Can you live on a PhD stipend in Netherlands?
Estimated student living costs and stipend affordability based on Eurostat/OECD price level data.
Relaxed (score 1.74)
A PhD stipend of €3,050/month (est. net €2,440) is relaxed in Netherlands relative to estimated student living costs (score 1.74).
Price level index
117.0
EU27=100
Est. living cost / month
€1,404
Median stipend on site (institutes)
€3,050
Est. net stipend
€2,440
~20% effective tax
Institutes in sample
7
excluding open positions
Open PhD positions11View listings PhD scholarships in Netherlands8View listings Try your stipend
Frequently asked questions
- Is a PhD stipend enough to live in Netherlands?
- It depends on your net monthly stipend. Based on Eurostat/OECD price levels and typical student living costs, funded PhD institutes in Netherlands (median stipend on this site: €3050/month) fall in the Relaxed range at that level.
- What is the cost of living for PhD students in Netherlands?
- We estimate student living costs using price level indices (EU27=100). For Netherlands, the relative index implies monthly living costs of roughly €1,404 at our baseline budget, before city adjustments.
- How is the affordability score calculated for Netherlands?
- We divide estimated net stipend by estimated living cost. At the median institute stipend on this site (€3050/month gross), the score is about 1.74 — rated Relaxed. You can try other amounts with the calculator on this page.
- Are PhD stipends taxable in Netherlands?
- For this estimate we apply the configured effective tax rate for Netherlands (see tax notes on this page). Contract type, residency, and fellowship vs employment can change real tax — not tax advice.
Affordability is indicative only, based on public price level indices and estimated student living costs. Not tax or financial advice.