Here is a fun fact about Dutch people; they are the tallest people in the world, with an average height of 5’8” (175.62 cm). Wondering how they got so tall? Scientists are still trying to figure it out. Moreover, the Dutch also stand tall in their higher education.
According to QS rankings, the Netherlands has the 4th strongest higher education system in Europe and 7th strongest in the world. So what makes up the Dutch higher education system?
Higher education in the Netherlands consists of higher professional education, known as hoger beroepsonderwijs (HBO), and research-oriented higher education, known as wetenschappelijk onderwijs (WO). There are also different universities for each type of higher education.
Currently, over 122,300 international students are enrolled in HBO or WO higher education institutions in the Netherlands. Tuition fees range between €9,000 and €20,000 for Bachelor programmes and €12,000 to €30,000 for Master’s. Students also spend an extra €800 to €1,100 a month on housing, food, and transportation.
In this detailed guide, we cover all the areas of intrigue to you an international student by exploring the following topics:
- Study in Netherlands Statistics
- Why Study in Netherlands
- Top Universities to Study in Netherlands 2025
- Affordable Universities and Colleges in Netherlands 2025
- Scholarships in Netherlands
- Top In-Demand Careers in Netherlands 2025
- Grading System in Netherlands
- Eligibility Criteria to Study in Netherlands
- Study in Netherlands Admission Process
- Important Timelines for Study in Netherlands
- Cost of Living and Studying in Netherlands
- Student Life In Netherlands
- Best Cities to Study and Live in Netherlands
- Top Jobs in Netherlands for International Students
- Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Netherlands
- Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Netherlands
- Conclusion
Study in Netherlands Statistics
The number of international students in the Netherlands is approximately 120,000 and this number is expected to continue rising. Here is a graphical representation of the international student population in the Netherlands for the last 10 years.
Here are other notable statistics regarding international students in the Netherlands:
- The onset of the COVID pandemic did not slow down the number of international students flocking to the country. The numbers continued to grow from 92,159 in 2019 to 101,831 in 2020 to 114,255 in 2021.
- In 2023-24, about 1 in 5 students in university Bachelor’s courses in the Netherlands were international students.
- Many international students (8,289) choose to study international business. Other popular courses include psychology (6,549), liberal arts and sciences (2,943), design (1,945), and political science (1,835).
- Germany, Netherlands’ immediate neighbour, has the most international students in the Netherlands at 22,775.
- Individuals who completed higher education had the highest average gross annual salary in the country at €46,665, compared to those who did not. This indicates the importance of the Dutch higher education system.
- The Netherlands government spent around €7.2 billion on higher education, a testament to its support for the industry. This number has been on the rise for the last decade, rising from €4.7 billion in 2012.
- The University of Amsterdam had the highest number of international students at 13,788.
- Almost 25% of the international students who studied in the Netherlands still live in the Netherlands five years after graduating. For non-European Economic Area students, the rate is 38%.
Why Study in Netherlands
With the growing number of international students in the Netherlands, you may wonder why they are flocking to the country every year. There are several reasons behind this as discussed below.
a) Internationally Recognised Academic Degrees
Due to the Netherlands’ involvement in the Bologna process, which harmonizes European higher education systems, its degrees are widely accepted in European countries and the rest of the world.
Additionally, the country’s higher education system is considered one of the top 10 in the world based on factors like its relative strength in relation to GDP, the number of internationally ranked universities in the country, and its flagship institution. All these factors add to the recognition of Netherlands degree programs to the rest of the world.
b) No Need to Learn a New Language
While Dutch is the first language in the Netherlands, almost 95% of the country speaks English. As a result, language barrier problems are less relevant in the Netherlands compared to other European countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
The Netherlands has also designed its higher education system to include English-taught degrees. Currently, about 30% of Bachelors programs are taught in English (and nearly 20% are taught bilingually) and more than 3 out of 4 Master’s programs are taught in English.
