Netherlands Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, Application Process
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Netherlands Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, Application Process

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Oct 30, 2024 14:25 IST

 The Netherlands is gaining traction as an important study-abroad destination due to its innovative education system, cost-effectiveness, wide range of English-taught programmes, and safe environment. The educational system in the Netherlands is highly regarded, with a strong emphasis on independent thinking and practical skills development. Like other study abroad destinations, you require student visa to gain education from institutions in the Netherlands. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of the Netherlands student visa requirements.

Netherlands Student Visa

An Indian Student planning to Study in the Netherlands requires a Visa to enter and stay there for study purposes. Depending on the kind, of course, the student is planning to undertake, he/she can apply for the relevant student visa – Schengen Visa (for courses less than 3 months) and Entry Visa - MVV and the VVR or the Residence Permit for bachelor/ masters from the Netherlands. This guide details the latter, its fee, and the application process in detail.

Netherlands Student Visa

An Indian Student planning to Study in the Netherlands requires a Visa to enter and stay there for study purposes. Depending on the kind, of course, the student is planning to undertake, he/she can apply for the relevant student visa – Schengen Visa (for courses less than three months) and Entry Visa - MVV and the VVR or the Residence Permit for Bachelor/ Masters from the Netherlands. This guide details the latter, its fee, and the application process in detail.

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Entry Visas and Residence Permits

A student planning to take up a course that is over 90 days in duration would need a Residence Permit to stay in the Netherlands to complete their education. As per the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), for students planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, the university/ institute is their ‘Recognized Sponsor’. Under the TEV (Entry and Residence Permit) Procedure, the visa for the student would be applied for by the recognized sponsor. The student needs to understand that while the process is essentially the same, it might vary as per the specific university and he/she is required to follow the guidelines as shared by the University.








Process for Getting Netherlands Student Visa

The student visa for the Netherlands is a two-step process that requires:

  • The MVV or an Entry Visa to enter the Netherlands
  • The VVR – or the Residence Permit – is granted to students within a month of their reaching the country

Under the TEV Procedure, the University would request you to provide the necessary documents and submit the form on your behalf to the IND in the Netherlands. Once the IND approves your application, it would grant you an MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) which would be valid for three months. The student can collect the MVV from the Dutch Embassy/ Consulate and then fly to the Netherlands.







On arriving in the Netherlands, Students would then be required by their respective universities to appear for and apply for a Residence Permit (VVR) within a stipulated time. Again, it may vary as per the university, but is usually stipulated between three to five days. The application is then forwarded by the University for a Permanent Residence Permit, which is issued within the following two weeks.

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Also, read about student visas for study abroad and student visas for prominent international study destinations:

Student Visa for Canada

Student Visa for Australia

Student Visa for Germany

Student Visa for Sweden

Time Required for the Netherlands Student Visa

Ideally, the MVV or the ‘Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblifj’ (Dutch for Provisional Residence Permit) is processed in about 60 days. However, it might take longer and you are advised to start as soon as possible. The time advised for the student visa for the Netherlands is about three months before the intended start of the course.

The VVR is processed quicker and takes about two weeks. Students would have to be present in the Netherlands to be granted this visa.

Netherlands Student Visa Fee

Around €210 is charged to international students applying for a visa in the Netherlands. However, since the universities would be applying on your behalf, the exact fee might vary in terms of service charges, and handling charges. It is always advisable to check the university for the same.

Also, most of the universities would add the Visa Application Fee in the ‘Fee Schedule’, which you would have to pay to confirm your enrolment with the university.

Netherlands Student Visa Requirements

  • A student must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months at the time of application.
  • Confirmation of Admission from a Dutch University. It is proof of registration at a Dutch university. It is called as HBO (hoger beroepsonderwijs). Moreover, the academic institution must be a recognized sponsor with the IND.
  • Your academic programme must be recognized by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders or NVAO (in the Netherlands) or the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education or EQAR (Europe).
  • The IND stipulates the minimum fund requirement (known as the Study Norm) for staying and studying in the Netherlands at €957.87 per month for students enrolled in universities. It is important to note that this is the cost of living as stipulated and is revised twice a year (on January 1 and July 1).
  • Health insurance for the first three months of your stay in the Netherlands. Also, you might be requested for a Tuberculosis test before you travel to the Netherlands.

