🇳🇱 Netherlands · Study Abroad
How to study in Netherlands as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in the Netherlands you apply to the university, which usually acts as your visa sponsor: once admitted, the university applies on your behalf for the entry visa (MVV where needed) and residence permit for study. Many programs are taught in English. Explore options on Study in NL and apply by the deadline.
The Netherlands is a leading destination for English-taught higher education in Europe, with research universities and universities of applied sciences. International students apply to the institution (undergraduate applications often via Studielink); a recognised institution sponsors the study residence permit for non-EU students. Study in NL, run by Nuffic, is the official guide.
- A leading destination for English-taught degrees; research universities and universities of applied sciences.
- Apply to the institution (undergraduate often via Studielink).
- A recognised institution sponsors the study residence permit for non-EU students.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; many programs are in English. Explore options on Study in NL.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
The university, as your sponsor, applies for your entry visa (MVV where needed) and residence permit; collect them and register on arrival.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Study in NL (Nuffic)
Official study-in-the-Netherlands portal.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for my Dutch student visa?
Usually the university, which acts as your recognized sponsor and applies for the entry visa and residence permit on your behalf.
Are programs taught in English?
Many are — the Netherlands has one of the widest ranges of English-taught programs in continental Europe; check each program.
Can I work while studying?
Non-EU students can work a limited number of hours with a work permit that the employer arranges; check the current rules.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of the Netherlands — Central government policy and public-service portal
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — Residence permits, visas, and naturalisation
- Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) — Dutch income tax, VAT, and tax-number registration
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) — Company registration and the business register