While the Dutch Government is planning to reduce the number of English-taught Bachelor’s courses, there are currently no plans to reduce English-taught Master’s courses. As a result, there is still expected to be a large number of international students in the country in the years ahead.
c) A Large International Community
The society in the Netherlands is highly multicultural represented by the 143 different nationalities that live in the country. This means that there is a high chance of meeting a community of people from your home country in the Netherlands.
In addition, the diverse and broad society is a great way to interact and learn from new people which can have the effect of opening up your mind and building lasting global networks.
d) Work Opportunities During and After Study
In the Netherlands, you can work while you study provided you follow some rules. You are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during a school session and full-time during school breaks, and your employer must get you a work permit.
After graduation, the Dutch government allows you to stay back in the Netherlands to look for a job for up to 12 months. It is known as an orientation year permit granted by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
The good news is that the probability of getting a job is high in companies such as Heineken, KLM, Unilever, and Philips. As of 2022, the unemployment rate was only 3.5% and has been dropping since 2014, when it was 8.3%. In addition, individuals with a higher education level had the lowest unemployment rate (2.9%) so international students easily get jobs in the Netherlands.
e) Opportunity to Travel Within the Netherlands and Other European Countries
If you’re adventurous and would love exploring the European continent in particular, then the Netherlands provides the perfect starting point. Strategically located near all major European cities, it is normally referred to as the Gateway to Europe.
For example, from the capital Amsterdam, it only takes you an hour to fly to cities like London, Paris, Brussels, and Berlin.
The Netherlands itself also has a well-connected and developed transport system consisting of bus, metro, tram, and train. Moreover, international students can move around easily with discounted student travel passes thus enabling you to move around the country more easily.
Top Universities and Colleges to Study in Netherlands 2025
According to QS rankings, the top 10 institutions of higher learning in the Netherlands all rank in the top 500 universities in the world. This further illustrates the country’s strong education system. Here is a table representation of the institutions.
University | Rank in the Netherlands | Worldwide Rank | City/Town |
Delft University of Technology | 1 | 49 | Delft |
University of Amsterdam | 2 | 55 | Amsterdam |
Utrecht University | 3 | 105 | Utrecht |
Eindhoven University of Technology | 4 | 136 | Eindhoven |
Leiden University | 5 | 141 | Leiden |
Wageningen University & Research | 6 | 155 | Wageningen |
Erasmus University Rotterdam | 7 | 158 | Rotterdam |
University of Groningen | 8 | 159 | Groningen |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 9 | 221 | Amsterdam |
Maastricht University | 10 | 230 | Maastricht |
Affordable Universities and Colleges in Netherlands 2025
While university fees to study in the Netherlands can reach up to €20,000, there are institutions where you can get a quality education for less than €10,000 and as low as €5,000 after discounts and scholarships. They include:
University | Bachelors Average Fees per Year |
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences | €,9,800 (€4,800 net of potential scholarship) |
Saxion University of Applied Sciences | €9,030 |
Hanze University of Applied Sciences | €9,049 |
Tilburg University | €9,300 |
University of Twente | €9,625 |
Navitas The Hague Pathway College | €9,889 |
Scholarships in Netherlands
Scholarships available to international students in the Netherlands include:
- NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) – This scholarship is awarded to international students who originate from outside the EEA and want to pursue Bachelor and Master’s programs in the Netherlands.
- Desmond Fortes Scholarship – This scholarship is awarded to international students from developing countries who wish to pursue Master’s and PhD studies in the Netherlands. To get this scholarship, you must be employed by FMO (the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank) and have a strong interest in green finance and environmental sustainability.
- University-specific scholarships
- If you apply through Craydel, you can get the following scholarships and discounts from our partner universities:
- OnCampus Amsterdam – International students get a discount of up to €3,000 for foundation year studies, excluding medical foundation programme.
- Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences – International students get a scholarship of up to €5,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Top In-Demand Careers in Netherlands 2025
Based on factors like an aging workforce, and the country’s high economic growth, here are the top in demand careers in the Netherlands in 2025.