Other documents required for the Netherlands student visa include:

How to Apply for Netherlands Student Visa (MVV and VVR)?

  • Confirm Your Admission to a Dutch University and prepare the documents as per the checklist provided by the university
  • Check if you need health insurance and apply for one
  • Follow the instructions provided by the university and complete the forms provided by the university along with the necessary documents
  • Pay the Netherlands student visa fee of €210 or as mandated by the university
  • Receive confirmation from the consulate/ embassy and make an appointment
  • Attend the visa interview and submit your passport

Once you reach the venue, you will be asked to appear for a small interview. It is a generic interview wherein the Interviewer would ask you about the University you have applied to and your interests about studying in the Netherlands. After that, you would be asked to submit your passport to which your MVV would be attached.

Remember, the MVV is valid only for three months. Also, you would have to report to the university office within the stipulated time to apply for and receive your Residence Permit, without which you cannot stay in the Netherlands. Default in the same could lead to revocation of your stay permissions and immediate deportation. Hence, always follow the guidelines as shared by the university.

Important to Note:

To continue staying in Netherlands, students would have to get their Residence Permits extended, which is only possible if they complete at least 50 per cent of the required credits of that year. For instance, your course mandates 40 credits to be completed to pass your first year of studies. To continue staying in the Netherlands, you need to complete at least 20 credits. Universities can, however, waive this condition off if they find that there was a reason that did not let you complete the mandated 50 percent. 

Netherlands Student Visa Part-Time Work

International students studying in the Netherlands are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 16 hours per week or, in June, July, and August, students are allowed to work full-time. Students cannot do both.

The employer needs to apply for a work permit on behalf of the student. This application must have a copy of the study permit and a confirmation from your academic institution that you are enrolled in their course.

You may also work as a self-employed person. To do so, you need to pay tax after registering with the Chamber of Commerce.

Scholarships for Studying in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is considered one of the top destinations for pursuing higher studies in Europe. There are a significant number of international students who want to gain knowledge from Dutch universities. However, the living cost and tuition fees can prove to be a costly affair, therefore, different types of scholarships are provided by Dutch universities and institutions. We have given a list of some of the top scholarships to study in the Netherlands.

Now that the students are aware of the Netherlands student visa, they must make sure to apply well before time to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Also, Read:

Post-Study Work Permit in the Netherlands

Student Guide to the Netherlands

Popular Job Sectors in the Netherlands

Part-time Jobs in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Student Visa FAQs

Q. Why study in the Netherlands?

A. There are multiple reasons why a student might consider studying in the Netherlands:

  • Affordable cost: The cost of attending university in the Netherlands is quite affordable when compared to other nations. Thus, it is a desirable choice for students who want to reduce costs on their education.
  • High-quality education: The Dutch education system is renowned for its high standards and emphasis on research and innovation.
  • Scholarships: International students studying in the Netherlands have access to a variety of scholarships that can assist lower the cost of their education.

Q. What are the requirements for the Netherlands student visa?

A. The basic requirements for the Netherlands study visa include a valid passport, proof of registration at a Dutch university, recognition of your university by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders or NVAO (in the Netherlands) or the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education or EQAR (Europe), minimum income requirements, and health insurance. Other documents include a duly filled visa application form, academic transcripts, photographs and birth certificate.

Q. What is the time required for the processing student visa for the Netherlands?

A. As the students are aware that they required the MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblifj) and the VVR for studying in the Netherlands. The processing time for the MVV is about 60 days and the processing time for the VVR is about two weeks. It is advised that the students apply for their Netherlands student visa at least three months before the commencement of their course.

Q. Can I work part-time in the Netherlands on a study visa?

A. Yes. International students are allowed to work part-time in the Netherlands. However, part-time work in the Netherlands for international students comes with certain riders. International students have an option of choosing from the following:

  • Work part-time for the entire year with a maximum capping of 16 hours per week.
  • Work full-time in June, July, and August.

Moreover, your employer will apply for your work permit.

