Spending a semester in Barcelona, joining a program in Belgium, or experiencing life at an American university can be an unforgettable part of your education. But studying abroad can also become expensive quickly. Building a realistic budget before you leave can help you enjoy the experience without spending the final weeks of your semester worrying about money.
What Expenses Should You Plan For?
Tuition is only one part of the total cost. Before leaving, make a complete estimate that includes:
- Tuition, enrollment charges, and study supplies
- Security deposits, accommodation, and possible agency costs
- Airfare, train tickets, and public transportation
- Health and travel insurance
- Visa applications and residence documentation
- Food, mobile phone expenses, and entertainment
- Currency conversion and banking charges
- Extra savings for emergencies and unexpected costs
If you participate in an Erasmus+ exchange, you generally do not pay tuition fees to the host institution. Depending on your destination and individual circumstances, you may also qualify for financial support toward travel and living expenses.
The figures below are based on an estimated five-month stay. Actual costs can vary considerably depending on your accommodation, lifestyle, destination and personal spending habits.
🇧🇪 Belgium:
Estimated semester budget: €5,200–€7,000
Main difference: Relatively inexpensive travel from the Netherlands
Students studying in Flanders or Brussels typically spend around €800 to €1,000 per month when housing, food, transportation, insurance and personal expenses are combined. Student accommodation commonly falls in the €450 to €600 monthly range.
For students enrolling directly, annual tuition for EU or EEA students at institutions in Flanders is approximately €1,181 for the 2026–2027 academic year. Exchange students can be subject to different arrangements, particularly when participating in an official exchange program.
🇪🇸 Spain:
Estimated semester budget: €4,800–€7,800
Main difference: Living costs differ significantly from one city to another
Living expenses for students in smaller Spanish cities can often fall around €700 to €900 per month. Major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona can require closer to €1,000 to €1,200 per month.
At public universities, annual bachelor’s tuition can generally range from around €450 to €2,000, depending on the program and region. Students participating through Erasmus+ generally do not pay tuition to the host university. However, remember to budget for flights, a rental deposit and potentially paying for accommodation at home while maintaining your room in the Netherlands.
🇺🇸 United States:
Estimated semester budget: $25,000–$33,000
Main difference: University tuition can make up a substantial portion of the total
The cost of studying in the United States varies widely depending on the university and location. EducationUSA recommends considering tuition, institutional fees, accommodation and everyday living costs when preparing a study budget. International students may also need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their education and living expenses.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the average estimated annual budget was about $50,920 for out-of-state students attending public four-year institutions and approximately $65,470 at private nonprofit universities. Based on those figures, a semester could cost roughly $25,000 to $33,000 before scholarships or other financial assistance are taken into account.
An exchange partnership, grant or scholarship can significantly reduce the amount you need to pay yourself.
Once you know where you want to study, create a separate savings target for the trip. Calculate the amount you will need overall and work backward to determine how much you should save each month.
It is also worth contacting your school or university early to find out which scholarships, grants and exchange-related financial support you may qualify for. Planning ahead gives you more time to find funding and prepare for the costs that come with living abroad.
