Having decided on the Netherlands as your chosen study destination, the next step will be to know how to apply for a student visa for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a beautiful country with cities where international students can thrive.
There is a wide selection of globally renowned universities to consider and a large number of them offer courses in English. This is a plus for many students especially knowing that the number of English speakers outweighs others.
Additionally, the cost of studying there as an international student is more affordable compared to most tier 1 countries like the US, UK, and Canada.
With some of these cherries listed out for you, what is there not to like about studying in Holland?
Do I need a Student Visa to Study in the Netherlands?
Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not need a student visa to study in the Netherlands. However, if you are from other countries, you will need to apply for a visa.
Aside from that, you will also need a residence permit to substantiate that you can live and study there. Think of the study visa as an entry visa while the residence permit is a stay visa. Both are very important!
Types of Netherlands Student Visa
There are two types of student visa but the one that may be issued to you will depend on the duration of your program in Holland. They are:
1. Schengen visa (Short-term visa): This student visa is usually issued to students who will be studying in Holland for a duration of 90 days or less.
2. MVV (Long-term visa): This is an entry visa for students who wish to study in the country for more than 90 days. Long-term stay status will only be granted after obtaining the residence permit (VVR). Otherwise, it will be considered as a short-term visa.
Requirements for Netherlands Student Visa
- Letter of Acceptance from a recognized Dutch university. Additionally, you must be registered as a Full Time Student.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Visa application processing fee.
Documents required for the Netherlands Student Visa
The necessary documents may vary from one university to another. However, here is a list of documents you will need to provide to your sponsor, which is the university:
- 1 new passport-sized photograph.
- Confirmation of enrollment as a student at a university or institute of higher professional education in Holland.
- You must also be enrolling in a full-time study program.
- Evidence that you have enough funds for upkeep during your studies.
- Proof of arrangement of accommodation.
- Travel and health insurance.
- Proof of Dutch or English language proficiency
- Traveling passport or document. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Biometric details.
- Tuberculosis test (To be taken after your arrival in the Netherlands)
- Complete study plan – All you need to do is provide the reasons for your interest in studying the program you have applied for and explain how it is related to your previous academic background.
What is the cost of the Netherlands Visa application?
International students will need to pay a visa application processing fee of €171 for the Netherlands student visa. The fee is non-refundable.
How Do I Apply for a Netherlands Student Visa?
1. Apply for admission
The starting point is to look for a college or university you want to attend in Holland. The good news is there are several good schools in the country such as the University of Amsterdam, and Utrecht University.
You will need to secure an unconditional offer as it is a very important part of getting the Holland student visa.
2. The institution to start the visa process
Normally, you cannot begin the procedures yourself, it is the school that takes care of it. Once your application to the school is successful, the school will begin the visa application request.
Your sponsor, your educational institution submit applications for MVV and resident permit (VRV) at the same time on your behalf to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). One can also treat the MVV (Long-term visa) and residence permit (VRV) as the same.
Only an educational institution that has been officially recognized by the IND can apply for a student residence permit on your behalf. The application fee will also be paid through the educational institution.
The Processing Duration could take up to 60 days and sometimes extend within 90 days. There are 2 possible outcomes, accepted or rejected. If it is a negative outcome, you can appeal the decision.
The school will be the one to contact you on the status. If the application request that was sent to the Immigration Service in the Netherlands was approved, you will be contacted on the next steps.
3. Take the next steps
If your visa application is approved, then you are now ready to travel to the Netherlands. A representative will provide you with MVV which you will need to travel to the country. Prior to the collection, you will need to make an appointment with the Dutch Rep at the embassy or consulate.
Your Biometrics will also be captured. After, the Dutch rep will place the MVV in your passport and that is all.
The MVV is merely an entry visa at this stage and is valid for 90 days but that could change after converting it to a Residence Permit which is very important especially if you will be staying for more than 90 days.
4. Collect your residence permit
The residence permit can only be collected after entering Holland. Your educational institution will give you detailed information on how to collect your residence permit. Mostly, the residence permit is often picked at the central issuance location in Jaarbeurs, Utrecht.
Can I Work With a Dutch Student Visa?
Yes, you will be able to work on a student visa. However, you will need a work permit, and only your employer can obtain it for you. With your work permit, you are allowed 16 hours to work per week and full-time from June to August.
If you want to be self-employed, you won’t need a work permit but you will need to register with the Chamber of Commerce (known as Kamer van Koophandel or KvK in Dutch) and pay taxes. You might also need to get Dutch healthcare insurance. There is also no work hours restriction for you.
If you are in for an internship or trainee, you won’t also need a work permit, but your employer must sign an agreement with both you and your institution.
