on the Study in NL page and by the SVB. The figures in this guide were checked in October 2026 and may change.
Next steps
- Check the tuition for your study year on the university’s page and get it confirmed in writing.
- Ask your German health fund whether you stay adequately insured before you move.
- If you plan to work during your studies, ask the SVB about Dutch insurance before you start the job.
- Plan your funding early: BAföG application, scholarship or loan.
Related guides
- Health insurance for students in the EU: EHIC and more
- Private Health Insurance Abroad During Your Studies: 5 Tips You Should Know
- Studying in Germany from the US: visa, blocked account, insurance
- BAföG Rates 2026/27: Figures, Allowances and Limits
Sources: University of Amsterdam, tuition fees, checked October 2026; Study in NL, health insurance, checked October 2026; section 5 SGB V.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
