How to Get a Student Visa for the Netherlands | The Ultimate Guide

Student Visa to Netherlands: Since the last decade, the Netherlands has become a popular destination for international students. According to the Immigration Department’s statistics, their number increased from 76,606 in 2017 to 85,955 in 2018.

The easy procedure for a Netherlands student visa and the high acceptance rate are the two reasons for this rapid increase.

In 2019, the Immigration Department accepted nearly 99 percent of applications. Students from India, China, and the United States make up the majority of those who apply to study in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, a student visa is known as a residence permit (vrv) and is required for full-time masters and bachelor’s programs. In order to study in this country, non-EU students must first obtain an entry residence permit (MVV).

It is the responsibility of Dutch universities to apply for a visa on behalf of their students.

As a result, international students must pay a visa processing cost of 174 EUR at the time of enrolment.

After that, all they have to do is schedule an appointment and pick up the documents on time. For a study period of fewer than 90 days, a Schengen visa is required.

Here is all you need to know about how to apply for a student visa in Netherlands.

What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Student Visa in the Netherlands?

International students must meet certain basic requirements to ensure that their visa is accepted, even though universities apply for student visas in the Netherlands.

Acceptance letters from universities, sufficient funding, proof of Dutch or English language proficiency by submitting test scores required to study in the Netherlands, and maintaining standard academic performance throughout the study period are all examples of these requirements.

All documents must be authorized and translated into one of the following languages: Dutch, English, French, or German.

The following are the details on the requirements for a student visa to the Netherlands:

Acceptance from University for Netherlands Student Visa

A provisional acceptance letter from a Dutch university or university of applied sciences is required for international students asking for a residence visa.

• Acceptance into a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a Dutch university certified by the NVAO or another international accreditation agency is required.
• The university must be on the list of Recognized Sponsors in the Public Register.

Student Visa to the Netherlands: Financial Stability

International students must also show that they have sufficient means to cover tuition and living expenses in the Netherlands.

Every year, the Immigration Department updates the minimum necessary amount. As a result, verification of adequate funding must be presented every year throughout the duration of the study.

Universities in the Netherlands present students with a declaration form that they must fill out completely and sign. There are two types of finances required:

• The cost of tuition varies depending on the university.
• Study Norms: This sum is equal to the amount required for living expenses such as lodging, meals, and so on.

Maintaining Academic Excellence for a Student Visa in the Netherlands

International students should be aware that if they do not complete 50 percent of the total credits required for the program, their residence visa will be revoked. This is often referred to as study progress tracking.

The Netherlands’ Immigration Department evaluates performance every year in November. Universities also have the authority to refer a student to the Immigration Department if they believe he or she will not be able to complete the needed credits by the end of the year.

International students with a valid reason, such as one of the following, are granted special consideration:

• Illness,
• Pregnancy,
• Family circumstances, or
• any other functional condition such as physical or sensory impairment

Proof of Language Proficiency for Student Visa in Netherlands

For a student visa in the Netherlands, proof of language proficiency is required.

Depending on the language of instruction for the program they desire to study in the Netherlands, international students must demonstrate competency in either Dutch or English. Submission of an IELTS test with the following minimal score can demonstrate English language proficiency:

• Direct admission requires a minimum score of 6.0.
• If your score is between 5.5 and 6.0, you’ll need to enroll in a six-month preparation program.
• A one-year preparatory program is required if your score is between 5.0 and 5.5.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Visa to Netherlands?

Your chosen university will apply for your visa on your behalf. This process begins once you have confirmed your spot at Holland International Study Centre and takes approximately four to six weeks.

That is, your application will be processed by the IND within 90 days.

If the IND approves your application, you must surrender over your passport to the embassy or consulate where you applied.

Within 10 working days, your MVV will be inserted into your passport. You must have the MVV in your passport when visiting the Netherlands.

How Much Does a Student Visa Cost for the Netherlands?

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;

How Do I Get a Student Visa for the Netherlands?

