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Student Visa for Netherlands

Students from the non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, need visas to study in the Netherlands. It would be necessary to register cumulatively, especially for the visitors who want to stay for a long period. 

Non-EU students, including Indians, are obliged to obtain an initial entrance permit (MVV) and their own student visas in the Netherlands. Therefore, this document allows study in the Netherlands and should be considered for stays longer than 90 days.

Visa Type  Description 
Netherlands Short-Stay Schengen Visa 

 

Allows travel within the Netherlands for up to 90 days. 

 

Netherlands Student Visa for Vocational Courses 

 

Generally issued to students who have (provisional) proof of being enrolled full-time at a recognized institution and must show that Netherlands is the best place to undertake the given course. Nevertheless, for them, at least their family has to be in Netherlands, and they should be capable of speaking and writing in the Dutch language. 
Netherlands Long-Stay Visa (Residence Permit) 

 

Referred to as the residence permit (VVR), and allows students for a stay up to five years to complete their studies in the Netherlands. 

 

Entry Visa and Residence Permit

For a student wanting to join a course which is more than 90 days, the Residence Permit is necessary to stay in the Netherlands. Agreeing with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), students actively participating in exchange or internship programs will be sponsored by their respective universities or institutes utilizing their ‘Recognized Sponsor’ title. The visa application process is combined with the TEV (Entry and Residence Permit) Procedure, the highly recognized sponsor will have to handle this for an enrolled student. The applicants must realize that the application process stays the same as any of the universities, but there are some differences. Hence, a student must follow such guidelines that have been provided by their university or institute.

Documents Required for a Student Visa for Netherlands

Before you head for the Netherlands student visa application process, make sure you possess original documents to validate your identity. Further, the demands and conditions of different universities can vary. 

However, here is a list of a few general requirements, 

  1. An updated valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months is mandatory at the time of registration. 
  2. Admission confirmation from a Dutch university, abbreviated as HBO (hoger beroepsonderwijs), acts as proof of registration. A valid sponsorship must be provided by the educational institution with IND. 
  3. Accreditation by either the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) in the Netherlands or the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) in Europe is a must for your academic program. 
  4. IND has a minimum fund requirement, called Study Norm, as its mandatory provision for residing and studying in the country and is fixed at €957. 87 per month for students enrolled in universities. This cost of living is adjusted twice a year, on the 1st of January and the 1st of July. 
  5. For the first three months after emigrating to the Netherlands, you must have health insurance. However, you will probably have to go through a Tuberculosis test before your trip to the Netherlands. 
  6. Evidence of financial sufficiency showing at least the level of 850 EUR per month. 
  7. Travel insurance at a minimum of 30,000 euros. 
  8. The Netherlands Student visa application fee payment, equivalent to 172 Euros. 
  9. Proof of income 
  10. Proficiency in the English language as proven by an IELTS score of 5. 5-6. Or a TOEFL score of 550 
  11. Submission of a detailed and precise MVV visa application form. 
  12. Two passport-sized colour photographs (35mmx45mm) 
  13. Birth certificate 
  14. Biometric information 
  15. Photocopy of original documents. 

These are nothing more than standard prerequisites. Depending on your case, you might be asked to undertake the extra procedures of providing documentation. We will be happy to provide a more comprehensive explanation via our study abroad consultants. 

Application Process 

After obtaining a positive answer about the opportunity to study in the Netherlands, you will have to handle new visa (MVV) processing. Generally, the whole process of obtaining a Netherlands study visa takes 60-90 days to finish. Therefore, you should start applying for the Netherlands student visa at least 3 months before you intend to arrive. 

Please note: Students shall be permitted to deal with the IND only if they happen to be applying for a residence permit. 

Where to Apply for a Student Visa for Netherlands? 

After you receive an admit from the university, you can arrange an appointment with the IND online or apply for an entry visa at the nearby embassy. 

The validity of the MVV extends up to three months. Generally, the processing duration for your application may cover one month but it could differ depending on your nationality and other factors. 

Additionally, the Netherlands study visa from India can also be obtained by courier (DTDC), through online payment of 750 INR. You are eligible to apply for a student visa in the Netherlands from India either at the Embassy in New Delhi or at the Consulate-General in Mumbai. 

