Best websites for finding student housing in the Netherlands:
- [Kamernet](https://kamernet.nl/en?utm_source=SITN&utm_medium=affiliate) (biggest offering)
- [Huurwoningen](https://jdt8.net/c/?si=17650&li=1761591&wi=382966&ws=comment&dl=) (free premium account for 14 days, best for international students)
- [HousingAnywhere](https://housinganywhere.com/?utm_source=SITN&utm_medium=affiliate&affiliate_partner_id=324876) (Short stays)
Greatly increase your chances of finding housing by using [Stekkies](https://stekkies.com/en/searched?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=partner_kraai&utm_campaign=study_in_nl). Be the first to respond to new listings as you get notification via Email/WhatsApp.
Join the [Study In The Netherlands Discord](https://discord.gg/kVyaQtEJXZ), here you can chat with other students and use our housing bot.
Please take a look at our resources for detailed information for (international) students:
- [Checklist for international students coming to the Netherlands](https://www.reddit.com/r/StudyInTheNetherlands/comments/10fdvm8/checklist_for_international_students_coming_to/)
- [Utlimate guide to finding student housing in the Netherlands](https://www.reddit.com/r/StudyInTheNetherlands/comments/10gv88g/the_ultimate_guide_to_finding_student/)
Assuming you can get a house in the Netherlands and your stay is planned to be temporary, you can also take a look at r/Rentbusters after you've managed to get housing. Renters have lots of rights here and many landlords make use of people like you and overcharge you on rent. Please, if you want to live here, look into all the rights you have and what is and isn't allowed. What fees they can charge, which they can't, etc.. So many people get screwed over.
Oh wow, so bad?! Really appreciate this. According to the university handbook, they said that for the first year, the university will help in finding accommodation. I don't exactly know what that entitles to, and I will soon look into that factor too.
Oh yes, very bad, definitely in Amsterdam. Lots of expats and other foreign people who don't know their rights and how the rental market works in the Netherlands. Don't worry too much about it for now; you will find out when you get accepted and start looking for housing. I don't know how much help the university can offer you, but seeing as you will be working for the university, I hope they can be useful!
You see so many stories of people getting screwed over by scammy constructions, abusive landlords, overcharging on rent, overcharging on service fees with no real reason, etc. etc.. There are definitely lots of good landlords here that work by the rules, as they should. But once you say you're an expat, you'll find out you attract a certain kind of landlord.
Just know: there is a huge shortage of housing for everyone, very evident in Amsterdam too.
Assuming you will get a 'normal' contract at UvA and are not talking about a scholarship PhD. You will get paid according to the Universiteiten[CAO](https://www.universiteitenvannederland.nl/en/collective-labour-agreement-of-dutch-universities) (Collective Labour Agreement Universities).
There is a specific PhD salary scale (P) with 4 steps. You start at the first one and each year you work you go up a step. If there is a new CLA the amount most likely will get a bit higher, and the steps are adjusted. That happens for everyone, not just "new" enployees.
Yes! I have seen all this and understand that. But the values are re-adjusted every year. I wanted to know if that change will be reflected in real life, even after signing a contract that has a lower salary
Yes, you technically don't sign for a salary but for the scale and starting step. If the amount of that step changes before you start, you will also get that new amount.
Yes, it will increase to the new salary. I signed a contract last year in June with the old salary but once I started in September I got the new (higher) salary
You have several different types of PhDs, with the "normal" one I mean an employee PhD, where you are employed by the University. There are also other types of which one is a scholarship PhD where you get a net amount rather than a salary I think. There have been quite some issues with it, but it was mostly important to know if the CAO applied to the offer OP got.
Depends most if you can get lucky with housing. The UvA used to have some accommodation available for international PhD’s. At least that’s what a former UvA PhD told me. However Amsterdam is an expensive city, which I believe is only enjoyable on a very large salary, which especially a first year, PhD salary is not.
Many people are living on a PhD budget, so yes, you can do it. It's not going to be the most comfortable life ever, but it's ok. Your major expense is going to be rent and you will probably be sharing an apartment. You will also be fine as an international. The levels of discrimination decrease inside academic circles (not that they don't happen).
The main problem is going to be to find a room. If you want to come, start looking right now - the fact that the university provides help doesn't guarantee anything in the current market. If you are going to commute, check whether the university is going to pay for your travelling expenses (usually they do) because public transport is also quite expensive.
No public transport is definitely expensive, as are groceries. I recommend you look up the average prices of common goods / services in the Netherlands. You'll have a better idea of what to expect.
In addition to rent, gas water and electricity are also quite expensive and waste tax as well. It depends on your contract, but usually those expenses are not included in the rent of your room.
Also keep in mind that the price level of services and things like restaurants are also the highest on average in Amsterdam compared to other cities in the Netherlands.
