Student Visa For The Netherlands: The Basics

The Netherlands is sometimes referred to as “the gateway to Europe” because it is socially inclusive, tightly packed, and lined with scenic canals. I sometimes wonder how can a place be so serene as the Netherlands? Over the last decade, the Netherlands has emerged as a famous destination for international students, it definitely is a favourite for me. Most of the factors for this rapid growth is the quick process for securing a student visa in the Netherlands, as well as the strong approval rate (that’s such a relief). The conditions for a Dutch student visa differ slightly from those of any other countries based on the country of birth, but you shouldn’t worry much as it’s all going to be fine. Find all about your student visa for the Netherlands on this blog.

How Can I Get A Student Visa For The Netherlands?

The student visa for Netherlands process for all non-EU students intending to remain in the Netherlands for more than 90 days consists of two parts: the Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) and the Residence Permit.

Permit to Reside Temporarily (MVV)

The student visa for the Netherlands will be determined by the country of nationality. Most students will need a Provisional Residence Permit, also known as a ‘Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf’ (MVV) in Dutch. This MVV allows the student to reach the Netherlands at any time over the next six months. A Residence Permit is required to remain in the country for the length of one’s study programme. The MVV acts as evidence of one’s qualifications as a Dutch citizen: when one reaches the Netherlands with this visa, the student is treated as a legitimate resident rather than a visitor.

It will take some time for the MVV application to be processed, and it is advisable that students submit at least three months before their expected arrival date in the Netherlands. If one has submitted the application, the student won’t be eligible to apply for another Schengen visa or fly to another Schengen nation before a decision is made. In reality, one must be in the home country when the judgment on the visa status is made.

One can apply for an MVV through the host institution, which will determine the application fee.

Netherlands Student Visa Guide: Permit to Residence

Once you are admitted to a Dutch university, the host institution is required to apply for a Residence Permit on your behalf after you have qualified for an MVV. They will do this within five days of your entry into the Netherlands and will charge you a fee that they will determine.

The student can obtain the visa from a national immigration body office (IND) within two weeks of arrival in the Netherlands if it has been accepted. After getting the certificate, one must report with the city government.

The Residence Permit allows the student to fly easily in every Schengen nation for a limit of 90 days over a 180-day span during his studies. The Residence Permit would be valid for the remainder of the study programme, plus three months to enable the university’s administration to officially revoke the enrollment.

Procedure for Entry and Residency (TEV)

When you apply for an MVV, the TEV procedure is immediately started. This ensures that the MVV and Residence Permit applications would be sent and considered at the same time. The TEV protocol will be initiated on your behalf by your host university.

If you choose, you should apply all applications yourself. In this situation, you can apply to the visa division of the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. If there is no Netherlands embassy in your home nation, look up contact information for one in a neighbouring country and explore your choices.

Requirements For a Student Visa for Netherlands

While universities in the Netherlands apply for student visas, foreign students must follow some specific conditions to guarantee that their visa is approved. 

Student visa for Netherlands requirements involves university admission letters, adequate funds, evidence of Dutch or English language competence by presenting test scores needed for research in the Netherlands and maintaining standard academic achievement during the study period. Both papers submitted must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.

Details about the prerequisites for a student visa to the Netherlands are as follows:

• Acceptance from the university for a student visa for Netherlands
• International students wishing to qualify for a residence permit in the Netherlands must have a conditional approval letter from a Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
• Acceptance into a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a Dutch university approved by NVAO or another international accreditation organisation is needed.
• The university must be included in the Registration Office of Recognized Sponsors.

Financial Stability Needed for a Student Visa to the Netherlands

International students must therefore show that they have enough money to cover tuition and living expenses in the Netherlands. Yearly, the Immigration Department revises the minimum mandatory number. As a result, evidence of adequate funds must be provided every year for the length of the research period.

Students may show that they have ample funds to live and research in the Netherlands by sending one of the documents mentioned below.

Money Held in a Student’s Personal Bank Account

The account should be under the student’s hands, with the assurance that they will easily remove funds from it. It might be a shared or single candidate plan, or it could be a current or investment account with another entity. A bank statement, a copy of an account statement, or a printout of an internet copy of banking information.

Make a Deposit Into a Student Account at a Dutch University

Students may deposit the cumulative annual sum of study standard in their personal account at the enrolled university. When filing the visa application, the university gives the account statement to the Immigration Department of the Netherlands.

Scholarships Provide You With Funding

International students receiving government, university, or other third-party scholarships in the Netherlands may apply it as evidence of financial stability.

Sustain Academic Performance for a Student Visa to the Netherlands

International students should be aware that if they do not complete 50 per cent of the total credits available for the programme, their residence permit would not be extended. This is often referred to as research development reporting. The Immigration Department of the Netherlands reviews performance every year in November. Universities will even submit a letter to the Immigration Department if they believe a student may not be able to complete the required credits before the end of the year.

English Proficiency Evidence for a Student Visa for Netherlands

International students must show competence in either Dutch or English, based on the language of instruction of the curriculum in which they intend to learn in the Netherlands. The IELTS exam should be used to show English language proficiency.

Student Visa for Netherlands Fees

The fees for your student visa to study in the Netherlands will be 172 EUR.

Still unsure about studying in Europe? Here Are The 5 Best Countries To Study In Europe, you can also read A complete guide to study in Europe.