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Netherlands student visa guide

With nearly forty percent of first-year university students being international students in the past few years, the Netherlands has rapidly become a student-favourite destination for those all around the world.

International students find it easy to settle into life in the Netherlands, where over 90 percent of the local population is fluent in English. Also known as Holland, the Netherlands also offers a variety of world-class cities with an endless list of fun activities to enjoy away from the classroom.

The capital city of Amsterdam is a bustling and welcoming place for international students, and regularly features near the top of the charts in quality-of-life rankings.

As of today, the Netherlands is home to more than 120,000 international students, and is a true melting pot of global cultures and lifestyles.

Articles related to studying in the Netherlands

The Netherlands student visa

Currently, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) in the Netherlands offers international students two types of student visas. These are:

  • Schengen Visa: For International Students studying a course for less than three months in the Netherlands
  • MVV or Entry Visa: For international students enrolled in full-time degree programs of more than three months

The MVV Entry Visa for students can be granted by your nearest Dutch consulate or embassy in your home country.

After arriving in the Netherlands, students must complete the residence permit (VVR) process. In most cases, the Dutch educational institution applies for the residence permit on behalf of the student through the IND.

Dutch embassies and consulates require a slightly different set of documents from international students depending on your home country, and you should contact your nearest embassy at the earliest opportunity for more details.

We recommend that you prepare the originals and multiple copies of the following documents because they are generally required for all MVV student visa applications to the Netherlands:

  • Valid passport: must be valid for at least 12 months at the time of application
  • Netherlands student visa application form
  • Proof of enrollment or a letter of admission from a Dutch university
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses during your studies. The required amount is set annually by the IND and should be checked before applying.
  • Proof of language proficiency in English: exams such as TOEFL or IELTS
  • Your CV, previous academic degrees and other essential academic certificates such as exam marksheets
  • A study plan detailing your past academic and professional experience, and future plans
  • Netherlands visa fees payment receipt
  • Health Insurance for at least the first three months of your stay in the Netherlands

Netherlands student visa process and fees

The process to apply for a Dutch student visa involves first confirming your enrollment at a university in the country. Then, you must fill out an online application form on the Netherlands student visa website, purchase health insurance as required, complete the visa payment and schedule an interview at your nearest Dutch embassy or consulate where you will be required to submit your passport after your visa interview.

In most countries worldwide, international students are required to pay between 150 and 200 Euros as an application fee. You can also be required to pay a visa processing and biometrics fee. You must note that technically, it will be your university applying for a student visa on your behalf. This means that your selected university may charge an additional fee for handling your student visa application.

You can begin your Netherlands student visa application as soon as you receive and confirm an enrollment offer at a Dutch university. The process usually takes between two to three months, so you should apply well in advance of your degree program. Once you have reached the Netherlands, you should visit your university’s visa affairs department for further information on how to apply for the VRV residence permit.

Netherlands student visa work rules

International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland may work alongside their studies, subject to Dutch employment regulations. They are generally permitted to work either up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during the summer months of June, July, and August. A work permit (TWV) is required, and the employer must apply for this on the student’s behalf.

Students who work must obtain a citizen service number (BSN) from their local municipality and comply with Dutch tax requirements.