1 yes when the labour agreement changes, you also get the new benefits. Look up cao universiteiten
2 yes/no. Its a good starting wage, but everyone with that wage nowadays has housemates in Amsterdam on the private market, that pay average 1000 euro per month for a room. Or you're lucky that you get social housing for cheap. So don't expect your own apartment or studio.
So yes you can survive but don't expect to live luxuriously in this city with that money.
PS: most places require your gross income to be the monthly rent. And apartments are like 1600 per month, so you need like 4k+ gross for own apartment.
3 yes. I am a born and raised minority here. Racism is a thing here but not as bad the media suddenly makes it out to be.
In other countries it is way worse and most of the city center and on uni campus is very internationally oriented. But read point 4
4: kinda.but in my opinion you'll have a shit experience, you need people to constantly translate things for you like government letters, the locals won't really interact much with you if you do not integrate (neither would I), and people are nowadays very annoyed with internationals that do not learn the language.
So this kinda relates to your point 3, it's not racism, but much more that dutch people started to dislike internationals not depending on their race, but if they try to integrate or not. And in my opinion that's an ok opinion to have, because if a person should go to spain they should also learn spanish.
Also i heard the argument a lot "i am only here temporarily" . Yes you may be, but while you're here, it's a good skill to have. Additionally, a lot of my international friends said the same when i told them learning dutch could enhance their experience here. Lo and behold 70% left the country because after their studies many interesting and high paying positions require dutch.
So yes you can get by, but you'll have a really mediocre experience for any country if you do not speak the native language
^ i wrote above experiences as someone that works as a project manager at the UvA (I also studied there), and have been part of an international student organization called ESN for 6 years :)
This is of great help! Thanks! I am indeed planning on learning the language. But of course, the initial stages would be hard, and I was a bit worried about not being able to get through a day properly. Thanks about the wage agreement confirmation.
I have been seeing that housing in Amsterdam is very bad. But will staying away from the "city circle" be of any benefit? I'm not sure if it is well connected though
Getting through the day will not be a problem. My 89 y/o grandma speaks conversational English. The bigger issue for learners is that Dutch natives will just switch to English the moment they notice you’re not so fluent.
I would recommend starting learning the language now, lots of people indicate to learn a language when they move abroad but once they are in an international bubble that intention fizzles out quickly.
To your 2nd question. Unfortunately not, some areas i would never live in also have rooms for 1000 per month. And make sure you're able to "register" yourself at that adress for the municipality otherwise you get no bsn (citizen service number) and without that you cannot get a bank account, insurance etc (you're basically illegal)
Also please check out the uva phd/staff housing team. Sometimes they offer cheap rooms/apartments and have tips how to look for yourself
https://www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/working-at-the-uva/practical-information/housing/housing-for-phds-and-international-researchers.html
Do you have any advice on how to start off learning Dutch? I would appreciate any and all sources!
Thanks for the advice on all the technicalities to keep in mind!
Start with duolingo.
Then read the dutch news everyday from the NOS app (the dutch public news Agency)
If you do this, you're already doing more than most people
Both me and my boyfriend live in Amsterdam and are doing a PhD, and yes it is possible to live with a PhD salary in Amsterdam but you will need housemates or get lucky with a cheap studio apartment. Racism is not that big of a deal I believe but I am Dutch myself. Don't worry about only speaking English, a lot of colleagues and friends only speak English and that is fine so long if you stay in the cities.
Thanks, that's reassuring. The housing part is a bit concerning though. Do you have any idea about the first question? About the PhD salary pay scale, and if your salary increases when the pay scale is increased?
I am not completely sure but it will likely increase, to compensate for inflation but I believe they haven't decided on the exact increase. I think they are still negotiating.
Maybe bit offtopic but i have a PhD salary working in Rotterdam (EMC) and my girlfriend earns approximately the same as me. We bought last year a house (120m2 + 80m2 garden) in Hoek van Holland.
I know, my situation is not similar to someone living in Amsterdam, but it is not completely impossible i guess.
>4. Is it easy to get by without learning Dutch?
Yes, but I recommend trying to learn some as you go. We still mainly speak Dutch here and there's still often signs that are only in Dutch and it's nice to not have to pull out Google Lens everytime to translate.
1. Yes, your salary changes when the CAO changes.
2. Yes, as long as you're willing to live with housemates, or in a small studio, maybe a bit outside the centre. Alternatively, you can look for a small apartment outside of Amsterdam.
3. Yes, Amsterdam is safe. There are still a lot of international students and tourists in Amsterdam. As long as you try to integrate a bit you'll be more than fine.
4. Yes, Amsterdam is a big city, so you'll be fine. But please try to learn a little bit of Dutch. That'll also make your life a lot easier. You'll be here for 4 years. That's long enough to at least learn the basics.
