The Netherland, also known as Holland, is a non-native English-speaking country located in Europe. It is known for its high quality standard of education with its accommodating atmosphere for international students. Herein, you will discover relevant information and the various opportunities open to international students to Study, Live and Work in Netherlands in 2024.
Studying in the Netherlands is the dream of millions of international students. Notably, this might first be associated with its relatively low cost of living and affordable housing, which puts it among the best study destination for international students.
Relevant information about studying in Netherlands
Before making Netherlands your study destination, you might want to know about some of these relevant information, especially those bothering on tuition fees, accommodation cost, durations of programs, cost of living, visa permit, work permits, visa application etc.
Duration of programs in Netherlands
Below are durations of degree programs for international student in Netherlands:
- Ph.D.: 4 Years
- Master’s Degree (MA, MSc, MEng): 1-2 Years
- Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BSc, BEng): 3-4 Years
Note, however, in Netherlands the university educational system is primarily made up of three different institutions which are namely: International Education, Universities of Applied Science, and Research Universities. This might imply slightly different structures for certain degree programmes.
Tuition fees cost
International students studying Netherlands pay tuition fees ranging between 2,000 euros to 2,200 euros for students from Switzerland and other EEA countries annually while students from countries outside the EEA pay annual tuitions fees between the range of €6,000 to €15,000 for bachelor’s programs and €8,000 to €20,000 for master’s programs. Depending on the universities of your choice sometimes the tuition fees could be higher, however universities in Netherlands offer two different payment plans, and you can also apply for a tuition fee waivers or other student loans.
Cost of living
Cost of living for international student studying in Netherlands ranges from 900 euros to 1300 euros depending on your location however discounts are often made available for student on many leisure activities.
A typical breakdown of the cost of living is presented as follows;
- Rent – €350-€800 per month
- Clothing – €100 per month
- Insurance (if you are not an EHIC holder) – €80 per month
- Study Materials – €65 per month
- Groceries/Eating Out – €180 per month
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Visa Application
International students who want to study in Netherlands would need a long-term visa. An entry visa called Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV) in Dutch or Provisional Residence Permit in English will be required. While the MVV allows you to enter the Netherlands; you must however apply for a Residence Permit on arrival. Not to worry, your chosen institution will help you in the process.
You will be granted a provisional residence permit under the following circumstances:
- You have a valid passport
- You have sufficient financial means
- You are not a danger to public order or the national security of the Netherlands
- The required fees are paid
- You have a letter or other document from the Dutch host institution stating that you are or will be enrolled as a student or that you are going to do an internship
Note: An English Language Proficiency Test is needed before you can study in any Dutch university of your choice you are to take the English Language Competency/Proficiency Test.
Additionally, there might be need for the student to visit the Dutch embassy in his/her country of residence for an up-to-date information on Visa application process.
Working while studying in the Netherlands
Many international students choose to work while pursuing their education in the Netherlands. Depending on their nationality, students may work for up to sixteen hours a week with a work permit from their employer. An entry visa alone is not enough to work; hence, you must have a working permit. Potential employers would usually assist or are able to apply for working permit on your behalf
Student Work requirements
For European union citizens:
There are few requirements for European citizens who want to study and work in Netherlands which include
- Insurance: if you want to work in Netherlands it a government policy that you must obtain health insurance for your own safety. If you don’t have one, then a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can cover that.
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer): A BSN is a unique ID number given to every citizen of the Netherlands. That means you need to apply for one immediately after you start studying in the Netherlands.
EU citizens have unlimited number of hours for work as they choose while studying.
For non- European citizen:
Below are the requirements for non-European citizen who wants to study and work in Netherlands
- Insurance: if you want to work in Netherlands it a government policy that you must obtain health insurance for your own safety. If you don’t have one, then a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can cover that.
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer): A BSN is a unique ID number given to every citizen of the Netherlands. That means you need to apply for one immediately after you start studying in the Netherlands.
- Resident permits: a resident permit is needed non-European union international student who wants to study and work in Netherlands
Non-Europeans are allowed to work only 16 hours per week due to government restrictions
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How to apply for working permit in Netherlands
The first step needed to obtain a working permit is to secure a job that is duly registered and known by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Netherlands (IND), however it the duty of your employer to apply for the work permit for you on your behalf.
Commonly Available Student Jobs in Netherlands
International students interested in working while studying in Netherlands can access such jobs through the appropriate departments in their schools in charge of student job opportunities. Outside the schools, you can do a job search on platforms like: Linkedin, Amsterdam job search on Google and other such platforms.
Concluding Remarks:
At this point, we will not only recommend Netherlands as one of the best destinations to fulfil your dream of studying and working abroad; but we will also advise you to take the necessary steps outlined above to get started without delay.