Netherlands Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, Application Process

The Netherlands is gaining traction as an important study-abroad destination due to its innovative education system, cost-effectiveness, a wide range of English-taught programmes, and safety. In addition, the Netherlands has a high standard of living and is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture. The educational system is also highly regarded, with a strong emphasis on independent thinking and practical skills development.

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.

Entry Visas and Residence Permit

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 for the purpose of completing their education. As per the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), for students planning to stay in the Netherlands for a period of 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. It is important for the student to understand that while the process is essentially the same, it might vary from University to University and he/she is to follow the guidelines as shared by the University.

Process for the Netherlands Student Visa

The visa process 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 3 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 from university to university but is usually stipulated between 3 to 5 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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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 is about 3 months before the intended start of the course.

The VVR is processed quicker and takes about 2 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, handling charges, etc. 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 in order 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:
• Duly-filled visa application form
• Photographs
• Academic transcripts
• Birth certificate
• Any other document

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

• Confirm Your Admission to a Dutch University and prepare the documents as per the checklist provided by the university
• Confirm 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 would 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 pertaining to 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 a period of three months. Also, you would have to report to the University office within the stipulated time in order 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 percent of the required credits of that year. For instance, your course mandates 40 credits to be completed to pass your first year of studies. In order to continue staying in 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 the 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.

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.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships (Faculty of Science)
• Lady Meherbai D.Tata Education Trust Scholarship
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
• Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award
• (ISC)² Women in Information Security Scholarships 

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.

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