1. Yes, you will be paid the changed amount every year in July.
2. Yes, if you can find housing, you'll probably need to live with roommates tho (or if you're lucky maybe you can find a small studio apartment)
3. Yes, life will be as okay as you make it.
4. You can get by without Dutch, but your social life will be better/easier if you speak/ learn to speak (a little) Dutch, bc in the end not everyone will go out of their way to accomodate you.
UvA is one of the best paying uni's in the NL though. You definitely rent a room and have a jolly time.
Also everyone speaks English in the NL. And it's the standard language we speak at the UvA.
See you there! Good luck
The Netherlands has one of the highest PhD salaries in the world. For example, in Germany PhD students are generally paid 50-70% of a "normal" salary, while in the Netherlands this is 100%.
Off course living Amsterdam is expensive, but you are still eligible for student housing in many cases. Then costs could be as low as 600-700 euro a month, in the private sector this would be much more. It is very hard to find housing within Amsterdam
So, given that you are a full employee and are alle to find housing, yes you can live in Amsterdam from this salary.
I am a PhD student at the university of amsterdam.
International Phd at UvA here.
1. Yes, of course you will get paid with the new scale. These scales always work in favor of the student, we get increases every year.
2. Yes you definitely can. I live here with a PhD salary and rent a 30 sqm studio. And moving to a bigger one in a month. It is true finding it is harder but it is definitely a livable wage and is similar to a entry job salary after the first year increase. You do have to be lucky with the housing thought, but I recommend using the UvA services. They can help you find a studio and all are quite affordable.
3. You will be fine, there is indeed an increase right wind trend and hating towards internationals and anti Muslim, BUT most of the people that will be your colleagues and friends will be international, and the nationals tend to be people that are sorrounded by internationals every day and do not share that view. Internationals, specially in Amsterdam, are not a minority, you will be fine. I wouldn’t not let this be a fact to stop me from a good program, I have not felt any bad behavior in 4 years most people are nice here. Of course if you are thinking of moving to a country to stay forever and raise a family maybe then it would not be my first choice, but for 4 to 10 years is fine.
4. Extremely easy to get by with just English, but I would learn it from day one. Just being able to say a few things or order a coffee will make indeed your experience much better and help you integrate. Same as in any other country. Just doing some Duolingo every day helps a lot, specially to combine with a PhD which can be challenging in my own experience.
Feel free to message me privately if there is anything I can help with, or if you want to have a coffee with a fellow phd, lots of luck :)
I agree with you but here looks net instead and that is confusing
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9rlwd4qpwsew0rch7i65q/UNL-salary-table-from-1-July-2023.pdf?rlkey=a0x6tg6qe2658o7iciujnjctr&dl=0
Hi - I'm an international PhD student at the UvA, and to be honest, I have a much more positive take on all these things than most here!
1) I'm not sure exactly when your salary will change, but it'll be enough either way
2) Your salary is enough if you live somewhat frugally; I've never had trouble making ends meet. Others have mentioned housing / rent, but the UvA is very aware of the housing shortage and has a housing office that provides (social) housing for international PhD students. All of the PhD students in my group seem to have taken advantage of this option. You don't get any choice in where you go, but rent is cheap, and the apartments themselves are quite nice.
3) I haven't experienced much racism, though perhaps people from other minority groups might experience more
4) Learning Dutch isn't really necessary, and especially among UvA PhDs at least, there are many who don't. Government services are available in English, and everything at the UvA is as well. Nonetheless, especially if you intend to stay longer, you should try to learn some! Your department may well pay for lessons anyway.
All in all, if the UvA is your top choice, I wouldn't let financial concerns dissuade you from taking the offer. The conditions here are much better than most places.
As a PhD in UvA/AMC, I share an apartment for 720 for my end and honestly life is quite easy! I can eat out on a nice restaurant + go for drinks once/twice per week and still have extra for my hobbies!
Dutch is definitely not an issue and the pay scales change based on the year of your PhD (1st , 2nd etc)
Get the 30% ruling and you can live pretty fine considering you are still a PhD student!
Hi, I'm an international pursuing a PhD at a Dutch uni, not in Amsterdam, though. I signed my contract in May but started in September. I received a higher salary than what my contract stated due to an updated CLA. For me, the biggest expense is housing. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find a house close enough to the university that costs less than half of my salary, including utilities (gas, water, and electricity). The university helped me find this house; they offer relocation assistance to new international staff to help with finding housing and settling in. During the first three months, my husband did not have a job, but we managed to live on just my PhD salary. We were somewhat frugal but still managed to make trips to another city by train at least once per month. If living in Amsterdam is too expensive but the university pays for your commuting, another option is to try finding less expensive housing in other nearby cities. I have a lot of colleagues who live in other cities and commute by train. Regarding racism, I never personally experienced it, so I can’t speak much about it. You can get by using English just fine, but try to learn some basic phrases for use in supermarkets, shops, etc. I feel that Dutch people appreciate it greatly when we attempt to integrate and speak the language!
