The Netherlands Study Visa

Living and studying in the Netherlands is an ideal option for international students. The Netherlands is widely acclaimed for its welcoming approach towards international students, its affordability, and the Dutch universities that are globally known to provide high-quality education with a wide range of academic programs and excellent work opportunities. In addition, EU/EEA students can pay lower tuition fees than non-EU/EEA students. To fulfill this dream of pursuing an educational career in the Netherlands, one must first understand the different types of visas required and the various processes involved.

Types of Student Visas and their Validity

Before applying for a visa, students should first check the duration of the course or their stay in the country. The student visa category depends on whether one plans to apply for a short-term or degree course. Only non-EU/EEA students require a student visa. Students belonging to the EU(European Union) or EEA (European Economic Area) only need to obtain the citizen service number (BSN- Burgerservicenummer) from a local governing body and also need to unregister before leaving the country. There are two main types of visas for international students to study in the Netherlands:

• MVV and Residence Permit (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf): MVV and the Residence Permit has to be applied for by the host university on behalf of the international students who are looking to pursue a course of duration longer than 3 months in the Netherlands. This MVV is valid for 90 days. The student must obtain a residence permit upon arrival in the Netherlands, valid for the entire course duration for up to a maximum period of 5 years.
• Schengen Visa/Type-C Visa: This is a permit that is to be obtained to visit a country within the 'Schengen Zone' for a short period (that is, 90 days/3 months or less). However, students from not all countries must apply for the Schengen Visa for a short-term visit to the Netherlands, such as students from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, etc.

Who Needs to Apply for the Netherlands Student Visa?

Candidates who fulfill all the requirements directed by the country are qualified to apply for the visa. Applicants must be 18 to 65 years old to be eligible for the visa application. Almost all non-EU students must apply for an MVV Visa to pursue education in the Netherlands for a period longer than 90 days. Students belonging to Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, and Switzerland do not need a visa. An EU/EEA Member State does not have to apply for an MVV to get a residence permit issued.

Cost of the Netherlands Student Visas

Costs are subject to vary based on the visa category and nationality. Students must be aware that the amount paid for the visa applications will not be refunded in case of a refusal.

• The cost of applying for a Schengen Visa is € 80. For students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia, the fee is € 35.
• Students applying for a long-stay permit must pay a fee of € 210. The same amount will be paid if one plans to apply for an extension.
• In case of theft, damage, or loss of these documents, one may apply for replacement and pay an amount of € 146. Students must make sure to immediately report to the local police station if the visa or the residence permit gets stolen as a document of proof. A copy of the report must be sent to the IND office thereafter.

Steps to Applying for the Residence Permit Visa/MVV

MVV is a sticker placed by the Dutch consulate/embassy on the student's passport if the application is approved.

Applying for the MVV and Residence Permit by the host university

To study in the Netherlands for a duration longer than 90 days, the host university has to apply for both the MVV and the Residence permit on behalf of the student at the same time. The university at which the student has enrolled acts as a sponsor and submits an application for both. The university should be listed in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors.

Proof of sufficient funds

Every year, the candidate has to show that they have sufficient funds to help cover the living costs in the Netherlands for the next 12 months each year. This cost is called study norm. The proof has to be either in the form of personal bank statements, the required amount deposited in an account with the educational institution, evidence of scholarship, proof of receiving funds from a company, or an undertaking by a sponsor in or abroad in the Netherlands. The value of study norm is determined on Jan 1 of each year. As of Jan 1, 2023, the study norm value is € 957.87 per month.

Proof of English language proficiency

Suppose the course being enrolled in is being offered in English. In that case, the candidate has to show proof of English proficiency by taking one of the English proficiency tests accepted by their institution, the most popular one being IELTS. If the candidate scores 5.5 or less in IELTS, they will be required to take a preparatory period of up to 1 year.

Submitting the completed form and paying the required fees

The education institute will be responsible for submitting the completed application form and paying the IND fee.

Tracking the status of the application

The education institute will receive the confirmation letter from the IND when they receive the application. The student can also track the status of their application by logging in to the online service MyIND. They can also receive email updates if they register with Berichtenbox. IND has up to 60 days to determine the application.

Collect the MVV

The education institution is notified about the IND decision on the application. If the application is approved, the student will have up to three months to collect their MVV from the Dutch embassy/consulate in their country. The student will be required to make an appointment to pick up their documents.

