Best Ways To Save Money In Maastricht
April 2022 — Emma van der Lee
Wherever you might go, studying is expensive. It can cost you a few thousand euro’s a year. So, to avoid ending up with a big study debt next to your diploma, I will share the best tips to save money when moving to Maastricht. The blog contains some links for additional information, so make sure to check these out!
1. General Costs
But first; what does studying in the Netherlands cost?
The Nibud is a national organisation that tracks spendings of citizens in the Netherlands and gives insights into average spendings and how to cope with high costs. According to the Nibud (2021), general spending for students in the Netherlands had the following breakdown:
This amounts to around a thousand euros per month. Be aware that this, however, is based on data from 2021 and that the amount might have changed in recent years. Moreover, living with family, saves a lot of money. If you would like to compare the costs of living with those of your city, Numbeo is a helpful comparison tool.
2. Tuition Fees
Next to the costs mentioned above, tuition fees are an element to consider. The amount of tuition depends on several factors when studying at Maastricht University, namely:
· Whether you are going to study full-time or part-time
· Whether it is your first or second bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands
· Your nationality (whether you have EU/EEA, Swiss or Suriname nationality)
The Dutch government subsidizes universities for students who have not already obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a Dutch higher education institution and satisfy the nationality criterium. These students are eligible for the, so called, statutory tuition fee. This fee will amount to €2.314 for the academic year 2023–2024 for full time master and bachelor students. Students that are non-EEA/EUR/Swiss/Suriname students or who have already obtained a higher education degree in the Netherlands, do not receive subsidies and are subject to the, so called, institutional fee. This fee is set by Maastricht University and changes yearly. For the study year 2023–2024, starting September 2023, the institutional fees for Master students at the School of Business and Economics amount to €16.000 for full time students and €8.000 for part-time graduates.
3. Subsidies
Rent
Housing will be one of the more costly elements when studying in Maastricht. Rent in Maastricht will most likely be between 400 and 1000 euros. The former for a room in shared house/flat and the latter for a studio with a private kitchen and bathroom. Some rooms are eligible for rent subsidies that can requested at the government. The requirements for the allowance are:
· The higher your income, the lower the allowance. In some cases, the income is too high for receiving an allowance.
· The rent is lower than €808,06 (in 2023)
· If all the residents are under 23 years old, then the rent is not allowed to be higher than €452,20.
· The living space must have its own front door, a kitchen and a bathroom.
Student grants
Students that carry the Dutch Nationality can apply for student grants and loans. The grant consists of a transportation card and will include a basic study grant as of September 2023. Moreover, a loan for basic expenses, tuition fees, and supplementary grants (in special cases) can be applied for. More information on this topic can be found on the website of the government.
Studying with a disability
Students studying with a physical disability can apply for an allowance from the government to compensate the inability to work a side job. The amount differs per age category and changes every half a year. More information can be found on the government website.
4. Scholarships
Maastricht University | Holland-High Potential Scholarship
The university offers 24 full scholarships of €30.000 (including tuition fee waivers and a monthly stipend) as part of the Maastricht University (UM) Holland-High Potential Scholarship programme. This scholarship is issued to highly talented students from outside the European Union who are admitted to a master’s programme at the university. The duration of the scholarship is 13 months for a one-year master’s program and 25 months for a two-year program. The website of the university provides more information on the application and selection procedure for the scholarship.
Maastricht University | Brightlands Talent Scholarship
The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship programme consists of four scholarships (including a tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend) per academic year for top-performing non-EU/EEA students. These students have personal development potential and are (conditionally) admitted to a master’s programme connected to the Brightlands campi. The study programs that are eligible from SBE are; MSc in Business Intelligence & Smart Services and MSc in Global Supply Chain Management and Change (SBE). Moreover, eligible students must write their thesis as part of the thesis-research-program (TRP) at one of the participating Brightlands companies. More information on the amount of the scholarship and admission requirements can be found here.
Maastricht University | UM Academic Achievement Scholarships
Non-EU/EEA students with proven academic excellence who have been (conditionally) admitted to a master study program at UM can also apply for the UM Academic Achievement Scholarships. Students that apply for this scholarship agree to become a UM ambassador during and after their studies and commit to share the study experience with stakeholders. The scholarship reduces the institutional tuition fee (as mentioned above) to the statutory tuition fee for the duration of the internship. Many programs at SBE are eligible for this scholarship, to be found via this link.
Maastricht University | Maastricht University Euregion Refugee Scholarship
Lastly, the UM Euregion Refugee Scholarship offers refugees from non-EU/EEA countries and living Belgium or Germany the opportunity for reduced tuition fees. Might you be eligible for this scholarship, please consult the website of the university for more information.
The Netherlands | Scholarships
It is also possible to apply for scholarships outside of the university. These scholarships are generally for international students that want to study in the Netherlands. More information on the various scholarships can be found on the Nuffic website, which is the organisation for internationalization in education.
5. General tips to save some cash
Bonus Cards, Supermarkets & Cheap groceries
The best way to save some money is by buying smart! If you want to save some money on groceries in Maastricht, the Lidl and Aldi are the way to go. Jumbo is cheaper than Albert Heijn, but the so called ‘Appie’, sometimes has better ‘bonus’ deals. You can activate these by scanning your personal bonus card that you can get at the service desk. Moreover, every week, you will have personal discounts that can be activated via the Albert Heijn App. Another must-visit is the Friday market that lasts until 3 pm. Here, you can get the cheapest fruits and veggies.
A nice recommendation is to download the “Too Good to Go” app. Here, you can obtain cheap meals or food boxes of what is left over from hotel buffets, bakeries or restaurants in the neighborhood. This is an excellent way to reduce food waste and enjoy better food than you can cook at home!
OV chipkaart/Train tickets
Public transportation in the Netherlands is very, very expensive. Therefore, if you travel with the train a lot (daily), I would recommend taking a transportation card from the NS (national railway service). Here, you can choose different kinds of subscriptions that fit to your needs.
Moreover, if you want take a daytrip to one of the other beautiful cities that the Netherlands offers, definitely look for ticket offers online. Often, the Hema, Kruidvat or Albert Heijn offer daytickets for reduced rates that allow you to travel to anywhere for half the price.
Sharing is caring & Marktplaats
If you are moving into your new place in September, you obviously need a bed to sleep in and a mirror to do your make up. Buying it at Ikea is a big hassle since its all the way in Heerlen. Also, you can get it way cheaper second hand. Look for offers on Facebook marketplace or the Maastricht group Sharing is Caring. Here, a lot of students offer their left-over furniture for a good price. Another online trading platform is Marktplaats. It is incredibly popular in the Netherlands to sell and buy secondhand items. You should definitely check it out for the best offers.
Side Jobs
A lot was said about saving money, but earning a bit for the trips you will make and the festivals that you will visit is also nice. Having a side job as an (international) student is incredibly easy in Maastricht. Many students work next to their jobs in a clothing store, the supermarket or cafe. Also, a lot of staff is not native Dutch nowadays, so finding a job as an international student is definitely possible!
I hope that the information above helped you!
Don’t hesitate to ask your remaining questions.
Greetings Emma