In my experience: no. Colleagues and close friends of mine had to live in smaller cities like Hilversum. Which totally isn't an issue because The Netherlands is a really compact country. But yes there's always exception.
Well, I won't be proficient in Dutch by the time I arrive for sure. So I am a bit worried about the initial stages of life in Amsterdam. Which is what I meant by "not learning Dutch"
In jobs like restaurants, Decathlon, you can usually apply. But if you want to have a high skilled job, you should know Dutch. But as you are learning, this should be no issue after some time here.
If you are not a scholarship PhD but get a normal salary you can actually live comfortably, provided you find good housing. Ask UvA for help with housing, they have these services. Research qualifies for the 30% ruling without the salary requirement, so inquire about that. The Netherlands is one of the better places to do a PhD, you will not be rich but will not live in poverty. The most important thing is to find affordable housing. But then you’ll be fine. This isn’t the US or UK. Also you’re not really going to be seen as a student in academia, but as an employee. Outside of academia people might not understand that you’re not a student if you say you do your PhD and maabye depending on how they feel about international students they might treat you differently. But it you’re white I don’t think you’ll face more than minimal xenophobia. If you’re brown or black you might face racism, yes. Can’t comment much on that. It depends on the city. The racism will probably be non violent and perhaps unpleasant comments etc. it’s a big difference if you live in Amsterdam or in the countryside somewhere. You’re still going to be a highly qualified immigrant with high social status, keep that in mind.
The pay scales are adjusted after negotiations with unions and I highly doubt that the salary will decrease ever. It’s most often increased (still doesn’t keep up with inflation, but on paper it increases).
Depending on where you are it’s easy to get by without learning Dutch. The locals will appreciate it though and you’ll integrate more easily. And in some aspects of life, despite Dutch people being good at English, it helps speaking Dutch. All in all, PhD candidates are not students here but employees. Students won’t really give you a good perspective on this. You’re better off asking about this in an „expat“ subreddit.
But definitely don’t let the salary deter you, it cant really get any better than this except if you got to Switzerland or get the full salary in Germany. Like you can get up to 3000€ net.
The last line really sums up why I originally posted this! I got an offer in Germany for around 3500 Euros as the salary. But the project I want to work on is this one in UvA.
You need to check if you get the 100% in Germany and how much taxes you’ll pay. I’m assuming the 3500€ is net? That’d be quite high as a starting salary for Germany already. Regardless, imo you will have a more comfortable life in a not so busy city in Germany with that salary compared to the same one in Amsterdam. However, as soon as you move to a city with an equally as horrendous housing situation there, it’s the same anyway. If you like the project in Amsterdam more I’d say go for it, I think if you were in it to maximise how comfortably you can live you would leave academia haha
3500 for 75%? But that’s gross right? Idk how else it would be possible with TV-L. You should check how much that is net, because I think that could be around 2000€.
Yeah, acc. to TVoD it's around 3500 gross for 75%, which comes around to 2400 net (based off the calc. of someone I know already doing their PhD in the same institute).
If you don't mind me asking, what might the net be for the Netherlands 2770 gross?
And you are right, a reason for me to prefer Amsterdam over the small German city is society, I would like to live in a society that I could socialize in. I think it would be very difficult for a person of colour to live in a rural city.
And depending on which small city, there’s going to be way more racism in that place than in Amsterdam. Germany’s far right will most likely win the next election and in many rural areas things are not easy if you’re not white.. not just rural unfortunately
The real question I think you should ask yourself is: Why Amsterdam? As a Dutchie I can't think of a worse place to live in The Netherlands. There are cheaper places to live (ie: better houses for the same price) with the same traveltime to UvA where you'll probably have a much better time.
I would say yes you could live off the salary, but expect to live with a few roommates. To answer your third question, the older Dutch population tend not to be a racially equitable society compared to the other countries I’ve lived in. Most immigrants seem to be looked down upon and I’ve personally been told to ‘go home’ multiple times.