Following your decision on which nation is best for your studies abroad and your selection of the Netherlands, the next step is to complete the visa application process.

Nobody enjoys this stage, mostly because it takes a long time to organize, acquire, and prepare all of the necessary paperwork and information. Applying for a student visa in the Netherlands, on the other hand, is not difficult, especially as not all international students are required to do so.

In the Netherlands, there are two types of visas: student visas and resident permits.

First and foremost, if you are from the EU/EEA or several other countries, you will not require a student visa or a residence permit (Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the US, and the Vatican City).

However, what if you are an international student from another country? It is dependent on the duration of your stay/study:

If you plan to study in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, you will need a short stay visa or a Schengen visa.

If you plan to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you’ll need an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR). The MVV, like the short-stay visa, is only valid for 90 days and must be followed by a VVR application.

When and where should a Student Apply for a Study Visa? (MVV)

The application process should begin with your university. If this does not occur, you should contact them directly.

You can apply for an entry visa at a local embassy or consulate in your nation when the university’s request is approved.

The MVV can be collected after three months.

The time it takes to process your visa application is normally one month, however it can take longer depending on your nationality and other circumstances.

Important information regarding the residency permit (VVR)

If you decide to change your course and start a new one during your studies, the number of years you’ve already studied will be deducted from the new course’s maximum duration. You can ask for an extension of your stay for the remainder of your studies program before your residence permit expires.

The residence permit may be revoked in some situations if, for example, you do not make adequate progress in your academic achievement (at least 50 percent of the required credits each academic year).

If you stop studying, cancel your student registration, or don’t have enough money to cover your living expenses, the institution is compelled to notify the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Your visa/residence permit may be revoked as a result of this.

What are the Documents for Studying in the Netherlands?

In order to study in the Netherlands, you must know the Dutch language.

Before you can study at any degree level in the Netherlands, you must have a minimum level of English language proficiency, which is necessary not only for English-taught programs but also for some Dutch-taught programs.

The following are the most widely acknowledged English tests:

• Academic IELTS
• TOEFL iBT is a computerized version of the TOEFL exam.
• Academic PTE

The following documents are required for the application of a Dutch study visa:

• visa application form completed
• Passport must be valid.
• There are two photos.
• Certificate of Birth
• Transcripts of grades
• Official correspondence from a Dutch academic institution

Explain why you’re interested in studying the topic area you’ve chosen, as well as how and why it relates to your previous studies.

• Financial proof for the full study duration (about 870 EUR per month
• Insurance for travel and health
• Fee for obtaining a visa (174 EUR)
• All original documents were photocopied.
• Test for tuberculosis (required for citizens from some countries)
• All original documents were photocopied.
• Information about your biometrics

To be eligible for a Dutch entrance visa and enroll in an English-taught study program, students from the People’s Republic of China must get a Nuffic Certificate. This does not apply to Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR), or Taiwanese nationals (ROC).

The Nuffic Certificate verifies that Chinese university applicants are eligible to study in the Netherlands, as well as their English competence and the validity of their academic degrees and certifications.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in the Netherlands

A university recognized as a sponsor by the Immigration Department must submit an application for a student visa to the Netherlands. The entire procedure takes about 60 to 90 days. This section goes over each stage in depth.

Applying for a Student Visa in the Netherlands

The university of the Netherlands is responsible for applying for both the mvv and the resident permit (vrv) on behalf of students.

The processing of mvvs and residency permits takes about 60 days and 90 days, respectively, at the Immigration Department. The final decision is communicated to the concerned educational institutions.

Obtaining an Entry Student Visa for the Netherlands (mvv)

Aspiring study abroad students can obtain mvv from the nearest Dutch embassy right away.

The mvv must be collected with a passport that is valid for at least six months and biometric information.

The mvv collection deadline is three months from the date of issue. It is, however, valid for 90 days from the time it is picked up from the embassy.

An international student can go to the Netherlands with this provisional residence permit.

