Are you planning to study in the Netherlands? Before you immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, world-class education and vibrant student life, you must obtain the required student visa. Understanding the ins and outs of the student visa process can help you gain quick approvals. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about securing your student visa for the Netherlands.
Key Highlights:
- Types of study visas available in the Netherlands
- Who needs a student visa for the Netherlands?
- Eligibility criteria to get a Netherlands study visa
- Netherlands student visa requirements - documents you need
- Netherlands student visa success rate
Types of study visas available in the Netherlands
Here’s a breakdown of the primary student visas designed for international students:
MVV (Provisional Residence Permit)
The MVV is a long-stay visa essential for non-European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) students planning to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. It allows you to enter the country while awaiting your residence permit (VVR). MVV will be valid for 3 months.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must be accepted into a recognised Dutch educational institution.
Application Process
Your educational institution typically submits the application on your behalf to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Also Read: MBA in The Netherlands: A Brief Guide
VVR (Residence Permit)
The VVR is critical for non-EU/EEA students studying in the Netherlands for over 90 days. It grants you legal residency for educational purposes. Usually, you are required to apply for this within 3-5 days after landing in the Netherlands.
Eligibility
You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies, generally around €870 per month.
Duration
The residence permit can be valid for up to five years, depending on your study programme’s duration and may include time for necessary preparatory courses.
Requirements
To maintain your permit, you must achieve at least 50% of the required credits each year, ensuring satisfactory academic progress.
Who needs a student visa for the Netherlands?
Navigating the visa requirements for studying in the Netherlands is a crucial step for any international student. The necessity of a student visa largely depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay.
Non-EU/EEA nationals
If you’re from a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you’ll need to secure a student visa, known as the MVV (Provisional Residence Permit), along with a residence permit (VVR) if your studies will last longer than 90 days.
Family members of EU/EEA citizens
If your family members want to join you, they must apply for a certificate of lawful residence.
Also Read: Importance of Proof of Funds for Smooth Student Visa Process
Eligibility criteria to get a Netherlands study visa
You must meet the following requirements for a smooth student visa application.
Acceptance into a recognised institution
You must provide proof of acceptance from a recognised Dutch educational institution. You should have an official acceptance letter confirming your admission to a full-time programme.
Financial means
You must prove you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses. Bank statements or proof of funds certificates should suffice.
Health insurance
Every aspiring learner must have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their course.
Academic qualifications
You’ll need to submit relevant academic transcripts that align with the admission requirements of your chosen programme.
Language proficiency
Depending on the programme, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in English. Common requirements include standardised test scores, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0 or proof of previous education pursued in English.
Also Read: Everything you Need to Know About a Student Visa
Netherlands student visa requirements - documents you need
You must submit the following documents with your visa application:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- A completed and signed visa application form
- Proof of admission and accommodation arranged for at least one academic year
- Health insurance documents
- Financial proof
- Academic transcripts
- Standardised exams such as Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
Netherlands student visa success rate
The Netherlands is known for being a welcoming country, accepting several international students every year. The country has a high student visa success rate of ~90% - ~98%, which means it can be easy to secure your visa.
Embarking on an educational journey in the Netherlands can be a transformative experience. However, securing your visa is critical. You can apply for a study abroad loan to get the financial documents you require to complete your visa application seamlessly and finance your education independently. To learn about education loan interest rates, loan eligibility checker, application and documentation process, please contact us.
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