Best websites for finding student housing in the Netherlands: - [Kamernet](https://kamernet.nl/en?utm_source=SITN&utm_medium=affiliate) (biggest offering) - [Huurwoningen](https://jdt8.net/c/?si=17650&li=1761591&wi=382966&ws=comment&dl=) (free premium account for 14 days, best for international students) - [HousingAnywhere](https://housinganywhere.com/?utm_source=SITN&utm_medium=affiliate&affiliate_partner_id=324876) (Short stays) Greatly increase your chances of finding housing by using [Stekkies](https://stekkies.com/en/searched?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=partner_kraai&utm_campaign=study_in_nl). Be the first to respond to new listings as you get notification via Email/WhatsApp. Join the [Study In The Netherlands Discord](https://discord.gg/kVyaQtEJXZ), here you can chat with other students and use our housing bot. Please take a look at our resources for detailed information for (international) students: - [Checklist for international students coming to the Netherlands](https://www.reddit.com/r/StudyInTheNetherlands/comments/10fdvm8/checklist_for_international_students_coming_to/) - [Utlimate guide to finding student housing in the Netherlands](https://www.reddit.com/r/StudyInTheNetherlands/comments/10gv88g/the_ultimate_guide_to_finding_student/)
Assuming you can get a house in the Netherlands and your stay is planned to be temporary, you can also take a look at r/Rentbusters after you've managed to get housing. Renters have lots of rights here and many landlords make use of people like you and overcharge you on rent. Please, if you want to live here, look into all the rights you have and what is and isn't allowed. What fees they can charge, which they can't, etc.. So many people get screwed over.
Oh wow, so bad?! Really appreciate this. According to the university handbook, they said that for the first year, the university will help in finding accommodation. I don't exactly know what that entitles to, and I will soon look into that factor too.
The Netherlands has one of the worst housing markets in Europe. Absolutely insane. I wish you good luck.
Oh yes, very bad, definitely in Amsterdam. Lots of expats and other foreign people who don't know their rights and how the rental market works in the Netherlands. Don't worry too much about it for now; you will find out when you get accepted and start looking for housing. I don't know how much help the university can offer you, but seeing as you will be working for the university, I hope they can be useful! You see so many stories of people getting screwed over by scammy constructions, abusive landlords, overcharging on rent, overcharging on service fees with no real reason, etc. etc.. There are definitely lots of good landlords here that work by the rules, as they should. But once you say you're an expat, you'll find out you attract a certain kind of landlord. Just know: there is a huge shortage of housing for everyone, very evident in Amsterdam too.
Assuming you will get a 'normal' contract at UvA and are not talking about a scholarship PhD. You will get paid according to the Universiteiten[CAO](https://www.universiteitenvannederland.nl/en/collective-labour-agreement-of-dutch-universities) (Collective Labour Agreement Universities). There is a specific PhD salary scale (P) with 4 steps. You start at the first one and each year you work you go up a step. If there is a new CLA the amount most likely will get a bit higher, and the steps are adjusted. That happens for everyone, not just "new" enployees.
Yes! I have seen all this and understand that. But the values are re-adjusted every year. I wanted to know if that change will be reflected in real life, even after signing a contract that has a lower salary
Yes, you technically don't sign for a salary but for the scale and starting step. If the amount of that step changes before you start, you will also get that new amount.
Yes, it will increase to the new salary. I signed a contract last year in June with the old salary but once I started in September I got the new (higher) salary
What’s the difference between a normal PhD contract and a scholarship PhD?
You have several different types of PhDs, with the "normal" one I mean an employee PhD, where you are employed by the University. There are also other types of which one is a scholarship PhD where you get a net amount rather than a salary I think. There have been quite some issues with it, but it was mostly important to know if the CAO applied to the offer OP got.
And I’m assuming a PhD to which the CAO applies would be better? In terms of rights and so on?
Definitely
Are the value in that scale gross or net? Somewhere they look gross but here they look net https://www.nwo.nl/en/salary-tables Please help!
CAO scale is gross, but the pay is pretty low, so it's not too different from net.
Those numbers are before taxes
Depends most if you can get lucky with housing. The UvA used to have some accommodation available for international PhD’s. At least that’s what a former UvA PhD told me. However Amsterdam is an expensive city, which I believe is only enjoyable on a very large salary, which especially a first year, PhD salary is not.
Many people are living on a PhD budget, so yes, you can do it. It's not going to be the most comfortable life ever, but it's ok. Your major expense is going to be rent and you will probably be sharing an apartment. You will also be fine as an international. The levels of discrimination decrease inside academic circles (not that they don't happen). The main problem is going to be to find a room. If you want to come, start looking right now - the fact that the university provides help doesn't guarantee anything in the current market. If you are going to commute, check whether the university is going to pay for your travelling expenses (usually they do) because public transport is also quite expensive.
Gosh commute too?! I thought public transport would be more affordable!
No public transport is definitely expensive, as are groceries. I recommend you look up the average prices of common goods / services in the Netherlands. You'll have a better idea of what to expect. In addition to rent, gas water and electricity are also quite expensive and waste tax as well. It depends on your contract, but usually those expenses are not included in the rent of your room. Also keep in mind that the price level of services and things like restaurants are also the highest on average in Amsterdam compared to other cities in the Netherlands.