1. Engineer
According to ComputerWeekly, the Netherlands had 86,250 vacant engineer spots in 2022. This is estimated to reach 210,900 by 2026.
The engineer shortage is hampering the country’s efforts in sustainability, digital transformation, and energy transition, and you can be part of the effort to alleviate this problem.
The salary for this position is also lucrative, as you can earn up to €120,000 per year for providing your engineering skills after studies.
2. Nurse
Recent research points to a 6,000 shortage of nurses trained at the Bachelor’s level in the Netherlands. More data by ABF Research points to a projected shortage of healthcare workers that will reach 135,000 by 2031.
If you’re passionate about giving care to individuals in a hospital or home setting, then you should consider the nursing career that offers remuneration of up to €83,038 per year.
3. Cyber Security Professional
The Cyber Security Council in the Netherlands reports that the cyber security workforce gap is estimated to be 29,058 in 2023 and is expected to increase. Additionally, the Dutch government has allocated €95 million to help with talent development in the cybersecurity industry, which points to the potential of the career in the country.
After studies, you can get cyber security jobs in finance, technology, and healthcare and earn a lucrative salary of up to €120,087 per year.
4. Hospitality Careers
The Dutch hospitality sector reported a shortage of 44,600 workers in 2022 and is expected to grow. Additionally, the hospitality industry is projected to contribute €134.6 billion to the country’s GDP in 2034. This means that the industry is rapidly growing in the Netherlands, so it’s expected to create even more jobs.
International students can take advantage of this opportunity to enroll in hospitality courses and graduate to become hotel managers in the Netherlands. The pay for these professionals is also high, reaching up to €134,342 per year.
5. Construction Professionals
A publication by NL Times states that the Netherlands needs about 60,000 additional workers in the construction sector between 2025 and 2028. 50,000 of these workers will need to have an educational requirement to provide their much-needed skills in the sector.
After graduation, international students can help alleviate this shortage problem by working in careers such as construction managers, which have annual pay that can reach up to €96,000.
Grading System in Netherlands
Netherlands’ higher learning institutions use a 10-point grading scale, with 10 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest grade. The minimum score required to pass your course is 6 but if your course utilises marks with decimal points then the minimum score to pass the course is 5.5.
In addition, the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is used to determine a student’s workload. If you complete 28 hours of study you gain 1 credit. Completing 60 credits is equal to a full year of study.
Here is a table representing the grading system in the Netherlands.
Grade | Grade Description | ECTS Equivalent |
10 | Outstanding | A |
9 | Very good | A |
8 | Good | A |
7 | More than satisfactory | B |
6 | Satisfactory | C |
5 | Almost satisfactory | D |
4 | Unsatisfactory | E |
3 | Very unsatisfactory | F |
2 | Poor | F |
1 | Very poor | F |
The most common passing grades given are between 6 to 8. A very small percentage of the student population gets grades 10 and 9. In fact, having grade 10 or 9 grants you mythical-like status in a Netherlands university.
Here is a case example from Utrecht University that shows this distribution of grades from 6 to 10 for bachelor programmes from September 2021 to August 2024.
Grade | % number of students |
6 | 18.58% |
6.5 | 17.38% |
7 | 20.21% |
7.5 | 19.17% |
8 | 13.72% |
8.5 | 7.10% |
9 | 2.81% |
9.5 | 0.81% |
10 | 0.22% |
The same is also true for failing grades 1, 2, and 3 as they are rarely awarded.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Netherlands
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands vary between different universities and programs of study. The following are the general requirements that cut across many Dutch universities.
- A high school certificate equivalent to a Netherlands HAVO, VMBO-T diploma, or a high school diploma equivalent to 13 years of study to enroll in a Bachelor’s programme
- A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Dutch HBO or WO Bachelor’s degree to enroll in a Master’s programme.
