The Netherlands is known for its top-ranked universities and a world-class education experience. Whether you are enrolling in a short programme, a vocational course or a full-time university degree, this guide walks you through every essential detail about the Netherlands study visa.
Types of student visa for the Netherlands
The type of Dutch student visa you need depends on your study duration and programme type:
- Short-stay Schengen visa: Suitable for academic programmes or training lasting up to 90 days, this visa also allows travel to other Schengen countries during your stay.
- Student visa for secondary and vocational courses: This visa targets students with family residing in the Netherlands who can communicate fluently in Dutch and have confirmed enrolment in a recognised institution.
- Long-stay visa (MVV) and residence permit: Referred to as the Dutch student visa, this permit authorises students to stay in the Netherlands for the full course duration, up to five years.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Netherlands study visa?
To get a student visa for the Netherlands, candidates must:
- Possess a valid passport.
- Have an official letter of admission from an accredited Dutch institution.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources (approximately €850 per month).
- Show proof of valid travel insurance or health insurance.
- Complete the Netherlands student visa application
- Provide academic transcripts, biometric details and a birth certificate.
How to apply for the Netherlands student visa?
Your application route will differ based on whether you require an MVV.
Application process with MVV:
- Submit the required documents and an application fee of €171 to your university.
- Receive a receipt and an estimated timeline for the decision.
- Upon approval, book an appointment with the Dutch embassy or consulate to collect your MVV.
- Present your passport
- Visit the Netherlands while your MVV is still valid, which is up to 90 days.
- Pick up your residence permit from the nearest IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) office.
- Register your residence at the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) in your city of stay.
- Take a tuberculosis (TB) test if it is required.
Application process without MVV
If your nationality exempts you from requiring an MVV, your university will directly process your residence permit application. After approval, you can move to the Netherlands and collect your permit at the IND office, followed by BRP registration.
Documents required for the Netherlands student visa application
The Netherlands student visa requirements include:
- Completed Netherlands visa application form
- Academic records and qualifications
- Acceptance letter from the Dutch institution
- Proof of financial means (€1094 per month minimum for students enrolled in higher professional education or university programmes)
- Valid travel insurance and health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Proof of payment of the Netherlands student visa application fee (€172)
- TB test results, if applicable
- Proof of income sources
- English language proficiency proof (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Passport copy and original passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Birth certificate
- Biometric information
- Photocopies of original documents
When to apply for student study visa for the Netherlands?
You must apply for a Netherlands student visa at least 90 days before the date of your planned trip.
Netherlands student visa processing time
Generally, processing your Dutch student visa and residence permit takes up to three months.
What are the Netherlands study visa application fees?
The Netherlands student visa fees, as per different categories, are:
- Short-stay Schengen visa: €90; for students from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, it costs €35.
- Long-stay MVV or residence permit: €171
- Replacement for a lost or damaged document: €142.
Role of travel insurance for the Netherlands student visa
Here's what you should know about the role of travel insurance for a Netherlands student visa:
- Students from outside the EU/EEA staying longer than three months must initially have individual or single-trip travel insurance.
- Students under 30 who are not working during their studies can continue using private or single-trip travel insurance.
- Students taking part-time jobs or internships while studying must enrol in Dutch public healthcare insurance after employment begins.
FAQs
- Is there a Netherlands student visa age limit?
You need to be at least 18 to pursue higher education in the Netherlands.
- Can students work while studying in the Netherlands?
Yes, as long as they have a work permit, students are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week while they are studying or full-time during the summer.
- What happens if there are delays in getting my visa?
Universities often accommodate such delays, but missing orientation or registration can impact your course start.
Conclusion
Completing your Netherlands study visa application might seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation, it’s achievable. While you prepare for your further studies, it is essential to invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will safeguard you against any financial setbacks during medical and travel emergencies during your stay.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.