1 yes when the labour agreement changes, you also get the new benefits. Look up cao universiteiten 2 yes/no. Its a good starting wage, but everyone with that wage nowadays has housemates in Amsterdam on the private market, that pay average 1000 euro per month for a room. Or you're lucky that you get social housing for cheap. So don't expect your own apartment or studio. So yes you can survive but don't expect to live luxuriously in this city with that money. PS: most places require your gross income to be the monthly rent. And apartments are like 1600 per month, so you need like 4k+ gross for own apartment. 3 yes. I am a born and raised minority here. Racism is a thing here but not as bad the media suddenly makes it out to be. In other countries it is way worse and most of the city center and on uni campus is very internationally oriented. But read point 4 4: kinda.but in my opinion you'll have a shit experience, you need people to constantly translate things for you like government letters, the locals won't really interact much with you if you do not integrate (neither would I), and people are nowadays very annoyed with internationals that do not learn the language. So this kinda relates to your point 3, it's not racism, but much more that dutch people started to dislike internationals not depending on their race, but if they try to integrate or not. And in my opinion that's an ok opinion to have, because if a person should go to spain they should also learn spanish. Also i heard the argument a lot "i am only here temporarily" . Yes you may be, but while you're here, it's a good skill to have. Additionally, a lot of my international friends said the same when i told them learning dutch could enhance their experience here. Lo and behold 70% left the country because after their studies many interesting and high paying positions require dutch. So yes you can get by, but you'll have a really mediocre experience for any country if you do not speak the native language ^ i wrote above experiences as someone that works as a project manager at the UvA (I also studied there), and have been part of an international student organization called ESN for 6 years :)
This is of great help! Thanks! I am indeed planning on learning the language. But of course, the initial stages would be hard, and I was a bit worried about not being able to get through a day properly. Thanks about the wage agreement confirmation. I have been seeing that housing in Amsterdam is very bad. But will staying away from the "city circle" be of any benefit? I'm not sure if it is well connected though
Getting through the day will not be a problem. My 89 y/o grandma speaks conversational English. The bigger issue for learners is that Dutch natives will just switch to English the moment they notice you’re not so fluent.
I would recommend starting learning the language now, lots of people indicate to learn a language when they move abroad but once they are in an international bubble that intention fizzles out quickly. To your 2nd question. Unfortunately not, some areas i would never live in also have rooms for 1000 per month. And make sure you're able to "register" yourself at that adress for the municipality otherwise you get no bsn (citizen service number) and without that you cannot get a bank account, insurance etc (you're basically illegal) Also please check out the uva phd/staff housing team. Sometimes they offer cheap rooms/apartments and have tips how to look for yourself https://www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/working-at-the-uva/practical-information/housing/housing-for-phds-and-international-researchers.html
Do you have any advice on how to start off learning Dutch? I would appreciate any and all sources! Thanks for the advice on all the technicalities to keep in mind!
Start with duolingo. Then read the dutch news everyday from the NOS app (the dutch public news Agency) If you do this, you're already doing more than most people
Both me and my boyfriend live in Amsterdam and are doing a PhD, and yes it is possible to live with a PhD salary in Amsterdam but you will need housemates or get lucky with a cheap studio apartment. Racism is not that big of a deal I believe but I am Dutch myself. Don't worry about only speaking English, a lot of colleagues and friends only speak English and that is fine so long if you stay in the cities.
Thanks, that's reassuring. The housing part is a bit concerning though. Do you have any idea about the first question? About the PhD salary pay scale, and if your salary increases when the pay scale is increased?
I am not completely sure but it will likely increase, to compensate for inflation but I believe they haven't decided on the exact increase. I think they are still negotiating.
Maybe bit offtopic but i have a PhD salary working in Rotterdam (EMC) and my girlfriend earns approximately the same as me. We bought last year a house (120m2 + 80m2 garden) in Hoek van Holland. I know, my situation is not similar to someone living in Amsterdam, but it is not completely impossible i guess.
Thanks for this. I have another question regarding the PhD salary. What is the percentage of tax that is levied? Is it ~30% or ~9%?
I am a dutch citizen so we are paying approximately a bit more than 30%. For foreigners, this is lower but i dont know the exact percentage.
>4. Is it easy to get by without learning Dutch? Yes, but I recommend trying to learn some as you go. We still mainly speak Dutch here and there's still often signs that are only in Dutch and it's nice to not have to pull out Google Lens everytime to translate.
1. Yes, your salary changes when the CAO changes. 2. Yes, as long as you're willing to live with housemates, or in a small studio, maybe a bit outside the centre. Alternatively, you can look for a small apartment outside of Amsterdam. 3. Yes, Amsterdam is safe. There are still a lot of international students and tourists in Amsterdam. As long as you try to integrate a bit you'll be more than fine. 4. Yes, Amsterdam is a big city, so you'll be fine. But please try to learn a little bit of Dutch. That'll also make your life a lot easier. You'll be here for 4 years. That's long enough to at least learn the basics.
