Want to Study in the Netherlands? See How Much Money You Must Show

Foreign students planning to study in the Netherlands must prove they have enough money to support themselves before receiving a student residence permit.

For 2026, students attending a university or university of applied sciences must have access to at least €1,130.77 per month.

This does not mean applicants must earn that amount as a monthly salary. They only need to prove that the required funds are available.

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service requires students to show enough money to cover 12 months.

This brings the total financial requirement to €13,569.24 for one year.

Tuition fees are not included in this amount. Students must pay or provide funds for their school fees separately.

For students attending secondary education or senior secondary vocational education, known as MBO, the monthly requirement is €928.58.

The financial requirements apply from January 1 to December 31, 2026, according to the official Dutch immigration website.

Students can prove they have enough money through their own bank account, a scholarship, a sponsor or funds deposited with their educational institution.

The documents showing the funds must normally be written in Dutch, English, German or French. Documents in another language may require an official translation.

The student’s educational institution usually submits the residence permit application. The school must be recognised as a sponsor by Dutch immigration authorities.

Applicants must also enrol in a full-time and recognised study programme.

After receiving the permit, students must complete at least 50 percent of their study credits each academic year. Their school must report poor progress when there is no acceptable reason.

The financial amount can change every year. Students should check the current study income requirements before transferring money or submitting an application.

Any naira conversion should be treated as an estimate because exchange rates change regularly.