To enter and stay in the Netherlands for the purpose of studying, an overseas students require visa. Based on the type of course the student intends to enrol in, he or she may apply for the appropriate student visa, such as the Schengen Visa (for courses lasting less than three months), entry visa, or residence permit for Dutch bachelor’s and master’s degree holders. This guide goes into great detail on the latter, its fee, and the application procedure.

Entry Visas and Residence Permit

A student who wants to enrol in a course that lasts longer than 90 days needs a residence permit in order to stay in the Netherlands and finish their study. According to the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), the university or institute is the student’s “Recognized Sponsor” if they want to stay in the Netherlands for a duration of more than 90 days. The recognized sponsor would apply for the student’s visa under the TEV (Entry and Residence Permit) Procedure. The student must be aware that while the process is usually the same, it may differ from university to university and that he or she must follow to the instructions provided by the university.
What is the Visa Process for Student Visas for the Netherlands?

The visa process for the Netherlands’ is a two-step process which requires

  • The MVV or an Entry Visa to enter the Netherlands
  • The VRV – or the Residence Permit – granted to students within a month of their reaching the country

In accordance with the TEV Process, the University would ask you to give the required documentation and submit the form on your behalf to the IND in the Netherlands. Your MVV (Provisional Residence Permit), which is valid for three months, will be issued once the IND approves your application. After obtaining the MVV from the Dutch Embassy or Consulate, the student can fly to the Netherlands. Students would then be obliged by their respective universities to appear for and submit an application for a Residence Permit (VRV) within a particular amount of time after arriving in the Netherlands. Once more, it may differ from university to university, but it often ranges from three to five days. The University then submits the application for a Permanent Resident Permit, which is issued two weeks later.

Note: Students would need to extend their residence permits in order to stay in Netherlands, but this is only possible if they finish at least half of the minimum credits for that year. For instance, you need to earn 40 credits to pass your course and graduate from your first year of study. You must earn at least 20 credits in order to stay in the Netherlands for the near future. However, if the university determines that there was a valid reason why you were unable to finish the required 50%, they may waive this requirement.

How much time does a Student Visa for the Netherlands take?

The provisional residence permit, known in Dutch as the MVV or “Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblifj,” should be processed in around 30 days. You are advised to start right away because it can take longer. Approximately three months should pass before the course is scheduled to begin.

The VRV process is completed in roughly 2 weeks and is quicker. For this visa to be issued, students must be present physically in the Netherlands.

What is the Student Visa Fee for the Netherlands?

International students applying for visas in the Netherlands are charged about €171. Even so, the exact amount may vary depending on service fees, handling fees, etc. since the institutions will be applying on your behalf. It is usually a good idea to check with the university.

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.

What Documents are required for Netherlands Student Visa?

  • 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.
  • The IND stipulates the minimum fund requirement for stay at €900 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.

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

  • 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 as provided by the university along with necessary documents
  • Pay the visa fee of €353 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 arrive at the location, you will be invited to participate in a short interview. It is a normal interview where the interviewer will inquire about your interests in studying in the Netherlands as well as the university you have applied to. You would next be required to present your passport, which would have your MVV attached.

Keep in mind that the MVV is only good for three months. Also, you must appear at the university office by the deadline in order to apply for and acquire your residence permit, which is a requirement for staying in the Netherlands. Failure to comply with the same could result in the cancellation of your stay permissions and immediate deportation.

Scholarships for studying in the Netherlands

One of the best places in Europe to pursue higher education is the Netherlands. International students from many different countries wish to study at Dutch universities. Several types of scholarships are offered by Dutch universities and colleges since living expenses and tuition can be expensive. The best scholarships for studying in the Netherlands are listed here.

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