Provide Biometric information

The student must provide their biometric information at the Dutch consulate/embassy when collecting their MVV.

Travel to the Netherlands

The MVV is valid for 90 days and allows students to travel to the Netherlands.

Steps to be Taken to Extend the Stay in the Netherlands

The MVV is only valid for 90 days, so the student has to collect the residence permit upon arrival in the Netherlands to extend their stay.

Collect the residence permit

The student must collect the residence permit from the IND desk after the educational institute has been notified that it is ready to be picked up. It usually takes up to 2 weeks for the residence permit to be ready. The student must make an appointment. The student must thoroughly check the residence permit information when picking it up. It is easier to get any changes corrected while already there at the IND.

Register with the municipality

The student must register at the Municipal Personal Records Database, Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). The documents needed at the BRP should be confirmed by calling the office beforehand. Among other documents, a legalized and translated birth certificate is required.

Getting tested for Tuberculosis

The student must be tested for TB within 3 months of receiving the residency permit. This can be done by appointment with the Area Health Authority (GGD).

Documents Required for MVV/Residence Permit

The educational institution is responsible for applying for the MVV and the residence permit for the student. They provide the student with a checklist of documents needed to apply on behalf of the student. All documents must be legalized and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German. The most common documents needed are:

• Copy of the information pages of the passport, which is valid for at least the next 6 months when the candidate is issued the MVV
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of English proficiency test

Steps to Applying for the Schengen Visa

• The student must apply to the Dutch consulate of their country, mentioning the country they intend to visit.
• One must apply at least 45 days before the travel date, or even before three months, to be on the safer side. This is displayed in the form of a sticker affixed to the passport.
• The student must then submit the essential documents and the application and wait for the interview.
• After the interview, the student can pay the fees required for the visa and wait for approval.

Documents Required for the Schengen Visa

• Two Schengen application forms and the applicant’s signature were completed.
• Bank statement covering the student's stay, return trip expense, purpose statement, and pay fees for visa.
• Acceptance letter from the educational institution.
• Academic transcripts.
• Proof of Travel Insurance and annual health insurance.
• Medical certificate declaring that the student is mentally and physically healthy.
• No previous criminal record.
• The purpose of the visit should be supported by valid documents as proof of one’s intention to visit.

Working While Studying in the Netherlands

International students can pursue internships at any organization if they pertain to the student's course and the educational institution agrees with the organization. The student might be responsible for paying taxes or obtaining Dutch health insurance based on the amount of income received.

If working while studying, non-EU/EEA students need a TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning). The employer must apply for the TWV from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). Working while studying comes with certain restrictions for non-EU/EEA students. They should work for not more than 16 hours per week. However, they can work full-time in the summer months - June, July, and August. Students from the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not need to secure any permits for work or have no limitations related to working hours.

Note: After the completion of a course, if the student wishes to get employed in the Netherlands (part-time or full-time), they will have to apply for a residence permit called "orientation year highly educated persons". It will be applicable for up to 12 months.

Steps to be Taken to Extend the Residence Permit

The application for an extension of the residence permit can be made as early as 3 months before the residence permit is due to expire. The application can be sent by mail or submitted online. If the purpose of the stay is still the same and the student fulfills all the conditions of the stay, the IND will review the application and make a decision.

Appealing Visa Refusal

After the application for the MVV and the residence permit are submitted, the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) takes about 2 months to decide whether to send approval. In case of a negative response or refusal, the IND informs the university of the student's decision and a letter stating the reason for refusal. In such circumstances, the student (individually) or both the student and the university must submit an objection letter within 4 weeks. The objection letter should state the reason for disagreement with the decision and send it to the IND by post.

Some Things to Remember

• While traveling, one should carry all the necessary documents and their copies, which will be required as proof during visa application at the consulate.
• Students must maintain a 50% score each year for a valid residence permit. This is called Study Progress Monitoring.
• Students will have to show proof of study norm each year for the next 12 months.
• Students can take a one-time preparatory time off for up to 12 months in addition to the course duration. The student can use this time to prepare and get ready for their course.
• To avoid delays, fill in all authentic details without an error. This is also important when submitting a recent passport photograph. If the photograph does not meet the said requirements, there is a higher chance that the application will be rejected.
• Students must install money transfer apps on their mobile phones well in advance.
• If an interview is required, the applicant will be notified when the application is submitted or through a phone call.
• Additional information may be needed for processing the visa depending on the applicant's nationality and purpose of entry.