Housing
Finding a place to live abroad can be stressful, especially in competitive markets like the Netherlands. To make life easier, GRACE students benefit from dedicated room allotments at all three study locations, as long as you request it on time.
- Each university reserves a number of student housing options for GRACE students.
- You’ll be asked during your application whether you wish to make use of this support.
- Rooms are offered at fair student prices and are located close to campus.
Average costs
Austria (St. Pölten): €250–€500/month for dorms within walking distance of campus.
Netherlands (Enschede): €500–€700/month depending on size and location.
Latvia (Valmiera): €200–€250/month for shared dormitory rooms.
Food & Groceries
Cooking at home is the cheapest option, but eating out or relying on canteens can add to your costs. Below you’ll find typical monthly budgets for students.
Austria: €200–€250/month (supermarkets, affordable canteen meals).
Netherlands: €250–€300/month (slightly higher prices, cooking at home is cheapest).
Latvia: €150–€200/month (local groceries and canteens are very affordable).
Transport
Since GRACE housing is close to campus, daily commuting costs are low. The prices below reflect leisure and country-wide travel.
Austria: student discounts, €30–€50/month for local/regional travel.
Netherlands: cycling is cheapest, monthly bus/train costs €40–€80 with student card.
Latvia: €15–€30/month for local buses, student discounts available.
Other Expenses
Besides food and transport, students should also plan for study materials, mobile phone costs, and leisure activities. These vary depending on lifestyle and choices.
Study materials, SIM cards, leisure, and sports: €50–€100/month depending on lifestyle.
Going out: Austria & Netherlands around €20–€30 for a dinner, Latvia €10–€15.
Indicative Monthly Living Costs and Erasmus+ Mobility Support per Semester
The overview below provides an indicative breakdown of monthly living costs and Erasmus+ mobility support per semester within the GRACE programme. The figures are estimates intended to support financial planning only. No rights can be derived from this information.
Semester 1
St. Pölten, Austria
- Housing approx €400
- Food and groceries approx €200
Total estimated monthly costs approx €600
Erasmus+ mobility grant
- Not applicable in Semester 1
Estimated own contribution
- Approx €600 per month
Semester 2
Enschede, Netherlands
- Housing approx €500
- Food and groceries approx €250
Total estimated monthly costs approx €750
Erasmus+ mobility grant contribution
- Daily allowance approx €17.33
- Mobility duration up to 150 days
Estimated Erasmus+ contribution (monthly average)
- Approx €520 per month
Estimated own contribution
- Approx €230 per month
Travel allowance
- Erasmus+ travel allowance for Austria → Netherlands
- Distance band 500–1999 km
- One-off contribution approx €417
- Green travel option approx €309
Semester 3
Valmiera, Latvia
- Housing approx €200
- Food and groceries approx €150
Total estimated monthly costs approx €350
Erasmus+ mobility grant contribution
- Daily allowance approx €15.67
- Mobility duration up to 150 days
Estimated Erasmus+ contribution (monthly average)
- Approx €470 per month
Estimated own contribution
- Approx €0–€50 per month
(depending on individual spending)
Travel allowance
- Erasmus+ travel allowance for Netherlands → Latvia
- Distance band 500–1999 km
- One-off contribution approx €417
- Green travel option approx €309
Semester 4
Master Thesis (individual mobility setup)
(default return to St. Pölten for one-visa option)
By default, students return to St. Pölten (Austria) in Semester 4. This is required for students who choose the one-visa for all study countries option. Returning to Austria in Semester 4 is not mandatory, but necessary for this visa setup.
Estimated monthly living costs (Austria)
- Housing approx €400
- Food and groceries approx €200
Total estimated monthly costs approx €600
Erasmus+ mobility grant contribution
- Depends on the final mobility setup and duration
- May apply if physical mobility requirements are met
Travel allowance
- Erasmus+ travel allowance for Latvia → Austria
- Distance band 500–1999 km
- One-off contribution approx €417
- Green travel option approx €309
Estimated own contribution
- Depends on individual mobility and visa choice
Important note on Erasmus+ mobility support
Erasmus+ mobility support consists of a daily allowance and a one-off travel contribution based on distance bands. Exact amounts depend on mobility duration, travel method, and formal Erasmus+ approval. All figures shown above are indicative and subject to change.
Budgeting Tips
Always ask for a student discount (public transport, museums, gyms).
Cooking at home saves money everywhere.
Share travel costs with fellow GRACE students when moving between countries.
Explore more support
Each GRACE partner university offers a wide range of student services beyond what’s listed here. Visit their websites to see the full details of academic, wellbeing, and community support: