Study in the Netherlands

Non-EU students need a student residence permit to study in the Netherlands. The good part is that your university applies for this on your behalf once you gain and accept admission.

All you need to do is gather your personal documents, pay the required visa and tuition fees to the school, and submit digital copies via the university's portal. Once approved, you only need to visit your local Dutch embassy or consulate to pick up your entry sticker or submit biometrics.

While you study, you can work up to 16 hours a week. In the summer months of June, July, and August, you can work full-time with no hour limit. Your employer needs to get a special work permit for you, called a TWV. This is their job to sort out, not yours.

After you graduate, and before your student permit expires, you can apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar). The orientation year permit gives you a full year to look for work in the Netherlands, with no limit on how much you can work during that time.

Once you find a job that pays enough, you can move from the orientation year to a regular Dutch work permit or the Highly Skilled Migrant visa. After several years of working legally, you can apply for permanent residency.

Student Permit Key Facts

• Duration: It covers the length of your study programme
• Work rights: You can work up to 16 hours a week during term, or full time in June, July, and August. You cannot combine both (you choose either 16 hours/week during term OR full-time in summer). Note that your employer must still obtain a separate work permit (TWV) for you, which is free, though it can take a few weeks to process, so your employer should apply early.
• Eligibility: You need an unconditional offer from a recognised Dutch institution, proof of funds (around €13,600 a year), and health insurance
• What you can work while studying: You can do any part-time job, and it does not need to match your course.

Orientation Year Key Facts

• Duration: 12 months from the date it is granted
• Work rights: Unlimited, and there’s no hour cap at all
• Eligibility: You must have finished a recognised degree at a Dutch institution, and you can apply within 3 years of graduation.
• What you can work while searching: You can do any job while you search for work that matches your degree