International student guide Netherlands 2026
Complete guide to studying and working in the Netherlands
Critical housing shortage update (December 2025)
The Dutch student housing market is in severe crisis: 20,000+ rooms shortage currently, with 10,000 student rooms lost between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025. An additional 45,000 rooms expected to disappear by 2027. Cities hit hardest: Amsterdam (30% loss), Delft (44% loss), Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Groningen. Apply to university housing immediately upon acceptance.
This guide provides verified information for international students (EU/EEA and non-EU) planning to study in the Netherlands. Covers admission requirements, residence permits, MVV visas, BSN registration, housing crisis, healthcare, work rules (16 hours/week limit for non-EU), and integration support.
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Who needs a student visa?
Visa requirements for EU and non-EU students
EU/EEA/Swiss Students
- • No visa or residence permit required
- • Must register address and obtain BSN if staying > 4 months
- • Free work rights without permits
Non-EU/EEA Students
- • Must apply for MVV entry visa (unless from exempt countries)
- • Must apply for residence permit (VVR) from IND
- • Work permit (TWV) required for part-time work
Exempt countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, UK, USA, Monaco, Vatican City, Switzerland
Official sources: Government.nl, IND (immigration), Studielink (applications), verified December 2025
Orientation year (zoekjaar) permit
For recent graduates to find work
For non-EU students who graduated within the past three years from a Dutch or top-200 university. After graduation, you can apply for permanent residency through our permanent residency guide or Dutch citizenship via our naturalisation guide.
Key benefits
- • Validity: 12 months (cannot be extended)
- • Full work rights, no employer sponsorship needed
- • Can switch to Highly Skilled Migrant permit later
Requirements and process
- • Eligibility: Diploma from bachelor's/master's/PhD within 3 years
- • Fee: €275 (IND fee, 2025-2026)
- • Processing: 2-4 weeks
Important: Submit application within 3 years of graduation through IND online portal. Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds after orientation year: €2,989/month (recent graduates), €4,171/month (under 30), €5,688/month (30+). For complete details, see our work permits guide.
Residence permit and MVV for non-EU students
Entry visa and residence permit process
MVV entry visa (if required)
For detailed information on all visa types and work permits, see our complete work permits and visas guide.
Required documents
- • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- • University enrollment letter
- • Proof of funds (€947.28/month minimum)
- • Health insurance
- • Passport photos
Process and timing
- • Fee: €320-€350
- • Processing: 2-5 days after embassy appointment
- • Apply at Dutch embassy/consulate
Residence permit (VVR)
Application process
- • Apply through university's Immigration Service or IND
- • University often bundles MVV and VVR applications
- • Biometric data collection required
Costs and timeline
- • Fee: €207
- • Processing: 2-6 weeks (sometimes longer)
- • Valid for duration of study program
BSN registration
Essential for students staying more than 4 months
All students staying more than 4 months must register with their gemeente (municipality) within 5 days of arrival. BSN processing takes 4-10 weeks total (appointment booking plus letter delivery).
1Make appointment
Via city hall website or Expat Center (2-5 weeks wait)
2Bring documents
- • Passport or EU ID
- • Proof of address
- • Enrollment letter
- • Birth certificate (if required)
3Receive BSN
By mail within 2-5 weeks after appointment
Use your BSN for: Bank accounts (cannot open without BSN), health insurance, DigiD, student discounts, and all official registrations
Health insurance requirements
Mandatory coverage for all students
Non-EU students
Must have Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of arrival.
Coverage details
- • Premium: €120-€159/month (2025-2026)
- • Own-risk deductible: €385/year
- • Covers basic medical care (GP, hospital, emergency)
- • Additional dental/vision optional
Major providers
- • Zilveren Kruis
- • VGZ
- • CZ
- • Zorgverzekeraars (various)
EU/EEA students
- • Initially use European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from home country
- • Upon municipal registration, must switch to Dutch insurance within 4 months
- • Same premium (€120-€159/month) and coverage as non-EU students
Exemptions (rare): Students studying 30 hours or fewer per week on scholarships may use equivalent international insurance if coverage meets Dutch standards (must verify with IND). Most students do not qualify.
Student housing options
CRITICAL shortage - apply immediately upon acceptance
Critical: severe housing shortage
Current crisis (verified December 2025)
- • 20,000+ rooms shortage currently
- • 10,000 student rooms lost (Q1 2024 to Q1 2025)
- • 45,000 more rooms disappearing (2025-2027)
- • 7,000+ rooms removed from rental market (listed for sale)
- • Waiting lists months long
What this means for students
- • Apply to university housing immediately upon acceptance
- • Plan temporary housing for first 2-4 weeks
- • Budget €350-€900+/month
- • Competition is extremely fierce
- • Be flexible with location and room type
University housing
- • SSH Student Housing - Priority for first-years (often full)
- • DUWO - Multiple cities (lottery system)
- • Limited availability due to crisis
- • €450-€950/month depending on room type and city
Private residences (premium)
- • XIOR, The Social Hub - Premium facilities
- • Fully furnished studios and shared apartments
- • €700-€1,400/month
- • All-inclusive pricing, limited availability
Shared housing (private market)
- • Kamernet, Room.nl, HousingAnywhere
- • Shared apartments with Dutch/international students
- • €350-€650/month
- • High competition, watch for scams
Temporary for first weeks
- • Airbnb: €50-€100/night
- • Hostels: €20-€40/night
- • Plan 2-4 weeks temporary while searching
- • Essential due to housing shortage
Housing crisis reality (verified December 2025): 20,000+ rooms shortage with 45,000 more disappearing by 2027. Cities hit hardest: Amsterdam (30% loss), Delft (44% loss), Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Groningen (all ~30% loss). Apply to university housing immediately upon acceptance. Have backup temporary housing plan (Airbnb €50-€100/night or hostels €20-€40/night) for first 2-4 weeks. Sources: Kences (Student Housing Knowledge Centre), Erasmus Magazine, NRC, IAM Expat, ABF Research.
