student visa in netherlands
If you are planning to study in Netherlands, you will have many questions in your mind about student visa in Netherlands. Here, we provides you all answers about internship and studying in Netherlands. You will understand the procedure of internships and complete study process in Netherlands.
Applying for a student visa in Netherlands can be quite challenging. There are many forms and documents you need to prepare. It is important that you prepare all the documents correctly. To help you with your application, we have tried to explain all the requirements and documentations that you need to follow.
The Netherlands is a wealthy and peaceful country. The country has one of the highest standards of living in the world with excellent university education, top restaurants, famous museums, international companies and a legendary tolerance to live together with her many different communities.
The Netherlands is a top destination for study abroad, and with good reason: the country has an excellent education system, a wide variety of options for students to choose from, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Dutch culture.
But if you’re planning on studying in the Netherlands, there are a few things you should know before coming over. Here’s what you need to know about student visas in the Netherlands, so that you can be prepared when you arrive!
What Do I Need To Get A Student Visa In The Netherlands?
In order to study in the Netherlands, you’ll need to have a valid passport and meet certain requirements. First off, all applicants must be at least 18 years old; if you’re under 18 but turning 18 within 6 months of arriving in the Netherlands for school purposes (i.e., if your birthday is less than 6 months away), then you can still apply for a visa as long as your parents sign a declaration stating that they will take responsibility for your upbringing while in the country. The second requirement is that applicants must have completed high school or passed an alternative equivalent exam such as an International Baccalaureate or Cambridge A-Levels; if this isn’t possible or practical due to circumstances outside of your control (like not having
If you are planning on studying in the Netherlands, you need a student visa.
A student visa is a document that allows international students to study in a country other than their own. If you have received an offer from a school in the Netherlands and want to study there, you will need to apply for a student visa. This process can take some time, but it is necessary in order for you to attend classes as a foreign student.
The process of applying for a student visa begins with sending an application form to the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence. This form must be filled out completely and submitted along with supporting documents such as proof of financial stability and proof of enrollment at your school. It is important that all documents are submitted together with your application form because any delays could result in complications when trying to enter the country later on down the road.
Once your application has been processed by officials at the Dutch Embassy/Consulate, they will issue you with an acceptance letter which will then allow you to travel abroad and begin studying abroad immediately after arriving at school on campus grounds (or via online courses). You should never travel without first receiving this letter because otherwise border control agents may prevent entry into Netherlands without proper documentation!
Netherlands is emerging as a popular destination among international students from the past decade. As per the statistics published by Immigration Department, their number increased from 76,606 in 2017 to 85,955 in 2018. One of the reasons for this rapid increase is the esay procedure of Netherlands student visa and high acceptance rate. Almost 99% of the applications were accepted by the Immigration Department in 2019. Maximum number of applicants coming to study in Netherlands are from students of India, China and USA.
Student visa in the Netherlands is referred to as a residence permit (vrv) and required for admission to full-time masters and bachelors programs. Non-EU students also need an entry residence permit (mvv) to study in this country. It is the responsibility of Netherlands universities to apply for a visa on the student’s behalf. hence, international students are required to pay 174 EUR visa processing fees at the time of enrollment. Afterwards, they just have to make an appointment and collect the douments on time. A Schengen visa is required for a study period of less than 90 days.
Netherlands Student Visa: Highlights
| Types | For Short Period of Study: Schengen Visa; For Full-time Programs: Entry and Temporary Residence Permit |
| Acceptance Rate | 99% (in 2019) |
| Application Fees | 172 EUR |
| Processing Duration | 60 to 90 days |
| Validity | Entry Permit (mvv): 3 months; Temporary Residence Permit vrv): Study Period + 3 months |
Netherlands Student Visa Requirements
Although universities apply for student visas in Netherlands, international students must fulfill certain basic requirements to make sure that their visa is accepted. These include acceptance letters from the university, sufficient funding, proof of Dutch or English language proficiency by submitting test scores required to study in Netherlands and maintenance of standard academic performance throughout the study period. All the submitted documents should be legalized and translated in Dutch, English, French or German.
Details about the requirements for student visa to Netherlands are discussed as follows:
Acceptance from University for Netherlands Student Visa
International students applying for residence permit must have a provisionally acceptance letter from a Netherlands university or university of applied sciences.
- Acceptance must be in a full-time program bachelors or masters program at Netherlands universities accredited by NVAO or any other foreign accreditation agency.
- The university must be registered in the list of Public Register of Recognised Sponsors.
Financial Stability for Student Visa to Netherlands
International students are also required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for tuition fees and accommodation in the Netherlands. The Immigration Department revises the minimum required amount every year. Hence, proof of sufficient funding must be submitted every year for the entire duration of the study period.
