Living in The Hague

The city

The Hague is a city by the sea with a historic city center, abundant green spaces, and a wealth of culture. You'll find numerous galleries, museums, and other creative hubs here. It's also the political capital of the Netherlands. While Amsterdam is officially the constitutional capital, The Hague is the center of Dutch government. The city is home to the Dutch royal family and the Dutch government, institutions such as the International Criminal Court, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and the International Court of Justice, and 30,000 students. This makes the Netherlands' third-largest city an important hub for both local and international students.

Estimated living costs

If you want to study in the Netherlands, think about how you are going to fund your study. Non-EU/EEA students are expected to be able to fund their study programme by themselves. Find here an overview of expenses you can expect when moving to The Hague (besides the tuition fees).

Expenses next to tuition fees

• Study trips (not mandatory, but highly recommended): about €400 per year
• Dutch residence permit application: €243 (update January 2025)
• Museum card: €75
• Plane tickets home (these can get really expensive during the holidays): variable

Average monthly overview of expenses

The total estimated cost is €1,300–€1,900 per month, depending on the type of housing and lifestyle. Rents in The Hague are generally higher than in the rest of the Netherlands, and finding a place to live can be difficult. Start your search for a room early via reliable platforms like DUWO, SSH, or Kamernet. Check this page for more information.