Q. Which are the top universities in the Netherlands?

A. Some of the top-ranking universities in the Netherlands, according to various ranking indices, include the Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University and Research, Utrecht University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Other universities that consistently rank highly across various rankings include Leiden University, the University of Groningen, and the Eindhoven University of Technology. Overall, the top universities in the Netherlands are generally recognized for their high-quality education and research programs, as well as their international outlook and student diversity.

Q. What to do if Netherlands Study Visa gets rejected?

A. If your Study Visa is not approved by the authorities, you will receive an official letter, explaining the reason of rejection. You will have four weeks to object this decision in a letter in which you must explain the reasons of objection. In case, the refusal of Netherlands Study Visa is based on a factor which can be rectified easily, including missing required document, you can submit a new application with all the required documents and apply for visa again. Check out: Top Reasons for Netherlands Student Visa Rejection

Q. Is a Netherlands student visa easy to get?

A. Yes, getting a student visa for studying in Netherlands is easy. The reason being, a very high visa success rate, which is 98% in this case. Until there is a great parity the Netherlands student visa application is not rejected. 

Q. Is IELTS mandatory for Netherlands student visa?

A. Since majority of the courses are taught in English in Netherlands, getting an IELTS score can be advantageous for international students applying for admissions there. The minimum IELTS cutoff for Netherlands can vary per university and for visa issuance as well.

Q:   Is Netherlands good for internationals students?

A:

Netherlands is one of the popular study abroad destinations for international students. The country offers wide range of English programmes to students make it easy to communicate. The quality of Dutch Higher Education is well-recognized and universities offer quality education at an affordable tuition fees. Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world as per Global Peace Index.

Q:   Can I study in the Netherlands for free?

A:

No, It’s not possible for International students to study in the Netherlands for free as there's no such tuition-free programme available for students. The best way to study in the Netherlands for free is to obtain a scholarship. There are various scholarship options for international students, with some excellent opportunities for non-EEA students.

Q:   Are 1-year Masters degrees good enough for a job in Netherlands?

A:
Hi, A one-year Masters degree may be good enough for a job in the Netherlands, depending on the specific job requirements and the field of study. According to a source, Masters programmes in the Netherlands last at least one year (60 credits), but many are longer, ranging from 1.5 to four years (90240 credits). Additionally, a source mentions that completing a postgraduate study of at least an academic year (a minimum of 10 months) in the Netherlands is one of the eligibility criteria for an orientation visa for highly educated persons. Therefore, candidates are advised to check the specific job requirements and the eligibility criteria for the orientation visa or other relevant visas for the Netherlands. Additionally, they can contact the respective universities or the Dutch embassy in their country for more information on the job market, visa requirements, and other relevant details.

Q:   What are the Netherlands visa requirements for Indian students?

A:

Netherlands is a good study abroad destination for international students because of its English language education. Program are taught in the English language and students need to submit the test score of TOEFL or IELTS. Check below the documents required for Netherlands visa:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • 2 passport size photos
  • Birth certificate
  • Academic transcripts
  • Bank statement
  • Copy of travel and medical insurance policy
  • Certificate of acceptance from the educational institution

Q:   Which are the top universities in the Netherlands?

A:

The University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Groningen are the top 7 universities in the Netherlands for international students studying abroad in the Netherlands.

Q:   Is the Netherlands good for MBA?

A:

Some of the top reasons to study MBA in Netherlands are:

  • Renowned universities and quality of education
  • Excellent job opportunities
  • Affordable degree; tuition fees and cost of living are comparatively lower than in other European countries
  • Enjoyable study experience as it is one of the world’s the safest and the happiest countries

Q:   How do you qualify for a Masters in Netherlands?

A:

To study MS in Netherlands, the applicants are required to meet the below-given requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • GMAT / GRE score
  • English language proficiency score
  • CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendations

Q:   What is the salary after Masters in Netherlands?

A:

After doing Masters in Netherlands, the average salary of a Master’s graduate will be EUR 44,000 per year (Around 39 lakh) according to Payscale. The popular recruiters for MS degrees are:

  • ING Group
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
  • Nike., Inc.
  • Accenture
  • Adyen
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Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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