Which Costs Should You Take into Account?
Don't start with tuition fees alone. Create a complete overview of:
- Tuition fees, registration, and study materials
- Deposit, rent, and possible agency fees
- Flights, train journeys, and local transport
- Travel and health insurance
- Visas and residence documents
- Groceries, phone costs, and leisure activities
- Exchange-rate and banking fees
- An emergency buffer for unexpected expenses
During an Erasmus+ exchange, you normally do not pay tuition fees to the foreign educational institution. You may also be eligible for a contribution towards your travel and accommodation expenses. The amount varies depending on the destination and your personal situation.
Three Examples for One Semester
The amounts below are estimates for a period of five months. Your actual expenses may, of course, be higher or lower.
🇧🇪 Belgium: Close By, but Not Automatically Cheap
Estimated semester budget: €5,200–€7,000
Main difference: Low travel costs from the Netherlands
Students in Flanders and Brussels spend an average of €800 to €1,000 per month. This includes housing, food, transport, insurance, and personal expenses. A student room often costs between €450 and €600 per month.
For direct enrollment, annual tuition fees for students from the EU or EEA in Flanders are approximately €1,181 in the 2026–2027 academic year. Different rules may apply during an official exchange.
🇪🇸 Spain: The City Determines Your Budget
Estimated semester budget: €4,800–€7,800
Main difference: Major differences between cities
A student in a smaller Spanish city often needs between €700 and €900 per month. In Madrid or Barcelona, the amount is more likely to be between €1,000 and €1,200. Annual tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree at a public university usually range from €450 to €2,000. With Erasmus+, you generally do not pay tuition fees to the host university. However, take into account flights, a rental deposit, and possibly double housing costs if you keep your room in the Netherlands.
🇺🇸 United States: A Much Larger Investment
Estimated semester budget: $25,000–$33,000
Main difference: Tuition fees in particular can be high
In the United States, costs vary considerably between institutions. EducationUSA advises students to take tuition fees, administration fees, housing, and daily expenses into account. International students must also be able to prove that they have enough money to pay for their studies and living expenses.
For 2025–2026, the average annual budget was approximately $50,920 at a public four-year institution for out-of-state students. At a private non-profit university, the average was $65,470. A semester can therefore cost roughly $25,000 to $33,000 before financial aid. An exchange agreement or scholarship can reduce the amount considerably.
Start Saving Early
Create a separate savings goal as soon as you know your destination. Then check how much you need to set aside each month and ask your educational institution which grants and scholarships are available.
In the Grassfeld app, you can create a savings goal for your semester abroad, set a deadline, and track your progress. This shows you how much you need to save each month and whether you are still on track.