Obtaining a Student Visa in the Netherlands (Temporary Residence Permit)

After a good decision, the preparation of a residence permit, or vrv, takes two weeks. The university receives a letter saying that the letter is ready.

To obtain a residence permit, international students must make an appointment with the Immigration Department at the counter specified in the letter. At that point, any anomalies or incorrect information can be remedied.

Become a Member of the Municipality

International students must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database of the municipality where they will live when they arrive in the Netherlands.

For registration, you’ll need a legalized and translated birth certificate, as well as a few other documents.

In the Netherlands, students should check with the municipality and bring all of these documents with them.

Health Insurance and Proof of Negative TB Test

To stay in the Netherlands, you must have basic health insurance with a Dutch insurer.

Within three months of acquiring their residency permit, students must schedule an appointment with the Area Health Authority (GGD). They must have a TB test referral paperwork on them at all times.

Conditions of a Student Visa in the Netherlands

The following are the criteria and requirements associated with a student visa in the Netherlands for international students. Failure to follow them may result in cancellation at any time:

• The duration of a residency permit is limited to five years.
• The visa is valid for the duration of the study period plus three months.
• If students are approved via provisional admission, they will receive an additional year of preparatory schooling.
• International students can only work for companies that have a TMV.
• During active classes, part-time paid employment is permitted for a maximum of 16 hours per week.
• During the summer vacation, full-time employment is permitted.
• After registering with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, students can work for themselves.
• Even without a TWV, internships linked to study programs are permitted.
• Less than 12-month study exchange arrangements with institutions outside the Netherlands are permitted.

In the Netherlands, student visas are accepted at a rate of 99 percent. As long as all conditions are met, the visa is not rejected by the immigration service.

International students should only supply accurate information and avoid utilizing any shortcuts to expedite the procedure.

What You Need to Know about Residence Permit to stay in the Netherlands

Universities will usually apply for your VVR on your behalf, although they will charge you for this service.

The residency permit functions similarly to a study visa, allowing you to stay in the nation for the duration of your studies. The VVR can be extended by three months in addition to the preceding year if necessary.

You must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BPR) in the municipality where you will live after you arrive in the Netherlands.

Can I work in the Netherlands with a Student Visa?

YES! In the Netherlands, you can work while studying.

Many students in the Netherlands choose to work while completing their studies. Students may work up to sixteen hours a week with a work permit from their employer, depending on their nationality.

Working in the Netherlands requires more than just an MVV. Employers who are interested in hiring you must apply for a work visa on your behalf.

Depending on your country, you may require a work permit if you intend to work while studying in the Netherlands.

Citizens of the EU/EEA (excluding Croatia), Switzerland, and Japan are not required to get a work permit and are not limited in the amount of hours they can work. Citizens of Croatia and other countries will require a work visa, which may only be obtained through their employer or an employment agency.

You do not need a work permit if you are required to complete a work placement as part of your study. However, before beginning any job placements, you must obtain a Dutch health insurance plan.

If you have a student residence permit in the Netherlands, you are allowed to work up to 16 hours a week throughout the year, or full-time during the summer months (June to August).

During the summer months, international students are only permitted to work up to 10 hours a week or full-time.

While EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are able to work as many hours as they like while studying in the Netherlands. Foreign students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a valid residence permit are permitted to work full-time during the summer months of June, July, and August, or part-time for no more than sixteen hours per week throughout the rest of the year.

Before filing for a work visa for you, the employer must show that there are no Dutch or EU/EAA/Swiss nationals who are capable of completing the job.

For additional information about the visa and residence permit in the Netherlands, visit the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) website.

Conclusion

With several highly ranked colleges and an easy and straightforward student visa process, the Netherlands is becoming a popular international study destination.

The Netherlands’ student visa process vary depending on whether or not your home country is a member of the EU, as it does with most EU nations.

This article clearly states the process you can take for easy Netherlands student visa application.

References

• collegedunia.com – Netherlands Student Visa: Requirements and Process
• mastersportal.com – How to Get a Student Visa for the Netherlands