Part-time work rules
Work permits and hour restrictions
Non-EU students (STRICT LIMITS)
- • Maximum: 16 hours/week during academic year
- • Summer: Full-time work in June, July, August ONLY
- • Work permit (TWV): Required (employer applies)
- • TWV fee: €66 (paid by employer)
- • Violations: Permit revocation plus fines up to €8,000
- • Includes ALL jobs combined
EU/EEA/Swiss students
- • No restrictions: Unlimited work hours
- • No permits required: Start immediately
- • Same employment rights as Dutch students
- • Access to all student job platforms
TWV application process (non-EU)
- 1. Find employer willing to hire international student
- 2. Employer applies for TWV through UWV
- 3. Processing time: 2-5 weeks (sometimes up to 6 weeks)
- 4. TWV valid for maximum 1 year, must renew annually
- 5. Each employer needs separate TWV permit
Tuition fees and scholarships
Costs and financial support options
EU/EEA students
- • Statutory fee: €2,601/year (2025-2026)
- • Same rate as Dutch students
- • Eligible for Dutch student grants (DUO)
- • Government-subsidized rate
Non-EU students
- • Institutional fee: €6,000-€20,000/year
- • Bachelor: €6,000-€15,000; Master: €8,000-€20,000
- • Medicine/health programs: €12,000-€20,000 (highest)
- • Additional costs: MVV (€320-€350), VVR (€207)
Available scholarships
Holland Scholarship
- • €5,000 (first year only)
- • Non-EU students only
- • Tuition fee contribution
Erasmus+ Program
- • EU citizens on exchange
- • Monthly allowances (€350-€500+)
- • Travel grants
University grants
- • Varies by institution
- • €2,000-€25,000 range
- • Merit and need-based
Application deadlines vary: Check university websites early. Most scholarships require separate applications with earlier deadlines than admission.
University enrollment and registration
Application process and requirements
Application timeline
Bachelor programs
- • Deadline: May 1 (most programs)
- • Apply via Studielink
- • Some programs have earlier deadlines
- • Limited enrollment programs may close early
Master programs
- • Deadline: July 1 (most programs)
- • Some programs: April 1 or May 1
- • Rolling admissions for some programs
- • Check specific program requirements
Required documents
Academic
- • Official transcripts
- • Diploma/degree certificates
- • Grade conversion if required
- • Research proposal (PhD)
Language and other
- • English: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
- • Dutch: NT2 II (Dutch-taught programs)
- • Motivation letter
- • CV/resume
Post-acceptance steps
- 1. Apply for housing IMMEDIATELY (due to crisis)
- 2. Pay tuition deposit if required
- 3. Activate student accounts and university email
- 4. Arrange visa/permits if non-EU (allow 4-6 months)
- 5. Register for courses
Integration and Dutch language courses
Language learning and cultural integration
Dutch language learning
- • Inburgering: Optional for students
- • University courses: NT2 I/II preparation
- • Language schools: Private institutions
- • Online platforms: Duolingo, Babbel
- • Conversation groups: Libraries, community centers
- • Timeline: A2-B1 level takes 3-12 months with dedicated study
University support services
- • International student offices: Academic and practical support
- • Buddy programs: Paired with Dutch students
- • Student associations: Social and cultural activities
- • Career services: Job search and internship support
- • Counseling: Academic and personal support
Cultural integration activities
For detailed cultural guidance, see our Dutch customs and etiquette guide and language integration guide.
City integration
- • Expat centers
- • Welcome events
- • City tours
Social activities
- • Student organizations
- • Sports clubs
- • Cultural events
Professional
- • Networking events
- • Career fairs
- • Industry meetups
Essential resources and next steps
Complete your student journey setup
BSN registration guide
Step-by-step process for getting your Dutch citizen service number (4-10 weeks)
Read guideHealth insurance guide
Complete guide to mandatory Dutch health insurance (€120-€159/month)
Read guideWork permits and visas guide
Complete guide to work permits for students, graduates, and professionals
Read guideInteractive checklist
Track your progress with our complete moving checklist
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Use our interactive checklist to track your progress and ensure you don't miss any important steps in your journey as an international student in The Netherlands.
Start your checklistFrequently asked questions
Can I work immediately upon arrival as an international student?
Non-EU students need a TWV work permit from UWV before starting work, which your employer must apply for (2-5 weeks processing). EU/EEA students can work immediately without any permit requirements.
What happens if I lose my MVV visa?
Contact your embassy and IND immediately. Emergency travel documents may be issued, but you'll need to apply for a replacement MVV to re-enter The Netherlands.
Can I extend my Orientation Year (zoekjaar) permit?
No, the Orientation Year permit cannot be extended beyond 12 months. After it expires, you must switch to a different permit type such as the Highly Skilled Migrant permit (€2,989/month minimum for recent graduates).
Do EU students need Dutch health insurance?
EU students can initially use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but once they register with a municipality, they must switch to Dutch basic health insurance within 4 months. Cost: €120-€159/month.
How many hours can non-EU students work per week?
Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time during June, July, and August only. Violating these limits can result in permit revocation and fines up to €8,000.
When should I start looking for student housing?
Start your housing search IMMEDIATELY upon acceptance due to the severe housing shortage (20,000+ rooms needed). Apply to university housing first as there are 10,000 fewer student rooms than in 2024.
Planning to study in the Netherlands
Complete information for international students: visa applications, housing search (apply immediately due to crisis), work permits, BSN registration, health insurance, and verified services.