Small city, creative degrees
Home of Breda University of Applied Sciences, a leader in video games, tourism, hospitality and logistics. A close-knit atmosphere, about 25 minutes by train from Rotterdam.
In short
Breda is a mid-sized, friendly and very pleasant city in the south of the Netherlands, home to Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), a leader in video games, tourism, leisure, hospitality and logistics. It is about 25 minutes from Rotterdam and about 35 from Antwerp. A room costs around €595 a month.
Updated in
*Kamernet average for Q1 2026.
Self-assessment
Where to study
The Netherlands has two types of university: research universities (WO), more academic, and universities of applied sciences (HBO), more practical and with company placements. These are the main options in Breda:
University of applied sciences (HBO)
Specialised in games, media, tourism, leisure and events, hospitality, logistics and the urban environment. Very practical and very international.
In English: For example, Creative Media and Game Technologies, Tourism or Leisure and Events Management.
Official website →University of applied sciences (HBO)
Practical training in business, technology and the arts, with locations in Breda, Den Bosch and Tilburg.
In English: Some programmes in English: check each one before deciding.
Official website →Cost of living
Budget between €970 and €1,205 a month, not counting tuition. Tuition for EU students is €2,694 a year in 2026-2027 (official fee, the same at all public universities).
If you work at least 32 hours a month in the Netherlands, you can apply for the DUO grant like a Dutch student: in 2026 that is up to €324.52 a month in basic grant, plus up to €491.08 in supplementary grant depending on your parents' income.
| Monthly spending | Approx. |
|---|---|
| Room rental | 595 € |
| Food and groceries | 250–350 € |
| Transport (bike and the odd train) | 15–40 € |
| Mobile and internet | 10–20 € |
| Leisure, materials and other | 100–200 € |
| Total | 970–1.205 € |
Rent: Kamernet (2025-2026). If you work in the Netherlands you will also need Dutch health insurance (from around €150 a month, with possible government help); if you don't work, the European Health Insurance Card plus supplementary insurance is enough.
Accommodation
There's more room than in the big cities, although prices keep rising. The centre is compact and almost everything is 10-15 minutes by bike from the BUas campus.
City life
Breda has a historic centre with a castle, a Gothic church that can be seen from all over the city (the Grote Kerk) and a southern atmosphere, more terrace-based. Big enough that you won't get bored, small enough to feel at home.
During carnival Breda is renamed "Kielegat" and the party fills the city for days.
Antwerp is about 35 minutes away by train: very easy weekend getaways.
Valkenberg Park and Breda Castle are right in the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Breda University of Applied Sciences is a leader in video games (Creative Media and Game Technologies), tourism, leisure and events, hospitality and logistics. Avans also offers business, technology and the arts.
Roughly between €970 and €1,205 a month, with a room of around €595 (Kamernet average for the first quarter of 2026).
Yes: it's safe, manageable, lively and well connected to Rotterdam and Antwerp. Ideal if you prefer a mid-sized city to a big capital.
Make it real
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