Student Visa for the Netherlands – Requirements & Fees

The Netherlands is one of the best countries in Europe for international students, particularly in terms of higher-quality teaching, affordability, a diverse atmosphere, and fulfilling career goals.

The nation provides more than 400 distinct study programs and courses through a program known as International Education in English, which draws more than 4200 participants yearly. this program is meant for postgraduate students or those with some prior professional experience. Most of these practice-oriented courses, which are taught in English, lead to a  diploma. Agriculture sciences, astronomy, medicine, civil engineering, and management studies are some of the programs for which the Netherlands is known.

Types of Netherlands Student Visa

There are two types of Netherlands student visas that students can apply for during their tenure at their chosen university:

• If a candidate wants to study in the Netherlands for 90 days or less, they will need a short stay visa or a Schengen visa.
• If they intend to study in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, they will need an entry visa or MVV and a residence permit or VVR. The MVV, like the short-term visa, is valid for only 90 days and should be accompanied by an application for a VVR or residence permit.

Important Resources 

Why Do Student Visas Get Rejected | How to Check Visa Status

Student Visa Requirements for the Netherlands

All students and their educational institutions of choice must fulfill the Netherlands student visa requirements. These procedures and rules apply to exchange students as well:

• A university or university of applied sciences has (provisionally) admitted the student as a student to a full-time authorized day program. This institution or the university of applied sciences has been identified as a sponsor. The Public Register of recognized sponsors contains a list of accredited educational institutions.
• Aspirants must provide evidence of their financial independence for the course in order to meet the financial requirements for a Netherlands student visa.
• Each academic year, students must acquire a minimum of 50% of the required credits. “Study progress monitoring” is the term for this.
• Official foreign papers must be authorized and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.

Other Visa-Related Resources

• New Zealand Student Visa Rejection
• Ireland Post-Study Work Visa
• SOP for France Visa
• Ireland Student Visa Process
• Ireland Student Visa
• France Study Visa
• Student Visa for Singapore
• Student Visa for New Zealand
• Switzerland Study Visa
• Study Visa for Spain

How to Apply for a Netherlands Student Visa

The first and foremost step for the Netherlands study visa is to get admission to a university because universities apply for the resident visa on behalf of students. So it is important for students to already have their admission settled when they begin their study visa application. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Application Submission and Payment

A provisional residency permit or MVV is required for travel to the Netherlands. The MVV is a sticker issued on the passport by the Dutch representative. In some cases, an MVV may not be required. Only a recognized educational institution can submit applications for a study permit. A recognized educational institution has entered into a contract with the IND and is included in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors. IND or the Immigration and Naturalisation Department is the nodal agency for assessing all applications from foreign nationals for a stay in the Netherlands.

The educational institution applies for both the MVV and the residency permit simultaneously. The application is then sent to the IND by the educational institution.

In summary, the IND receives application fees and the application from the university that a candidate has applied.

2. Applicant Verification

Once the IND has received the application, the university will get a confirmation notice. The confirmation letter specifies the date the IND received the application. It also indicates the time frame within which the IND will decide. 

The agency then reviews the application to verify if it is correctly filled. An applicant can track their application on the My IND website.

3. Decision

The IND determines whether the applicant and the educational institution satisfy all of the requirements for a residence permit. The IND is required to make this decision within 60 days.

Negative Decision

An applicant may not be granted an MVV or a residence permit if they or the educational institution do not comply with the requirements. This is stated formally in a written letter. The decision is sent to the educational institution by the IND. One may file an appeal against this judgment.

Positive Decision

If the applicant and the educational institution satisfy all of the requirements, an MVV and a residency permit are issued. The decision is sent to the educational institution by mail. The IND also communicates this to the Dutch representative.

Read More: Study in Netherlands for Indian Students

4. Collection of the MVV

One can collect the MVV from the Dutch representative listed on the application form by the educational institution.

An applicant has three months to pick up the MVV. On the day one receives the MVV, the passport must be valid for at least six months.

When one collects the MVV, one must submit their biometric details.

5. Traveling to the Netherlands 

You can travel to the Netherlands once you have received the student visa for the Netherlands. The MVV is only valid for up to 90 days. The validity period is indicated on the MVV sticker. The sticker also has two other dates:

• Effective date: the MVV’s validity.
• End date: The end of the MVV’s validity.

The MVV permits one to travel inside the Schengen Region.

Documents Required for Student Visa

Below is a list of the documents you will need to apply for a Netherlands study visa, so make sure you don’t forget anything. Keep these documents, and the application process will not be too complicated for you:

• Academic transcripts
• Test for tuberculosis (required for citizens from some countries)
• Birth certificate
• A thorough study plan that explains why you are interested in studying the selected subject and how and why it is related to your previous course
• Financial evidence for the entire period of study
• Completed visa application form
• Photocopies of all the original documents
• Travel and health insurance
• Official letter from the Netherlands academic institution
• Two photographs
• Valid passport
• Biometric information

Costs for Netherlands Student Visa

The cost of a student visa in the Netherlands depends on the type of visa and the nationality of the student. Students should be aware that the amount they paid for any type of visa will not be refunded.

• For a Schengen visa, the cost to start the Netherlands student visa process is €80. For students belonging to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia, the fee is €35.
• Students who want to apply for a long-stay permit must pay a fee of €207. If you want to stay longer in the Netherlands, you must pay the same sum.
• An amount of €142 must be paid in case of loss or damage of the document.

Before beginning the application for a student visa to the Netherlands, students are advised to verify with their respective universities for any additional charges.