Netherlands

• Many programmes, especially at master's level, are taught in English.
• Your university handles your residence permit application with the IND.
• After graduating you can get a one-year orientation year permit and work without a work permit.
• You can choose a 3-year research-oriented bachelor's or a 4-year professional bachelor's at a university of applied sciences.

Teaching language

Dutch; many master's programmes and some bachelor's programmes are taught in English.

Intakes

Most programmes start in September, and some also start in February. General Studielink deadlines are 15 January for numerus fixus programmes and 1 May for others, but deadlines for non-EU students are often earlier.

Bachelor's

3 years (180 ECTS) at research universities; 4 years (240 ECTS) at universities of applied sciences

Master's

1–2 years at research universities (some advanced medical programmes take 3 years); 1–4 years at universities of applied sciences

PhD

Usually about 4 years at a research university

Tuition

Non-EU students pay institutional fees, on average about EUR 9,000–20,000 a year for a bachelor's and EUR 12,000–30,000 for a master's (Study in NL, 2026); check the exact fee for your programme.

Register through Studielink for most programmes, then follow your university's own application steps, which may include a selection procedure. General deadlines are 15 January (numerus fixus) and 1 May (other programmes), but many universities set earlier deadlines for non-EU students, such as 1 April. Once you are admitted, your university applies to the IND for your residence permit, so send your documents and funds early.

In the Netherlands you do not apply for the student permit yourself: once you are admitted, your university, as an IND-recognised sponsor, applies to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), and the IND's approval gives you an entry visa (MVV) if your nationality needs one and a student residence permit.

1. 1

   Step 1: Apply through Studielink and your university

   For most programmes you register on Studielink and then follow your university's own application steps; ask the university first, because some use another method for international students. Numerus fixus programmes close on 15 January and most others on 1 May, but your university may set earlier dates.

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2. 2

   Step 2: Accept your place

   If you are offered a place through Studielink, accept it within two weeks or it passes to another applicant. Your university then sends you a notification of acceptance.

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3. 3

   Step 3: Send documents and proof of funds

   Your university contacts you to start the permit application and gives you its document list; foreign documents may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German. You prove you have enough money for 12 months, for example with your own bank account or by paying the amount into the university's account, and you pay the application fee through the university.

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4. 4

   Step 4: Wait while your university applies

   Only your university can apply to the IND for your residence permit, and the IND must normally decide within 60 days. The university receives the decision letter and lets you know.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Collect your MVV

   If your nationality needs an MVV, book an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate named in the application within 3 months of the IND decision. Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months, and the MVV sticker is valid for 90 days.

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6. 6

   Step 6: Register with your municipality

   If you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, register in person with your municipality within 5 days of arriving. Most municipalities need an appointment and may ask for documents such as a birth certificate.

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7. 7

   Step 7: Collect your residence permit

   When your permit is ready, the IND sends a letter to your university and you book an appointment to collect it at an IND desk. If you were told you need a TB test, book it with the GGD within 3 months of receiving your permit and bring form 7604.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)

Visa

MVV (entry visa) and residence permit for study

Only your Dutch university, as an IND-recognised sponsor, can apply for your residence permit, and many nationalities also need an MVV entry visa through the same application. You must show enough money for 12 months and, once here, earn at least 50% of the credits each study year. If your nationality requires it, you take a TB test within 3 months of getting your permit.

Proof of funds

EUR 1,130.77 a month for 12 months (EUR 13,569.24), valid from 1 January to 31 December 2026.

Visa fee

EUR 254 (2026), usually paid through your university.

While you study

Up to 16 hours a week during the year, or full-time in June, July and August; you must choose one of these. Your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you. Self-employed work does not need a TWV.

After you graduate

Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar): a 1-year permit to look for work, for graduates of an accredited Dutch bachelor's or master's (or certain designated foreign universities) who apply within 3 years of graduating. You can work freely without a work permit. The fee is EUR 254 (2026) and the permit cannot be extended.