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Universities of Netherlands provides a declaration form that students have to submit with complete information and sign. Two types of funds required are:
- Tuition Fees: Varies according to the university
- Study Norms: Equals the amount required for living expenses such as accommodation, meals, etc.
Minimum required amount of study norm for residence permit are tabulated below:
| Application Type | Monthly Amount (in EUR) for Higher Education | Monthly Amount (in EUR) for Vocational Education |
|---|---|---|
| Self Financed | 900 | 740 |
| Financed by a Sponsor staying in Netherlands | By Couples: 2,712; By Single Person: 2,170 | By Couples: 2,551; By Single Person: 2,007 |
Students can demonstrate the availability of sufficient funds for living and studying in the Netherlands by submitting one of the following documents.
Money in a Student’s Own Bank Account
Account should be in the name of the student with guarantee that they can freely withdraw money from it. It could be a current or savings account with another person (joint account) or single nominee account. A bank statement, copy of account statement or printout of the internet copy of bank details with following information is required:
- Date of issue,
- Personal details,
- Bank account number,
- Total balance,
- Contact details of the bank.
If account is a joint bank account, then a statement is also required with following information:
- Original bank statement,
- Copy of an statement,
- Printout of the internet copy of bank account
Note: No document should be older than three months.
Deposit Money in the Student’s Account at a Netherlands University
Students have the option of depositing the total annual amount of study norm in their personal account at the enrolled university. The university sends the account statement to Immigration Department of the Netherlands while submitting the visa application. Following information must be included in the account statement:
- Date,
- Name of educational institution and bank account number
- Total amount paid by the student
Funding Through Scholarships
International students getting scholarships in the Netherlands from government, university or any other third party organizations can submit it as a proof of financial stability. A scholarship declaration with following information is required:
- Date of issue,
- Institution granting scholarships,
- Personal details of student,
- Start and finish date of the scholarship
- Amount offered
- Name of scholarship program (optional)
Funding From an Organization
If an international student is receiving funding from an organization, he/she is required to submit a form or with following information:
- Name, date and place of birth, nationality and passport number of signatory
- Name and contact details of organization
- Name, date and place of birth, nationality and passport number of student
- Total transferred amount
Original bank statement of the company showing following details is also required:
- Name of company
- Bank account number and total balance amount
- Contact details of bank
Note: The funding organization must have an amount equal to one year of study norm and the statement should not be older than 3 months.
Funding From a Person Abroad
Students getting funding from a sponsor living outside the Netherlands must submit a statement not older than 3 months. Other requirements are:
- Copy of passport or any other identity document of sponsor
- One of the following as a proof of bank account of sponsor
- Original bank statement,
- Copy of account statement
- Printout of the internet copy of bank account
Above documents must clearly show the issue date, total balance, name and contact details of the sponsor.
Funding From a Citizen of Netherlands
International students can demonstrate proof of financial stability with the help of funding from a person living in the Netherlands. Following documents, not older than 3 months, are required for the same:
- A Financial Statement of Support
- Original extract from Municipal Personal Records Database showing family composition of sponsor from municipality
- Proof of income of sponsor
Maintaining the Academic Performance for Netherlands Student Visa
International students must keep in mind that their residence permit will not be renewed if they fail to obtain the 50% of the total credits required for the program. This is also known as study progress monitoring. Performance is reviewed every year in November by the Immigration Department of Netherlands. Universities also have the right to send a report to Immigration Department if they feel that a student won’t be able to achieve the required credits before the end of the year.
Special consideration is given to international students having a valid reason such as one of the following:
- Illness,
- Any functional disorder like physical or sensory impairment,
- Pregnancy,
- Family circumstances
Proof of Language Proficiency for Student Visa in Netherlands
International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the Dutch or English language depending upon the language of instruction of the program they wish to study in the Netherlands. Proficiency in English language can be demonstrated by submission of IELTS test with following minimum score:
- Minimum score of 6.0: Direct admission
- Score between 5.5 to 6.0: Preparatory program of six months is required
- Score between 5.0 to 5.5: Preparatory program of one year is required.
Process of Applying for Netherlands Student Visa
Application for student visa to the Netherlands must be submitted by a university recognized as a sponsor by Immigration Department. The whole process takes approximately 60 to 90 days. Each step is discussed in detail in this section.
Applying for the Netherlands Student Visa
It is the responsibility of university of Netherlands to apply for both mvv and resident permit (vrv) on student’s behalf. Immigration department takes approximately 60 days and 90 days for processing of mvv and residence permits respectively. Concerned education institutions are informed about the final decision.
Getting the Entry Student Visa to Netherlands (mvv)
- Study abroad aspirants can collect mvv immediately from the nearest Dutch embassy.
- Passport with validity of at least 6 months and biometric information is required to be submitted while collecting the mvv.
