The Netherlands is among the best countries in Europe for international students especially when it comes to higher-quality teaching, affordability, multicultural environment, and achieving career goals. If you pursue an education in the Netherlands you get to experience visionary architecture, contemporary fashion, and tons of street markets.
On behalf of the students, universities in the Netherlands usually apply for a visa. A Netherlands study visa is referred to as a residence permit (VVR) and it is required for admission to full-time masters and bachelor programs.if you are someone applying for a Netherlands student visa, you are at the right place! This blog will tell you the minutest details about Netherlands student visa requirements, process, fees, and a lot more!
Who Needs a Netherlands Student Visa?
Students who live outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland need a visa to study in the Netherlands. However, if you plan to stay long-term, you must register with the municipality as soon as possible after you arrive. Non-EU students also need an entry residence permit (MVV) to study, after applying for a student visa for Netherlands from India. In case one wants to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, a residence permit is required.
Types of Netherlands Student Visa
You are eligible to apply for a Netherlands study visa from India only when you are accepted into one of the top Dutch universities. There are different types of student visa for Netherlands from India:
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Netherlands Short-Stay Schengen Visa |
Netherlands Student Visa for Secondary and Vocational Courses |
Netherlands Long-Stay Visa |
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Allows you to travel freely within the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days |
Usually granted to students who have (provisional) proof of registration in a full-time course at a recognized institution and must prove that the Netherlands is the most suitable place to take up the course. However, they must have family in the Netherlands and be able to speak and write in Dutch. |
It is also referred to as the residence permit, it allows students to complete their studies in the Netherlands for up to five years. |
Netherlands Study Visa Requirements
Before getting to the Netherlands student visa application process, you must provide supporting documents to prove your identity. All the documents must be in a language approved by the Dutch authorities: Dutch, English, French, or German. Also, different universities may have different requirements and conditions.
However, some of the standard Netherlands student visa requirements are as follows:
- Netherlands visa application form
- Academic transcripts
- An official letter of acceptance from the educational institution you will be attending
- Financial proof with a set minimum amount of 850 EUR per month
- Travel insurance of minimum 30,000 EUR
- Health insurance
- Netherlands student visa application fee of 172 EUR
- Tuberculosis test (within three months of arriving in the Netherlands)
- Proof of income
- English language requirements: IELTS score of 5.5-6.0, TOEFL score of 550
- A complete and factually correct MVV visa application form
- A valid passport with at least one photocopy of the passport photo page
- Two passport-sized (35mm x 45mm) colour photographs
- Birth certificate
- Biometric information
- Photocopies of all the original documents
Netherlands Student Visa Fees
The student visa cost, to start the student visa process for Netherlands, varies depending on the type of visa and nationality of the student. Students must be aware that the amount paid for any visa will not be refunded at any cost.
- For a Schengen visa, the cost to start the Netherlands student visa process is 80 EUR, i.e. 6,782 INR. For students belonging to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia, the fee is 35 EUR.
- Students planning for a long stay permit need to pay a fee of 207 EUR, i.e. 17,550 INR. The same amount is to be paid if you are planning to extend your stay in the Netherlands.
- If in case of loss, damage of the document, one needs to pay an amount of 142 EUR.
Students are advised to check their respective universities for any additional charges to start their Netherlands student visa application.
When to Apply for a Netherlands Study Visa?
Once you have been accepted by any Dutch university to study in the Netherlands, you will need to process your entry visa (MVV). The entire Netherlands study visa process usually takes around 60-90 days to complete. So, it is recommended to start the Netherlands student visa application process at least three months prior to the planned arrival date in the Netherlands.
Note: Students are not required to contact the Immigration and Naturalisation Department (IND) unless they intend to request a residence permit.
Where to Apply for a Netherlands Student Visa?
After the university provides you with an acceptance letter, you can take an appointment with Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) online or apply for an entry visa at a local embassy.
- You can collect the MVV after up to three months.
- The processing time for your visa application usually lasts one month, but this depends on your nationality and other factors.
- We can also get a Netherlands study Visa from India through courier (DTDC), with an online payment of 750 INR.
You can apply for a student visa for the Netherlands from India at the Netherlands embassy, which is located in New Delhi or at the consulate-general in Mumbai.
Check Out: The 10 Cheapest Universities in the Netherlands!
How to Apply for a Residence Permit (VVR) in the Netherlands?
To stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, international students require a permit for a specific period (VVR). Just like the Netherlands study visa, the VVR also has a specific purpose. Upon arrival in the Netherlands, students have to visit the local IND desk to either receive the residence card or to provide biometric information in order to complete the residence permit. You will be informed that you can pick up the residence card from the regional IND desk within two weeks.
The VVR is issued for a period of 5 years maximum. If the VVR is expired, a new VVR must be requested along with an application for whichever reason you are staying.
Suggested: Top 9 Reasons for Netherlands Student Visa Rejection!
Netherlands Student Visa Interview
Post the Netherlands student visa process, you will have to give the Netherlands student visa interview, which is quite an important part of the entire process. The questions asked in the interview usually consist of generic questions including personal and university based questions. The interview is extremely essential in order to get acceptance for the Netherlands study visa.
The process of applying for a student visa for Netherlands from India is not so tedious from an immigration perspective. The Netherlands student visa process for residence permit is inexpensive and not at all a lengthy process. You can even contact our Yocket Counsellors to know more about the Netherlands student visa requirements for India.
