Study in the UK vs the Netherlands: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for the UK and the Netherlands— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | the UK | the Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 10,539 GBP | 13,600 EUR |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,171 GBP | 1,133 EUR |
| Visa fee | 524 GBP | 228 EUR |
| Typical processing time | ~3 weeks | ~4 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Sep | Feb, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: the UK vs the Netherlands
- the UK needs less money up front — about €12,399/year versus €13,600 for the Netherlands (≈ €1,201 less).
- the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for the Netherlands).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to the UK
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Maintenance funds (held 28 days)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approved English language proof (SELT)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- ATAS certificate
Unique to the Netherlands
- Admission from a recognised sponsor
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- MVV entry visa (nationality-dependent)
- Health insurance
- English language proof
- Tuberculosis (TB) test
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in the UK or the Netherlands?
By proof of funds, the UK is cheaper — €12,399/year versus €13,600 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, the UK or the Netherlands?
the UK typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~4). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in the UK or the Netherlands?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. the UK needs less money up front — about €12,399/year versus €13,600 for the Netherlands (≈ €1,201 less). the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for the Netherlands). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.