- Deadline for collecting mvv is 3 months from the date of issue. However, it is valid for 90 days from the date of collecting it from the embassy.
- With this provisional residence permit, an international student can travel to the Netherlands.
Getting the Netherlands Student Visa (Temporary Residence Permit)
Residence permit or vrv takes 2 weeks to get ready after a positive decision. A letter is sent to university indicating that letter is ready. International students are required to book an appointment with Immigration Department at the desk stated in the letter to collect residence permit. Any anomaly or incorrect information can also be corrected at that time
Register with the Municipality
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, international students must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database of the municipality where they are going to live. A legalized and translated birth certificate and some other documents are required for registration. Students should check with the municipality and carry all these documents with them in the Netherlands.
Health Insurance and Proof of Negative TB Test
Basic health insurance with a Dutch insurer is required to stay in the Netherlands. Students are required to make an appointment with the Area Health Authority (GGD) within three months after receiving residence permit. They must carry a TB test referral form with them.
Conditions Associated with Netherlands Student Visa
International students should note that following are the terms and conditions associated with Netherlands student visa. Failure in obeying them can lead to cancellation anytime.
- Maximum period of residence permit is five years.
- Validity of visa is duration of the study period with additional three months.
- Students get one additional year of preparatory education if they are accepted via provisional admission.
- International students are only allowed to work for an employer having a TMV.
- A part-time paid employment is allowed for maximum 16 hours a week during the time of active classes
- Full-time employment is allowed during summer holidays
- Students can work on self-employed basis after registering with Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
- Internships relevant to study programs are allowed even without a TWV.
- Study-exchange programs with institutions outside the Netherlands are allowed for less than 12 months.
Student visas in Netherlands have a 99% acceptance rate. Immigration department does not reject the visa as long as all conditions are satisfactorily fulfilled. International students should provide only correct information and refrain from using any malpractices to speed up the process.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is an increasing international study destination for many students due to the high quality of education. Visa requirements depend on whether the student is an EU/non-EU citizen
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland do not need a student visa or resident permit to enter the Netherlands. However, if you plan to stay long-term, you must register with the municipality as soon as possible after you have arrived.
RESIDENCE PERMIT
You are obliged to obtain a residence permit to study in the Netherlands if you are a citizen of a non-EU/EAA country or Switzerland and are planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months. It is very important to arrive in the Netherlands with the correct visa; if you arrive on a short stay visa you won’t be able to apply for a resident permit. The residence permit has to be applied for within five days of arriving in the Netherlands.
Upon successful completion of your program of higher education in the Netherlands, you may apply for a residence permit valid for five years. To do this, you must have a contract of employment.
Non-EU citizens
SHORT STAY VISA
For a stay of fewer than three months, a visa may be required, depending on your nationality. You can find information and advice on what is required of you on nuffic.nl, or by contacting your local Dutch consulate or embassy.
LONG TERM VISA
For a stay exceeding three months, you need a provisional residence permit, (“Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf”, abbreviated as “MVV”), unless you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member country, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the US, and Switzerland. This requirement applies to citizens of all other countries. The MVV allows you to enter the Netherlands; however, you must apply for a Residence Permit on arrival.
You will be granted a provisional residence permit under the following circumstances:
- You have a valid passport
- You have sufficient financial means
- You are not a danger to public order or the national security of the Netherlands
- The required fees are paid
- You have a letter or other document from the Dutch host institution stating that you are or will be enrolled as a student or that you are going to do an internship
- For interns: you have a copy of the application for a work permit, if applicable
- For Chinese students: you have a Nuffic certificate, necessary to follow study programs which are taught in English
The application process for an MVV could take between three to six months, so it is important to start the process in good time. You can find more information on indl.nl or by contacting your local Dutch consulate or embassy.
Working while studying in the Netherlands
Many students choose to work while pursuing their education in the Netherlands. Depending on their nationality, students may work for up to sixteen hours a week with a work permit from their employer. An MVV alone is not enough to work in the Netherlands. Any potential employers must apply for a work permit on your behalf.
If you have to undertake a work placement as part of your course, you do not need a work permit. But you do need to take out a Dutch health insurance plan before you begin any work placements.
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are allowed to work in the Netherlands as many hours as they choose while studying. Foreign students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a valid residence permit are allowed to undertake paid full-time work in June, July, and August, or part-time work of no more than sixteen hours a week outside of the summer period. The employer needs to prove that there are no Dutch or EU/EAA/Swiss nationals capable of doing the job before applying for a work permit for you.
Nationals of the Accession States (Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia) are still counted as third-country nationals and must apply for visas and work permits whilst studying in the Netherlands. The same applies to nationals of the West Balkan Candidate States (Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo). The situation for British nationals (including residents of Gibraltar, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man) is unclear pending the outcome of the UK-EU post-Brexit partnership negotiations.