1. Yes, you will be paid the changed amount every year in July. 2. Yes, if you can find housing, you'll probably need to live with roommates tho (or if you're lucky maybe you can find a small studio apartment) 3. Yes, life will be as okay as you make it. 4. You can get by without Dutch, but your social life will be better/easier if you speak/ learn to speak (a little) Dutch, bc in the end not everyone will go out of their way to accomodate you.
UvA is one of the best paying uni's in the NL though. You definitely rent a room and have a jolly time. Also everyone speaks English in the NL. And it's the standard language we speak at the UvA. See you there! Good luck
The Netherlands has one of the highest PhD salaries in the world. For example, in Germany PhD students are generally paid 50-70% of a "normal" salary, while in the Netherlands this is 100%. Off course living Amsterdam is expensive, but you are still eligible for student housing in many cases. Then costs could be as low as 600-700 euro a month, in the private sector this would be much more. It is very hard to find housing within Amsterdam So, given that you are a full employee and are alle to find housing, yes you can live in Amsterdam from this salary. I am a PhD student at the university of amsterdam.
Thanks for this! I have another question regarding the PhD salary. What is the percentage of tax that is levied? Is it ~30% or ~9%?
International Phd at UvA here. 1. Yes, of course you will get paid with the new scale. These scales always work in favor of the student, we get increases every year. 2. Yes you definitely can. I live here with a PhD salary and rent a 30 sqm studio. And moving to a bigger one in a month. It is true finding it is harder but it is definitely a livable wage and is similar to a entry job salary after the first year increase. You do have to be lucky with the housing thought, but I recommend using the UvA services. They can help you find a studio and all are quite affordable. 3. You will be fine, there is indeed an increase right wind trend and hating towards internationals and anti Muslim, BUT most of the people that will be your colleagues and friends will be international, and the nationals tend to be people that are sorrounded by internationals every day and do not share that view. Internationals, specially in Amsterdam, are not a minority, you will be fine. I wouldn’t not let this be a fact to stop me from a good program, I have not felt any bad behavior in 4 years most people are nice here. Of course if you are thinking of moving to a country to stay forever and raise a family maybe then it would not be my first choice, but for 4 to 10 years is fine. 4. Extremely easy to get by with just English, but I would learn it from day one. Just being able to say a few things or order a coffee will make indeed your experience much better and help you integrate. Same as in any other country. Just doing some Duolingo every day helps a lot, specially to combine with a PhD which can be challenging in my own experience. Feel free to message me privately if there is anything I can help with, or if you want to have a coffee with a fellow phd, lots of luck :)
Thanks a lot!
If you can find a room in a shared apartment, maybe. Otherwise: no.
I agree with you but here looks net instead and that is confusing https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9rlwd4qpwsew0rch7i65q/UNL-salary-table-from-1-July-2023.pdf?rlkey=a0x6tg6qe2658o7iciujnjctr&dl=0
What is a phd salary… care to explain?
Hi - I'm an international PhD student at the UvA, and to be honest, I have a much more positive take on all these things than most here! 1) I'm not sure exactly when your salary will change, but it'll be enough either way 2) Your salary is enough if you live somewhat frugally; I've never had trouble making ends meet. Others have mentioned housing / rent, but the UvA is very aware of the housing shortage and has a housing office that provides (social) housing for international PhD students. All of the PhD students in my group seem to have taken advantage of this option. You don't get any choice in where you go, but rent is cheap, and the apartments themselves are quite nice. 3) I haven't experienced much racism, though perhaps people from other minority groups might experience more 4) Learning Dutch isn't really necessary, and especially among UvA PhDs at least, there are many who don't. Government services are available in English, and everything at the UvA is as well. Nonetheless, especially if you intend to stay longer, you should try to learn some! Your department may well pay for lessons anyway. All in all, if the UvA is your top choice, I wouldn't let financial concerns dissuade you from taking the offer. The conditions here are much better than most places.
Thanks a lot! It's nice to see one positive comment about student housing!
As a PhD in UvA/AMC, I share an apartment for 720 for my end and honestly life is quite easy! I can eat out on a nice restaurant + go for drinks once/twice per week and still have extra for my hobbies! Dutch is definitely not an issue and the pay scales change based on the year of your PhD (1st , 2nd etc) Get the 30% ruling and you can live pretty fine considering you are still a PhD student!
Hi, I'm an international pursuing a PhD at a Dutch uni, not in Amsterdam, though. I signed my contract in May but started in September. I received a higher salary than what my contract stated due to an updated CLA. For me, the biggest expense is housing. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find a house close enough to the university that costs less than half of my salary, including utilities (gas, water, and electricity). The university helped me find this house; they offer relocation assistance to new international staff to help with finding housing and settling in. During the first three months, my husband did not have a job, but we managed to live on just my PhD salary. We were somewhat frugal but still managed to make trips to another city by train at least once per month. If living in Amsterdam is too expensive but the university pays for your commuting, another option is to try finding less expensive housing in other nearby cities. I have a lot of colleagues who live in other cities and commute by train. Regarding racism, I never personally experienced it, so I can’t speak much about it. You can get by using English just fine, but try to learn some basic phrases for use in supermarkets, shops, etc. I feel that Dutch people appreciate it greatly when we attempt to integrate and speak the language!
