Ways to Get a Student Visa for the Netherlands

Posted date: 20 Jul 2021

The next move is to go through the visa application process after you have found out which country is acceptable for your studies abroad and have selected the Netherlands. Nobody really enjoys this point, mainly because all the records and related information take a lot of time to compile, gather and plan. It is not so difficult, however, to apply for a student visa in the Netherlands, especially because not all foreign students have to do so.

First thing first: if you are from the EU/EEA or some other countries, you would NOT need a student visa or a residency permit (Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the US, and the Vatican City).

If you are still not sure where you would like to study in the Netherlands, you will have to decide before you can begin the process of applying for a student visa. You will obtain the acceptance letter required for the visa application after you have been admitted to a Dutch university. Your university can contact you if you need a visa and start making an application. Contact them if this doesn't happen and ask for support. They will notify you after the university receives approval from the Immigration Service. The next step is to find your country's nearest embassy or consulate and apply for an entry visa (MVV).

If you plan to modify your course and start a new one during your studies, the amount of years you have already studied will be removed from the overall period of the new course. You will apply for an extension of your stay for the duration of your study programme before the expiration date of your residence permit.

A minimum level of English language proficiency is needed before you can study at any degree level in the Netherlands, not only for English-taught programmes but often for those taught in Dutch as well. Universities will usually apply on your behalf for a residence permit (VVR), but they will charge for this service.

The residency permit is a study visa which allows you to stay for the full duration of your study programme in the country. The VVR can be extended for an additional three months, plus the preparatory year, if necessary. You must register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BPR) in the municipality where you are going to live after you have arrived in the Netherlands.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a work visa if you want to work while pursuing your studies in the Netherlands. EU/EEA citizens (except Croatia), Switzerland and Japan do not need a work permit and the number of working hours is not limited. A work permit will be required for citizens of Croatia and other countries and only the employer or employment agency will apply on their behalf for the work permit. During the summer months only, foreign students are allowed to work up to 10 hours a week or full-time.

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GSP Admin