The Netherlands is well known for its affordable college tuition — with lower fees than most EU countries, it’s an attractive option for international students. But we’ve got some bad news, not only will the cost of living go up, so will the cost of Dutch university! 

University fees are set to increase by €105 in the next academic year, raising the previous cost of €2,209 per year to €2,314, Het Parool reports. 

This increase in pricing will affect students all over the country. With the price of renting on the constant rise, alongside the cost of living, students will find themselves struggling to keep up with the monetary demands of university. 

READ MORE | Over half of international students struggle with Dutch university life

The grants just won’t cover it

Though a grant is given to students to help with the costs of university: €109.90 a year for students residing at home, and €273.90 for students living outside of the home, this funding is surely not enough to even chip at the cost of university. 

In fact, the grant for students living at home barely even covers the extra €105 they will be expected to pay! 

Read More | Student loans, financing, and scholarships in the Netherlands in 2022

With the cost of living increasing (what feels like almost daily!), students will also be expected to cover the building costs of rent. In certain parts of the Netherlands, rent can push their budgets to nearly an extra €1,000 per month, not including any other necessities! 

READ MORE | Dutch supermarkets are nearly a fifth more expensive than last year

Students in Amsterdam face another hurdle

Students in Amsterdam especially will struggle, as the Dutch city is the most expensive in the country. On average, landlords in Amsterdam charge students a whopping €307 (!) more than what is recommended by the government.

Amsterdam students who rely on public transport can expect to pay between €4-8 per trip, depending on the transport they choose: bus, tram, or train. 

If students plan on visiting cities outside of the Amsterdam area, they might choose to invest in a monthly pass, the likes of which could add an extra €362.40 per month for free access to all public transport types in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | 7 ways you can level-up your Dutch life with a personal OV chip card

Time to cut back — but it’s not all bad

So, from the looks of things, students will likely have to skip out on the nights out and shopping trips. An unfortunate thing, as university is intended not only to be a learning experience, but also a time of fun and impulsivity. 

The good news for students who plan on working while they study is that the minimum wage is set to increase by 10% next year. Yet, even with this increase we may see a lot of students cutting back to keep up with increasing rent, bills and electricity costs. 

Your bi-weekly meet-up at the local bar may well become a bi-monthly thing, so prepare to strap up your wallets and try to find an extra €105 (on top of everything else!) to fork out to university. 

What are your thoughts on the increase? Tell us in the comments below!  

The cabinet decided to cater to the wishes of the Dutch, and raise the minimum wage by 10% in 2023. 💸

With the Dutch inflation rate breaking records left and right this year, the long-awaited plan to increase wages is coming much faster than anticipated.

Originally, the plan was to raise the minimum wage by 7.5% next year. However, the government agreed to increase this number in an effort to maintain the purchasing power of the Dutch.

Not fast enough for struggling households 

The cabinet plans to raise the minimum wage through a three-step process of 2.5%. Sources say that more than €15 billion will be spent in order to execute this.

READ MORE | Dutch gas prices break yet another record, cabinet calls for higher wages

Since the minimum wage is connected to benefits, like social assistance and the state pension, those groups will benefit substantially from the wage boost, writes the NOS.

The only bad news? We’ll have to wait until 2023 for the plan to actually set sail. Many folks are concerned with near penniless wallets and households that are strapped for cash.

While several parties have been pushing for even more purchasing power repairs this year, it’s not enough for the government to offer additional support measures before 2023.

What about excise duties?

Excise duties on fuel and energy prices will continue to decrease while income tax will also be reduced for those with lower incomes. 

READ MORE | Inflation in the Netherlands hits low-income groups the hardest

In contrast, the child budget, which goes to low-income earners, will experience a sharp increase — and other allowances, like rent and healthcare, will follow.

By doing so, the cabinet hopes to support not only low-income earners but also middle-income households too.

What do you think about the 10% minimum wage increase? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Daily life is getting more expensive in the Netherlands. By how much, exactly? Well, you’re paying 13,6% more this month than August last year.

While that number doesn’t sound like a lot, it’s good to keep in mind that it’s the highest the inflation rate has been this year so far.

Back in January, the inflation rate was measured at 6.4%. And, at the end of July 2022, it rose to 11.6%.

READ MORE | Customers aren’t prepared for their bills; Dutch energy companies concerned

Why are we paying more?

We can all point our fingers at the rising energy prices, which have also caused both electricity and gas prices to rise as well.

Russia’s war on Ukraine and its restriction on access to fuel had big consequences on energy costs as many European countries were relying on gas supply from the motherland.

Energy costs affect food prices too

Higher energy prices are also increasingly impacting food and grocery prices. Last month, grocery bills became 11.2% more expensive than those in 2021.

Due to rising expenses tied to food, drink, gas and light, living costs have become unsustainable for many Dutch households, writes NU.nl.

For now, the Dutch cabinet made plans for increasing purchasing power of the Dutch. Though they didn’t really go into detail as to how this was going to happen.

If you live in the Netherlands, how are you dealing with rising costs? Tell us in the comments below! 👇