Will 2026 be a more expensive year for students?

The basic grant will increase by a few euros this month. For students living at home, the amount will rise from €126 to €130 per month, and for students living away from home, it will rise from €314 to €325. The supplementary grant was a maximum of €475 and will now be €491. All amounts have been rounded to whole euros.

Tuition fees are also increasing

The statutory tuition fee for this academic year is €2,601. Next academic year (as of September 1), this will increase by €93 to €2,694.

Tuition fees are thousands of euros higher for students who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. They can easily pay 10 to 20 thousand euros, and these rates are also going up. It varies per institution.

Are you studying two subjects at the same time? Then you can complete the second course at the normal rate. Retraining for a career in healthcare or education is also eligible for the statutory tuition fees.

Borrowing slightly cheaper again

Borrowing is a little cheaper again this year: the interest rate is falling from 2.57 to 2.33 percent. If you have a debt of 10 thousand euros, that debt will amount to 10,233 euros a year later. This interest rate applies during your studies and changes every year until you graduate or stop studying.

Once you have completed your studies, the interest rate is fixed for five years at a time. Did you stop studying in 2025? Then your interest rate will remain at 2.33 percent until 2030. For years, the interest rate was zero percent, but those days are over.

Rents continue to rise

The housing market is overheated, and that is not likely to change much in the coming year: rents are likely to continue to rise. However, slightly more students will be eligible for rent subsidy this year. To qualify, you must have your own front door, so roomers are not eligible.

Previously, young people up to the age of 23 were only eligible for rent subsidy if they paid low rent (up to €477). Now, they can also apply for rent subsidy if they pay higher rent from the age of 18. However, this subsidy is still limited until they reach the age of 21 (this age limit is also new).

Healthcare allowance decreases slightly

The premium for basic insurance can vary per provider, but costs an average of €157 per month. This is virtually the same as last year. The healthcare allowance is decreasing slightly: for the lowest incomes (and therefore for most students), it is going from €131 to €129 per month.

Minimum wage rises slightly

There are many other factors that can affect students’ wallets. The minimum wage is rising by a few cents. For an 18-year-old, it will be €7.36 per hour, which is 16 cents more than last year.

Talking on the phone or texting while cycling? You could be fined €170 (more than the basic grant for students living at home). If your bike lights are not working, you will be fined an additional €75, plus administrative costs. These amounts will remain the same as last year for the time being.

HOP, Bas Belleman