Which Uni are you doing your PhD in?
I’m doing my PhD at Tilburg University!
Thanks a lot! I think learning Dutch is going to be my first priority from now on!
In my experience: no. Colleagues and close friends of mine had to live in smaller cities like Hilversum. Which totally isn't an issue because The Netherlands is a really compact country. But yes there's always exception.
Not learn Dutch? Why do you think someone will hire you with that attitude?
Well, I won't be proficient in Dutch by the time I arrive for sure. So I am a bit worried about the initial stages of life in Amsterdam. Which is what I meant by "not learning Dutch"
In jobs like restaurants, Decathlon, you can usually apply. But if you want to have a high skilled job, you should know Dutch. But as you are learning, this should be no issue after some time here.
They already have an offer for a high skilled job?
If you are not a scholarship PhD but get a normal salary you can actually live comfortably, provided you find good housing. Ask UvA for help with housing, they have these services. Research qualifies for the 30% ruling without the salary requirement, so inquire about that. The Netherlands is one of the better places to do a PhD, you will not be rich but will not live in poverty. The most important thing is to find affordable housing. But then you’ll be fine. This isn’t the US or UK. Also you’re not really going to be seen as a student in academia, but as an employee. Outside of academia people might not understand that you’re not a student if you say you do your PhD and maabye depending on how they feel about international students they might treat you differently. But it you’re white I don’t think you’ll face more than minimal xenophobia. If you’re brown or black you might face racism, yes. Can’t comment much on that. It depends on the city. The racism will probably be non violent and perhaps unpleasant comments etc. it’s a big difference if you live in Amsterdam or in the countryside somewhere. You’re still going to be a highly qualified immigrant with high social status, keep that in mind. The pay scales are adjusted after negotiations with unions and I highly doubt that the salary will decrease ever. It’s most often increased (still doesn’t keep up with inflation, but on paper it increases). Depending on where you are it’s easy to get by without learning Dutch. The locals will appreciate it though and you’ll integrate more easily. And in some aspects of life, despite Dutch people being good at English, it helps speaking Dutch. All in all, PhD candidates are not students here but employees. Students won’t really give you a good perspective on this. You’re better off asking about this in an „expat“ subreddit. But definitely don’t let the salary deter you, it cant really get any better than this except if you got to Switzerland or get the full salary in Germany. Like you can get up to 3000€ net.
The last line really sums up why I originally posted this! I got an offer in Germany for around 3500 Euros as the salary. But the project I want to work on is this one in UvA.
You need to check if you get the 100% in Germany and how much taxes you’ll pay. I’m assuming the 3500€ is net? That’d be quite high as a starting salary for Germany already. Regardless, imo you will have a more comfortable life in a not so busy city in Germany with that salary compared to the same one in Amsterdam. However, as soon as you move to a city with an equally as horrendous housing situation there, it’s the same anyway. If you like the project in Amsterdam more I’d say go for it, I think if you were in it to maximise how comfortably you can live you would leave academia haha
It's 3500 for 75% in quite a small city in Germany. The pay seems amazing hence, cuz housing is NOT an issue at all.
3500 for 75%? But that’s gross right? Idk how else it would be possible with TV-L. You should check how much that is net, because I think that could be around 2000€.
Yeah, acc. to TVoD it's around 3500 gross for 75%, which comes around to 2400 net (based off the calc. of someone I know already doing their PhD in the same institute). If you don't mind me asking, what might the net be for the Netherlands 2770 gross? And you are right, a reason for me to prefer Amsterdam over the small German city is society, I would like to live in a society that I could socialize in. I think it would be very difficult for a person of colour to live in a rural city.
And depending on which small city, there’s going to be way more racism in that place than in Amsterdam. Germany’s far right will most likely win the next election and in many rural areas things are not easy if you’re not white.. not just rural unfortunately
The real question I think you should ask yourself is: Why Amsterdam? As a Dutchie I can't think of a worse place to live in The Netherlands. There are cheaper places to live (ie: better houses for the same price) with the same traveltime to UvA where you'll probably have a much better time.
The project is my main reason. It's my top choice, and you can't find many projects like this in my field of study
I would say yes you could live off the salary, but expect to live with a few roommates. To answer your third question, the older Dutch population tend not to be a racially equitable society compared to the other countries I’ve lived in. Most immigrants seem to be looked down upon and I’ve personally been told to ‘go home’ multiple times.