Netherlands
The Netherlands is home to a cosmopolitan expat community, a strong tech and finance sector, and unique pathways including the DAFT visa for US entrepreneurs.
For information only. Visa rules, processing times, and eligibility criteria change frequently. All information on this page is sourced from official government websites and verified as of the date shown. Always confirm your specific situation with the relevant embassy or a licensed immigration lawyer before applying. Full disclaimer ↗
Studying in Netherlands
Everything you need to know about getting a student visa, finding a university, and living in Netherlands as an international student.
Student Visa Requirements
Visa type: MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) + Residence permit for studies.
Key requirements: Enrolment at a recognised Dutch institution, sponsorship by the university (universities are typically IND-registered sponsors), proof of sufficient funds (approx. €1,130.77/month per IND Jan 2026 rate for HBO/university students — updated annually on 1 January; verify at ind.nl).
Processing time: 2–4 weeks once your university submits the application on your behalf.
Part-time work: Up to 16 hours/week, or full-time during June, July, August.
After graduation: Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) permit — 12 months to find work.
Official guidance ↗Top Universities
Monthly Cost of Living
Related guides
Scholarships for international students in the Netherlands
Dutch universities are not free for non-EU students (tuition runs €8,000–€20,000/year for most programmes), but the Netherlands funds several competitive scholarships that significantly reduce costs. Most have annual application windows — check deadlines before you apply for admission.
🌷 Key scholarship programmes
Holland Scholarship
€5,000 one-time grant for the first year of a Bachelor's or Master's programme. Funded jointly by Dutch universities and the Ministry of Education. Not all institutions participate — check your target university's scholarship page. Applications typically close in February for programmes starting in September.
Orange Tulip Scholarship
Dutch government–funded scholarship available to students from specific countries (India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, and others — list changes annually). Amounts vary by institution: some cover full tuition, others partial. Applied for through the Netherlands Education Support Office (Neso) in your home country.
University-specific excellence scholarships
TU Delft, UvA, Leiden, and Utrecht all run their own scholarship programmes with amounts ranging from €5,000 to full tuition waiver. Criteria vary — most require a strong academic record (typically top 10% in your undergraduate cohort) and are applied for alongside the admission application. Check each university's scholarship page directly.
Erasmus+ (outbound from Netherlands)
If you are already enrolled at a Dutch university, Erasmus+ funds exchanges and study mobility within Europe. Not applicable for initial entry but relevant once you are a student — ask your student services office.
⏰ Application timeline
- Sep–OctResearch scholarships at target Dutch universities; check country eligibility for Orange Tulip
- Nov–JanApply for university admission (required before most scholarship applications)
- Feb–MarHolland Scholarship and university scholarship deadlines — most close by March 1
- Apr–MayResults and conditional offers
- SepProgramme starts
Common mistake: Applying for scholarships before receiving a university admission offer. Most Dutch scholarship programmes require proof of admission (or at minimum a conditional offer) before you can complete the application. Apply for admission first — then layer the scholarship application on top.
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