- Relevant academic transcripts
- Proof of English capabilities through results of an English language test. IELTS score of at least 6 and TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) and 213 (Internet-based).
- A copy of your passport
- CV
- Personal statement
- If applying for a Master’s, you may be asked for 2 years relevant work experience and a recommendation letter in addition to your academic certificates
Some universities may allow you to submit your application without all these documents. In this case, they will send you a conditional offer of acceptance that requires you to provide the missing documents.
Study in Netherlands Admission Process
If you’re looking to have a seamless admission process in the Netherlands, you can utilise any of our counsellors, who are experts in everything you need to know about the Dutch higher education system.
The admission process with your counsellor is smooth as they take you through the following simple steps.
1. Choosing the Course and University of Study
This first step is important as it sets precedence for the admission process. To begin, Craydel’s offers you an industry-leading Career Match Assessment that gives you individualised insights into the best courses for you. Your counsellor then gives you recommendations of the best Dutch universities well suited for you.
2. Submitting Application Documents
Upon deciding on a university, your Craydel counsellor will help you prepare the necessary documents to send with your application, for example, academic documents, personal statement, and language test results.
You will also get guidance on the special requirements that may arise with your program for example getting recommendation letters when applying for a masters.
3. Receiving an Offer Letter
Once the admissions office in your university goes through your application and verifies that you meet all the qualifying criteria, they send you an Offer Letter. The process is usually fast and you may even receive an offer letter within 48 working hours.
Your offer letter includes important information like the tuition fee amount you are required to pay, the start and end date of your program, and the campus to which you’re required to report to.
You will also be required to sign and send back an acceptance form included in the offer letter.
4. Paying Tuition and Visa Fees
The university requires that you pay at least half of the tuition so as to secure a place in the institution. Your offer letter has information on the account details to pay the tuition fee.
5. Applying for a Netherlands Study Visa
You will need a Netherlands student visa to study in the Netherlands as a non-EU national. Requirements to get the visa include:
- An offer letter allowing you to study in a Dutch institution of higher learning
- A duly completed visa application
- A photocopy of your passport
- Since you will be attending an English-taught course, you may be required to produce proof of English language proficiency through an IELTS test score.
- You will also need a signed tuberculosis declaration certificate
- You need to provide proof that you have enough living costs to support yourself. A minimum of €870 per month or €10,440 per year is required to cater for your living costs.
- You may also be required to show a bank statement with a minimum of €15,000, enough to cover tuition costs for one year. If someone other than yourself is paying your tuition fee, you will need a signed and filled-in financial statement.
- You will also be required to book an appointment with the Dutch embassy in your home country for screening of your documents and attending an interview.
The visa process takes 4 to 6 weeks, so it is paramount to start your application early enough prior to your enrollment day to avoid delays.
Upon receipt of your Netherlands student visa, the Dutch embassy or consulate will also issue you with an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) sticker on your passport. The MVV serves as an entry visa into the Netherlands and is applicable to all individuals who intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
6. Pre-travel Checklist and Enrollment
This is the last step in your admission journey with your Craydel counsellor. All that remains is preparing your accommodation and booking your flight ticket to the Netherlands.
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you will be required to get a residence permit. The university that you are enrolled in gets one for you, provided you meet the following requirements:
- You must have proof of registration in the university for a full-time programme
- Your study programme must be accredited
- You must have a provisional residence permit (MVV)
The residence permit can be issued for a period of up to 5 years and is valid for an extra 3 months after the end date of your studies.
Other obligations you need to fulfil upon arrival in the Netherlands include:
- Getting a Dutch Health Insurance within 3 months after arrival in the country
- Getting a BSN number in the Dutch municipality where you live. This number will be useful if you intend to work during your studies.
Important Timelines for Study in Netherlands
Knowing when to make your university application can significantly increase your chances of getting into your preferred programme at a Dutch institution of higher learning. Here are the important timelines for study in the Netherlands.
Popular Intakes for Study in Netherlands
Netherlands has two popular intakes. They include:
- September intake
- February intake
When Should You Apply?
