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.
Quick navigation
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 January 2026
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.
AcademicTransfer
AcademicTransfer is the job platform for a career in research and academia in the Netherlands. For every researcher - from starter to senior - and in every scientific field.
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 (the IND requires a minimum monthly amount for living costs; for university and hbo students this is around €1,100 per month in 2026. Your university will specify the exact amount based on the current IND "required amounts" table.)
- • Health insurance
- • Passport photos
Process and timing
- • Processing: 2-6 weeks (sometimes longer)
- • Apply through university's Immigration Service
- • University typically handles MVV + residence permit together
Costs & fees (MVV + residence permit)
- • Dutch universities usually apply for your MVV and residence permit together via the IND.
- • You pay an IND residence permit fee to your university, which then transfers it to IND.
- • As of early 2026, this fee is approximately €250-€260 for higher-education students, but it is indexed every year.
- • Always check your university's instructions and the IND "Fees: application costs" page for the current amount.
- • Validity: Permit issued for duration of study program
- • Biometric data: Collection required during application process
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
When Dutch basic health insurance is mandatory (and when it is not)
Whether you must take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) depends mainly on whether you work or have a paid internship in the Netherlands, not only on your nationality.
When Dutch basic health insurance is mandatory
You must take out Dutch basic health insurance if any of the following apply:
- • You have a paid job in the Netherlands (including zero-hours or on-call contracts), or
- • You have a paid internship or internship allowance that is at or above the Dutch minimum wage, or
- • You are otherwise considered insured under the Dutch social security system (for example because of certain types of funding or employment).
In these situations:
- • You must have Dutch basic health insurance from the first day you start working or your paid internship begins.
- • This applies to both EU/EEA and non-EU students.
- • If you fail to take out Dutch basic insurance while working, you can receive fines and back-dated premium claims.
When you can usually keep foreign or private insurance
You are generally exempt from the obligation to take out Dutch basic health insurance if:
- • You are in the Netherlands solely to study (bachelor's or master's),
- • You do not have a paid job or paid internship in the Netherlands, and
- • You are under 30 and your stay is temporary.
In that case you can normally:
- • Use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are an EU/EEA student, or
- • Use private international student insurance (e.g. AON, Allianz, ISI) arranged via your university or independently.
Practical tips
- • If you start or stop working, you may need to switch between private/EHIC coverage and Dutch basic insurance.
- • If you receive a letter from CAK saying you are "not insured" but you believe you are exempt, ask SVB for a Wlz assessment to confirm whether you must hold Dutch basic insurance.
- • Always double-check current rules with your university's international office and official sources, because enforcement and thresholds can change.
Student housing options
CRITICAL shortage - apply immediately upon acceptance
Critical: severe housing shortage
Current crisis (verified January 2026)
- • 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 January 2026): 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.
Avoid common housing pitfalls
- • Always make sure you can register at the address with the municipality; without registration you cannot get a BSN, DigiD or most benefits, and the landlord is often operating illegally.
- • Be very cautious with offers that sound too good to be true, require large cash payments up front, or refuse to show you the room on a live video call.
- • Use established platforms (Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, university housing partners, major student residence brands) and avoid sending deposits via informal channels like Western Union or crypto.
For a detailed breakdown of safe platforms, contract checks and scam red flags, see our dedicated Student Housing Guide.
Part-time work rules
Work permits and hour restrictions
Non-EU students (STRICT LIMITS)
- • Maximum during the academic year: up to 16 hours per week.
- • Summer: full-time work is only allowed in June, July and August.
- • Work permit (TWV): required for any paid employment; your employer must apply for this tewerkstellingsvergunning via UWV.
- • Government fee: UWV does not charge a fee for a TWV. Your employer only incurs internal/administrative or advisory costs.
- • Labour market test: student TWVs are handled under relaxed rules (no full labour-market test like regular work permits), so approval is usually straightforward if you meet the student conditions.
- • Violations: Permit revocation plus substantial employer fines (thousands of euros)
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
Cost of living & can a student job cover everything?
The reality of funding your studies with part-time work
Many prospective students hope to fund their entire stay with a part-time job. In practice, this is not realistic for most non-EU students.
The numbers
- • Dutch authorities and universities assume a minimum monthly budget of roughly €1,100-€1,200 for rent and living costs (outside very expensive cities it can be slightly lower; in Amsterdam often higher).
- • As a non-EU student you are limited to 16 hours of paid work per week during the academic year, even if you find multiple employers.
- • Typical student wages are around the Dutch minimum youth wage. Even if you work close to the 16-hour maximum, your income usually only covers part of your total expenses.
What this means in practice
- • You should plan to combine: personal savings, family support, scholarships and a part-time job.
- • Do not rely on a student job as your only funding source when applying for a visa or making your budget.
- • Jobs for non-EU students are harder to find because employers must apply for a TWV; many companies avoid this extra admin. Hospitality, logistics, cleaning, and some campus jobs are the most common options.
Always check your university's updated cost-of-living estimates for your city and compare them with your own budget.
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
Student life, language & integration: what to expect
- • Most large universities are very international and many programmes are fully English-taught, so it is possible to complete your degree in English only.
- • Socially, many internationals mainly mix with other internationals at first. Joining student and study associations, sports clubs and language tandems helps you connect with Dutch students.
- • For part-time jobs and post-graduation careers, even basic Dutch makes a big difference. Many entry-level roles in retail, hospitality and offices still expect at least A2-B1 Dutch.
If you plan to stay in the Netherlands after graduation, start learning Dutch in your first year. It will pay off in both your daily life and your job search.
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
Use checklistFind student housing
Browse verified student housing services and platforms
Browse housingAll verified services
Browse all verified expat services including student-specific providers
Browse servicesReady to start your student journey?
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.