Note: Prices are subject to change. 

Where to Apply for a Student Visa for Netherlands? 

After you receive an admit from the university, you can arrange an appointment with the IND online or apply for an entry visa at the nearby embassy. 

The validity of the MVV extends up to three months. Generally, the processing duration for your application may cover one month but it could differ depending on your nationality and other factors. 

Additionally, the Netherlands study visa from India can also be obtained by courier (DTDC), through online payment of 750 INR. You are eligible to apply for a student visa in the Netherlands from India either at the Embassy in New Delhi or at the Consulate-General in Mumbai. 

Note: Prices are subject to change. 

Applying for a Residence Permit (VVR) for Netherlands 

For an international student who plans to continue living in the Netherlands for more than 90 days a visa B is required. Just as the Netherlands study visa, the VVR has a special cause. Upon landing in the Netherlands, a student will be directed to a local IND desk to collect either the residence card or provide biometric data which will be required to finalize the residence permit process. The information for collecting your residence card will reach you through the IND regional desk within two weeks.

The VVR can be issued for not more than 5 years. In the event of VVR`s expiry, one should apply for a new VVR and indicate in the application form why he or she intends to stay in the country.

Netherlands Student Visa Fees

The average visa cost for a foreign student in the Netherlands is about €210. Nevertheless, universities can apply on behalf of the students, therefore, the fees can differ because of the service charges, handling costs, and other variables. It is suggested to ask the university for more information.

Those students who are trying to obtain a long-stay permit are charged a 210 EUR fee. This fee does not change no matter how long the applicants plan to stay in the Netherlands. 

Documents lost or damaged will result in 146 EUR charges. 

Students are recommended to contact their university about any extra charges that they might face during their Netherlands student visa application initiation. 

Visa Interview

Once you have arrived at the time of your visa interview appointment, a visa officer is responsible for reviewing your application.

During the interview, you will be asked questions about the purpose and length of the trip, financial sponsorship, your schooling and work history, any marital or relationship status, and a lot more personal questions.

You might be required to present some credentials during the interview. The recommendation is to swiftly comply should you be asked.

The goal of the interview is to find out if you have all the necessary documents for the visa, therefore, you should tell the truth about your plans.

Usually, the interview consists of 10 to 15 minutes.

Find Your Dream University

If you are planning to study abroad but are confused about the process of applying for a visa, then our expert advisors from Manya – The Princeton Review are there for you to guide and assist you. We have assembled worthwhile information on institutions including visa requirements everywhere.

By accessing precise and reliable information regarding the rankings, application fees, average tuition fees, and cost of living, amongst others from over 1000 + universities you will be able to choose wisely. Furthermore, you can search for colleges by name, country or specialization like Physics, Finance, Business, Language and Culture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Computer and IT, Media and Communication or Marketing.

Manya – The Princeton Review caters to all the needs of the students going abroad i.e. admissions consulting, test preparation, English language training, career assessment and international internship opportunities. Our experts are available to make the visa process simple and ensure you have a smooth transition to your preferred destination.

FAQ's

What is the application process for a student visa for Netherlands?

The steps that a student needs to follow to get the Netherlands visa include, getting admission to a recognized institution, gathering all the documents, applying for a visa or residence permit, attending an interview if required and, completing the biometric data submission.

How many days will it take to process a student visa for Netherlands?

The processing period for a student visa varies from 60 to 90 days. It would be good if you could start the application process long before you arrive.

What is the minimal set of conditions for a student visa for Netherlands?

The essential qualifications usually include a valid passport, confirmation of admission from a Dutch educational establishment, proof of financial income, health insurance coverage, and sometimes evidence of English proficiency. Some tailored specifications may be necessary according to the situation.

Am I allowed to work in the Netherlands while I am studying on a student visa?

Yes, foreign students with a student visa can work in the Netherlands, usually not more than 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time over the holidays. 

Can I prolong my student visa for Netherlands?

Yes, you can apply for an extension of your student visa or residence permit if you satisfy certain conditions like continuing your studies or pursuing additional educational programs, for example. Nevertheless, it is imperative to apply for an extension before your current consent expires.

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