The tuition fees for universities and universities of applied sciences rise in line with inflation. As groceries, clothing and visits to cafes become more expensive, tuition fees – with some delay – will also increase.
High inflation
This academic year, students are paying 2,530 euros, and for the coming academic year, that will rise to 2,601 euros. The rate for the academic year 2026/2027 can now also be calculated, as Statistics Netherlands has announced the inflation figures for April.
For the increase in tuition fees, the ministry looks at the annual average from May to April. During that period, inflation was 3.6 per cent, significantly higher than the target rate of 2 per cent.
As a result of the price increases, the tuition fee will amount to 2,694 euros. This figure may still vary by one or two euros: the inflation figures for March and April have not yet been finalised.
Regulation adjusted
Until 2022, the new tuition fee was based on inflation for just one month, namely April. The difference was usually a few tens of euros. However, in April 2022, inflation was exceptionally high (nearly 10 per cent), and the political establishment was alarmed that tuition fees would rise by more than 200 euros.
Minister Dijkgraaf quickly adjusted the regulation: henceforth, the ministry would base itself on inflation over the entire year, which would result in fewer peaks and troughs.
Student grant also increases
This discussion pertains to the statutory rate for students who have not yet completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The government no longer funds a second degree, meaning students must pay the higher institutional rate for that. There are exceptions for retraining in healthcare or education.
Additionally, the basic grant is raised annually to compensate for rising prices. Due to the extreme inflation in 2022, students even received an extra inflation compensation, although the minister halted this last year.
