СÓÅÊÓƵ

There are some best colleges in the Netherlands offering programs specially designed for international students. The benefits of studying in the Netherlands are:

No Language Barriers

About 90% of people in the Netherlands speak English, making it easy to communicate, make friends, and join in on social or cultural events without any language worries.

Low Tuition Fees

The Netherlands has lower study costs than most European countries. Tuition for international students costs between €8,000 and €20,000 per year (₹8.3 lakh to ₹20.8 lakh).

Work While You Study

You can work 16 hours each week during classes. You can work full-time in the summer. From 2025, STEM students at top universities can work 24 hours each week. You get an Orientation Year Visa to stay 12 months and find a job after graduation. You can extend it for 3 years if you get a job offer.

A student visa is required for most international students outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to study in the Netherlands, while some exceptions apply for:

• Residents and family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens do not need a visa.
• They may need a certificate of lawful residence.

Students staying longer than 90 days must register with the local Dutch authorities. All other international students need both a student visa and an entry residence permit (MVV) before arriving.

The Netherlands has two main student visas:

• Schengen Visa for short-term study (90 days or less)
• MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) + VVR (Verblijfsvergunning) for long-term study (more than 90 days)

Schengen Visa

You need a Schengen visa if you study in the Netherlands for 90 days or less:

• It is a short-stay visa that lets you attend short courses or exchange programs. 
• You can travel to other Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, and many) with this visa. 
• You must apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate before traveling.

MVV + VVR

You need an MVV and a VVR if you study in the Netherlands:

• The MVV is an entry visa valid for 90 days. 

• You must also apply for a VVR, which is the residence permit for the full duration of your study program (more than 90 days).
• Your university usually helps with the application, and the permit is issued by the Immigration & Naturalisation Service (IND).
• This visa allows you to live and study in the Netherlands, but it is not meant for travel to other Schengen countries.

To get a student visa for the Netherlands, you must meet a few key requirements before applying.

• Valid Passport: You need a passport that is valid for at least 12 months from the date of application.
• Admission Confirmation: You must have an official letter of admission from a Dutch university or university of applied sciences. The institution must be recognized as a sponsor by the Dutch Immigration Service (IND).
• Accredited Program: Your academic program must be officially recognized by NVAO (Netherlands and Flanders) or EQAR (Europe).
• Financial Proof: You must show enough money to cover living costs. The IND requires about €958 per month (around ₹1 lakh per month).
• Health Insurance: You need insurance covering at least the first three months of your stay.
• Study Progress: Students must show satisfactory progress each year, usually earning at least 50% of credits.
• Document Translation & Legalization: All foreign documents must be translated into Dutch, English, French, or German and officially legalized.

You need to submit several documents when applying for a student visa for the Netherlands.

• Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least 12 months from your application date.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out the official application form completely.
• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you can pay for tuition and the cost of living in the Netherlands.
• Academic Transcripts: All previous school or university marksheets and certificates.
• Degree Certificates: Copies of your previous diplomas or degrees.
• Admission Letter: An official letter from your Dutch university showing you are accepted into a full-time program.
• Language Proficiency Proof: English ( score of 5.5-6.0, score of 550) or Dutch language test results, if required by the university.
• Health Insurance: Proof of insurance covering at least the first three months in the Netherlands.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Recent photos as per embassy specifications (35mm x 45mm).
• TB Test Report: A tuberculosis test report if needed for your home country.

The cost of a student visa in the Netherlands depends on the type of visa you apply for:

Schengen Visa Fees

The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 (₹8293): 

• Students from some countries, like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia, pay a reduced fee of €35 (₹3628).
• Visa fees are non-refundable once paid.

MVV + VVR Fees

The fee for a long-term MVV + VVR student visa is €207 (₹21457): 

• This fee applies to the initial application and any extensions if you continue your stay.
• In case of loss or damage of the document, a fee of €142 (₹14719) applies.

Note: Always check with your university for any additional charges before starting your visa application.

To get a student visa for the Netherlands, your university helps you start the process. You also need to submit documents and complete a few steps in your home country:

Acceptance and Institution-Led Application

Your Dutch university must accept you into a full-time program. The university applies for your MVV (long-stay visa) and VVR (residence permit) through the IND on your behalf. They provide you with a V-number or TEV (temporary entry visa) reference for your application.

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents like your passport, admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance, academic transcripts, and study plan. Ensure all documents are translated and legalized if needed.

Submit Your Application

Schedule an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. Submit your documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photo). You will receive a Track & Trace code to monitor your application status.

Receive Your Permit and Register

You get your MVV or VVR once approved. You must register with the local municipality to activate your residence permit after arriving in the Netherlands.

You should start your student visa application at least three months before your planned travel to the Netherlands:

• After Admission: Begin the visa process only after your Dutch university has officially accepted you into a full-time program.
• Processing Time: The MVV and VVR process usually takes 60 to 90 days to complete.
• University Handles IND Contact: You do not need to contact the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) yourself. The university will handle the application and submission on your behalf.
• Plan for Delays: Starting early gives you time for document checks, translations, and biometrics before your arrival.

You should apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country after getting your admission letter: 

• Embassy or Consulate: Students in India can apply at the Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate-General in Mumbai.
• University Submission: Your university often submits your MVV/VVR application to the IND and gives you a reference (V-number) for the process.
• Appointments: Schedule an appointment online to submit your documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
• Courier Option: Some students can send their application via courier services like DTDC, with an online fee payment if applicable.
• Processing Time: Collect your MVV or visa within about one month, though it may vary by nationality or other factors.