In order to successfully apply for your preferred intake in a Dutch university, you’ll need to meet the following deadlines:
- September intake – Applications run from October, and the deadline is in June of the intake year
- February intake – Applications run from May, and the deadline is in October
Course Duration for Study in Netherlands
Course duration depends on whether you’re studying in a research university or a university of applied science. Here are the course durations of study.
University of Applied Sciences | Research University | |
Foundation/ Pathway | 1 year | 1 year |
Associate | 2 years (120 credits) | – |
Bachelor’s | 4 years (240 credits) | 3 years (180 credits) |
Master’s | 1 – 4 years (60 – 240 credits) | 1 – 3 years (60 – 180 credits) |
PhD | – | 4 years |
Cost of Living and Studying in Netherlands
Tuition costs for international students in the Netherlands range from €9,000 to €20,000 for Bachelor’s degrees and €12,000 to €30,000 for Master’s programmes.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is also quite affordable for an international student as you can spend between €800 to €1,100 a month. This may depend on your spending habits or the city that you live in. For example, the cost of living in Amsterdam is slightly more than that of living in Enschede.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the living costs for an international student in most Dutch cities.
Expense | Cost per Month (EUR) | Cost per Month
(USD) |
Accommodation | 450 – 700 | 461 – 718 |
Transport | 60 – 80 | 62 – 82 |
Food | 150 – 170 | 154 – 174 |
Other expenses | 140 – 150 | 143 – 154 |
Total | 800 – 1,100 | 820 – 1128 |
Student Life In Netherlands
International students in the Netherlands have a fulfilling academic and social life as the country has much to offer. Here are the different aspects of student life in the Netherlands.
On campus
Most institutions have student-run associations and organizations that bring together students for academic, recreation, and sporting activities. It’s therefore easy to find clubs and organisations where you can interact with like-minded individuals and even students from your home country.
Bike Transport
As an international student in the Netherlands, you should consider getting a bicycle. Here is why: There are an estimated 23.9 million bicycles in the Netherlands, more than the country’s current population of 18 million.
Consequently, bike transport is the main mode of transportation in the Netherlands, and the traffic rules highly favour cyclists. Bike prices are affordable, meaning you can get one for as low as €50 in Facebook groups, online markets, and bike shops.
With over 35,000 kilometers of dedicated bike paths in the country, your bike will be like your best friend as you explore the vast country.
Delicacies
As an international student, you may wonder what food awaits you in this European country. The Dutch find their food lekker, meaning tasty or delicious, and you will find this to be true with foods such as stroopwafels, frietjes, bitterballen, hutspot and huzarensalade.
A fun fact about Dutch food is that we have them to thank for orange carrots. They were the first people to breed and grow the orange carrot back in the 16th century.
Culture
In the country’s history, many foreigners settled in the Netherlands, bringing with them their ideas and culture.
As a result, the Netherlands has people from over 200 nationalities, which has resulted in a multicultural society that is diverse and tolerant. It’s therefore no wonder that over 90% of the people speak English and international students have an easier time settling in the country.
International students also get to experience the festive Dutch mood throughout the year as there are plenty of celebrations and events. The biggest festival is in April, known as Kings Day. The Dutch go all out with music, food, and fun fairs to celebrate King Willem Alexander’s birthday.
Other popular festivals include; A Campingflight To Lowlands Paradise, PinkPop hosting international music acts, Holland festival in Amsterdam, and the Rotterdam Summer Carnival.
Climate
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate mainly influenced by the North Sea. This means that extreme cold and hot temperatures are rare. Summers can have temperatures of between 21°C – 26°C. Winter temperatures are between 3°C – 10°C.
International students, therefore, need to prepare adequately to deal with lower temperatures than they’re used to during winter by dressing in warm and waterproof clothing. Summer weather is not too hot but will require wearing lightweight pieces of clothing in readiness to explore the Dutch outdoors.