To apply for a student visa in the Netherlands, you must first get admission to a recognized Dutch university. After that, the process involves submitting documents, biometrics, and receiving your MVV and residence permit.

Step 1: Confirm Your Admission

Get an official acceptance letter from a public college in the Netherlands or any recognised university. Only universities listed as sponsors by the IND can apply for your MVV and VVR.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect your passport, admission letter, financial proof, health insurance, academic transcripts, and study plan. Ensure all documents are translated and legalized if needed.

Step 3: University Applies for MVV and VVR

Your university submits your MVV (entry visa) and VVR (residence permit) application to the IND. You will receive a V-number or TEV reference for tracking your application.

Step 4: Receive Confirmation from IND

The IND reviews the application and verifies all documents. The university receives a confirmation letter with the expected processing time.

Step 5: Schedule an Appointment at the Dutch Embassy/Consulate

Book an appointment online at the embassy or consulate in your country. You will submit your documents, visa application form, and biometric details (fingerprints and photo).

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the student visa fee as instructed by the embassy or university. Keep the receipt for your records and further processing.

Step 7: Receive Track & Trace Code

After submission, the embassy gives you a Track & Trace code. Use this code to check the status of your visa application online.

Step 8: Collect Your MVV

Once approved, collect your MVV (entry visa) from the embassy or consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least six months when collecting the MVV.

Step 9: Travel to the Netherlands

You can travel to the Netherlands once you have the MVV. The MVV is valid for up to 90 days to enter the country.

Step 10: Register in the Netherlands

After arrival, register at the local municipality to activate your residence permit (VVR). This registration allows you to live, study, and work part-time during your stay.

You may have to attend a Netherlands student visa interview at the Dutch embassy or consulate after submitting your documents. This interview helps the officials verify your application and intentions to study in the Netherlands:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview checks if your application is complete and genuine. It also confirms that you meet the requirements to study and live in the Netherlands.

Where It Happens

The interview takes place at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. Sometimes it is scheduled along with your biometric submission.

What to Carry

Bring your passport, admission letter, financial proof, health insurance, and application receipt. Carry any extra documents the embassy requested.

How the Interview Works

The officer will ask you personal, academic, and university-related questions. Answer honestly and clearly. Speak in English or Dutch if needed.

Sample Questions

A few questions that are asked in the interview are: 

• Why did you choose this university and course?
• How does this program relate to your previous studies?
• How will you support yourself financially in the Netherlands?
• Do you plan to work while studying?
• What are your plans after completing your studies?

Outcome of the Interview

A positive interview moves your application forward for MVV and VVR approval. If there are issues, the embassy may ask for extra documents or clarification.

The length of a Netherlands student visa depends on the type of visa and your study program, usually ranging from 3 months to 5 years:

Schengen Visa

Valid for up to 90 days. Suitable for short courses, exchange programs, or internships. Allows travel within other Schengen countries during this period.

MVV + VVR (Long-Term Visa)

The MVV entry visa is valid for 90 days to enter the Netherlands. The VVR residence permit covers the entire duration of your study program, usually 1 to 5 years, as per your course. You must register with the local municipality to activate your VVR.

Extension

You can apply to extend the VVR before it expires if your study program is extended.

Orientation Year Visa

You may apply for an Orientation Year Visa to stay 12 months to look for work opportunities after grad, extendable up to 3 years with a job offer.

Yes, you can work while studying in the Netherlands, but there are limits depending on your visa type and program: 

Part-Time Work During Study

Students with a VVR residence permit can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year.

Full-Time Work During Holidays

You can work full-time during the summer or official university holidays.

STEM Students

Students in STEM programs at top universities can work up to 24 hours per week from 2025 onwards.

After Graduation

You can apply for an Orientation Year Visa to stay 12 months to look for a job in the Netherlands. This contract can be extended up to 3 years with a job offer.

Employer Requirements

Your employer may need a work permit if you work part-time. Always check with your university and IND before starting a job.

A student visa and a residence permit are two different documents needed for studying in the Netherlands:

If your Netherlands student visa application is rejected, you can either lodge an objection with the IND or submit a new application. It is important to act within the given timeline and follow the proper steps:

Check Your Decision Letter

Your rejection letter explains why your visa was denied. You have four weeks from the date on the letter to object.

How to Object?

You can write an objection yourself or authorize someone else to do it for you. This applies to Schengen, MVV, VVR, or airport transit visas.

Family or Friends Can Help

You can authorize them to lodge an objection online if your visa was for visiting family or friends. The IND will review your objection and inform you of the decision.

Submit a New Application

If you do not want to object, you can apply again for a visa. The visa fee must be paid again for the new application.

Correct Documents

Read your rejection letter carefully to understand why the visa was denied. Make sure you provide the correct documents in your new application.

Additional Tips

Always follow embassy or university instructions closely. Check the IND website for detailed guidance for your visa type.

Applying for a Netherlands student visa can feel overwhelming when gathering documents and tracking deadlines. Many students struggle with understanding the MVV, VVR, and Schengen visa requirements. Start early, keep all your documents organized, and double-check the translation and legalization requirements to avoid delays.

can make this process much easier. It helps you track your visa documents, provides reminders for deadlines, and gives access to expert guidance on the MVV and VVR process.