Best Cities to Study and Live in Netherlands
The Netherlands has some of the best student cities hosting the current population of 120,000 international students. The cities rank highly based on factors such as cost of living, safety, availability of public transport, cultural diversity, and the quality of the universities in these cities.
Here is a list of the best student cities in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam evolved from a small fishing settlement to Netherlands’ biggest city and most populated city. It has a population of approximately 918,000 people. 56% of the residents in the city are non-Dutch, which is a testament to Amsterdam’s international outlook.
Here are more reasons why Amsterdam is popular with international students.
a) Home to top Dutch universities
In Amsterdam, you can get access to reputable Craydel partner universities such as IC University of Applied Sciences – Amsterdam, OnCampus Amsterdam, and Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences.
Other notable universities in the city include the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, which, according to QS, rank as the 2nd and 9th top universities in the Netherlands, respectively.
b) Amsterdam is safe for international students
The Safe Cities Index of 2021 ranks Amsterdam as the 6th safest city in the world and the 2nd safest in Europe. The city has particularly high scores in infrastructure, environmental, and personal security.
As an international student, you can enjoy the ambiance and serenity of Amsterdam’s streets without worrying about your safety, as petty crimes are relatively low.
c) It’s the country’s business and financial hub
International students greatly benefit from the city’s commercial outlook, as it has a high concentration of international companies. For example, after studies, you can find employment in companies like Booking.com, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Nike, Heineken, Unilever, Philips, Cisco Systems, IBM, Oracle, and Deloitte.
d) Easy access to other European cities
Amsterdam offers easy access to other cities within the Netherlands and Europe. For example, Paris, Berlin, and London are only an hour and a half away by plane. You can even decide to save costs on travel even further with a more scenic train ride.
e) Explore the Dutch art and culture in museums
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do after class, you can always visit one of the many museums in Amsterdam and be amazed by art, history, and culture.
The Rijksmuseum is one such popular museum, and it was the most visited museum in 2023 with 2.7 million visitors. Other popular museums include the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank Huis, Moco Museum, and NEMO Science Museum.
Top Jobs in Netherlands for International Students
Combining studies and work is a popular thing to do for most international students and you will be glad to know that it is possible to do so as you study in the Netherlands.
International students are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week when in school and full-time during the summer (June, July, and August) provided they stick to the following regulations:
- You need a work permit, and your employer initiates the process to get one from the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen). It can take 5 – 6 weeks. If you intend to do work for internship purposes, you’re not required to have a work permit, and your working hours are not limited.
- You need to have a BSN (Burgerservicenummer) also known as a Citizen Service Number to be able to apply for a job.
- You must get Dutch health insurance within the first 3 months
You can use Dutch job websites like Careerinholland, and Iamexpat to find suitable jobs. The career offices in your university may also be a good place to get advice on how to navigate the job market in the Netherlands.
Here are jobs that you can get while studying in the Netherlands:
On-Campus Jobs in Netherlands
These are jobs that you can do within the grounds of your university. They include:
- Event organiser
- Laboratory assistant
- Student guide
- Teaching assistant
- Student ambassador
- Library assistant
Off-Campus Jobs in Netherlands
These are jobs that you do outside the premises of your university. They include:
- Waiter
- Customer service representative
- Receptionist
- English language tutor
- Food delivery
- Warehouse employee
- Retail and Sales
- Web and mobile developer
- Digital marketing specialist
- Call centre customer service representative
How Much Do International Students Earn While Studying in the Netherlands?
Students earn a minimum of €7 to €14 per hour for part-time work in the Netherlands. This is in line with the current minimum wage set by the Dutch government as follows:
- 21 years and above – € 14.06
- 20 years – € 11.25
- 19 years – € 8.44
- 18 years – € 7.03
Are You Required to Learn Dutch to Get a Job?
Knowledge of Dutch isn’t required, as there are plenty of jobs that you can get as long as you speak English, especially in major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecth, and Rotterdam. However, you can broaden your job search to include the ones that involve speaking Dutch by learning the Dutch language.
Can You Start a Business While You Study in the Netherlands?
According to a law change that took effect on 1 April 2017, international students and researchers can become entrepreneurs while studying. The move is intended to stimulate innovative startups. However, students are warned that studies should remain their main focus.
Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Netherlands
After completing your studies in the Netherlands, you can extend your stay in the country for up to 12 months by applying for the orientation year residency permit. This post-study stay back permit allows you to find a job or start a business. To get it, you will need to fulfill the following conditions:
- You must have completed a Bachelors or Master’s programme in the last three years from a Dutch higher-learning institution
- You need to have a burgerservicenummer (BSN) or Citizen Service Number
- You need to prove that you’re not a danger to the public security of the Netherlands
- You must provide your passport with the application
- You need to pay a €243 application fee
It is important to note that the post-study stay-back permit is not renewable.If you wish to continue staying in the country for an extended period, the following pathways are available for international students:
a) Residence Permit For Employment
Under this permit, you have the following categories:
- Permit for a highly skilled migrant – With this permit, you can work in the Netherlands to provide the skills you get from a Dutch higher education institution of learning. Your employer (who must be recognised by IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) makes the application on your behalf.
- Paid employment residence permit only – Either you or your employer can apply for this residence permit. However, your employer’s company needs to be registered in the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
- Single Permit (GVVA) – This permit combines the residence and work permit and allows you to live and work in the Netherlands.
b) Residence Permit to Start a Business
Under this permit, you have two categories:
- A Startup residence permit – You apply for this permit by yourself on the IND) website. You have to show that the company you are starting is innovative in providing a new product or service in the Netherlands.
- A residence permit for self-employed persons – You can get this permit if you intend to start a business in the Netherlands and work as a self-employed person. Registration in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce is required.
c) Researcher Residence Permit
This permit applies to paid international students who wish to work as researchers, unpaid researchers with a grant and PhD candidates. Your employer makes the application on your behalf based on the agreed terms of your employment.
d) European Blue Card
Allows you to work in the Netherlands as a highly educated employee from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). Your employer applies for this permit on your behalf.
Advantages of this permit include:
- It is possible to apply for a residence permit in another EU country.
- Your employer doesn’t need to be recognised by Netherlands institutions to sponsor your permit.
- In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residency after 2 years instead of 5.
Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Netherlands
Supposing the Netherlands has grown on you, and you want to continue living there? This is possible with a permanent residence permit. To get it you’ll need to have held the Dutch residence permit for at least 5 years. Here are other requirements:
- You must have always met and continue meeting the conditions of your residence permit
- You must have had your main residence in the country for 5 years, with a majority of that time spent in the Netherlands.
- You must be registered in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen or BRP)
- You must show that you have sufficient income to sustain yourself in the Netherlands
- You must do a civic integration exam showing that you are familiar with Dutch culture and the language and pass it at level A2 (which means you can read short and simple texts in Dutch).
- You must pay a fee of €243
The waiting period for the outcome of your permanent residency application is 6 months or less. When ready, IND will contact you to get your letter. You are required to make an appointment to collect your PR.
With the PR document, you can work without requiring a work permit. The PR is valid for 5 years, after which you are required to renew it.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has a strong higher education system, internationally recognised English-taught programs, plenty of work opportunities, and a multicultural society ready to welcome you. It’s no wonder the number of international students has been growing over the years to the current number of 120,000.
And while the Government is likely to reduce English-taught courses at the undergraduate level, there are still plenty of spots for international students in the country, including at the Master’s level.
If you’re ready to get these benefits and be part of the international student community in the Netherlands, contact us today at Craydel. The combined effort of our expert counselors and valuable matchmaker tool will put you at an advantage in choosing a favourable course and applying to the university of your dreams.
Reach out now to ensure that you get accepted and settled in any of our highly ranked Dutch higher education partner institutions.