STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDSStudy in the Netherlands from Dubai — Student Visa Guidance for UAE Residents

Plan your Dutch education with independent advisors: choose a recognised programme, understand the TEV procedure your university submits, prepare funds evidence, and know your work rights and orientation-year options.

Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. Dutch student permits are issued only by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Study in the Netherlands: Universities, Student Visa Rules and 2026 Changes

The Netherlands offers a large number of English-taught degrees at research universities and universities of applied sciences, in an international and well-connected setting. Non-EU students pay institutional tuition fees that are higher than the statutory fee paid by EU students.

In most cases your recognised university submits a combined application for the entry visa (MVV) and the residence permit, known as the TEV procedure. Your task is to provide complete documents and proof of funds on time.

English-Taught Programmes

A wide choice of degrees taught in English.

Work Rights

Up to 16 hours per week in term, or full-time in June–August, with an employer work permit.

Post-Study Options

The 12-month orientation-year (zoekjaar) permit helps graduates look for work.

1-to-1 Advisor Guidance

TEV, funds and orientation-year planning in one place

Netherlands Study Visa Types

Student residence permit with MVV (TEV)

A combined application submitted by your university for the entry visa and residence permit. If your nationality needs an MVV, you collect it at a Dutch mission before travelling.

Student residence permit (no MVV needed)

Some nationalities do not need an MVV but still need a residence permit. Your university advises which procedure applies.

Orientation-year permit (zoekjaar)

A 12-month permit after graduation to look for work or start a business, available to recent graduates of eligible institutions.

Netherlands Student Visa Requirements

Required documents and criteria

  • A valid passport (the MVV requires sufficient remaining validity).
  • Admission to a recognised full-time programme.
  • Evidence of sufficient means, normally for twelve months of living costs.
  • A completed antecedents certificate (required for applicants over 12).
  • A tuberculosis test after arrival where the nationality requires it.
  • Academic records and language evidence as set by the programme.

Financial requirements (2026)

  • The IND's 2026 study amount is €1,130.77 per month, normally evidenced for twelve months (about €13,569).
  • The amount does not include tuition fees.
  • Funds can come from savings, a sponsor or a scholarship, evidenced as the university instructs.
  • Older pages quote €1,080 or €1,218 per month. Use the current IND figure, as the amount is set annually.

Figures checked October 2026. Confirm current amounts with the official source before you apply.

Netherlands Student Visa Changes in 2026

Confirmed

  • Living-cost benchmark: €1,130.77 per month for 2026.
  • Procedure: the university submits a combined MVV and residence-permit (TEV) application for most students.
  • Fee: about €254 for the student residence permit, usually paid through the institution (older pages quote €228).
  • Work: up to 16 hours per week in term, or full-time in June–August, with an employer work permit.
  • After graduation: a 12-month orientation-year permit, applied for within three years of graduating.

Reported — verify

  • Study progress rules require students to complete a share of their credits each year to keep their permit.

Monitor

  • Policy changes on English-taught programmes and international student numbers.
  • Annual changes to the funds amount and fees.

Our Advisory Process for Study in the Netherlands

  1. 1

    Profile review

    We discuss your academic background, budget, goals and timeline.

  2. 2

    Programme shortlist

    We help you compare Dutch universities, applied-sciences universities and costs.

  3. 3

    Admission support

    We guide your applications and the documents the university asks for.

  4. 4

    Funds and documents preparation

    We help you organise financial evidence clearly and consistently.

  5. 5

    TEV readiness

    We explain what your university submits and what you must provide.

  6. 6

    Arrival guidance

    MVV collection, residence permit pick-up, housing and registration.

  7. 7

    Post-study planning

    Work rights and the orientation-year permit.

Typical Government and Mandatory Costs for the Netherlands (2026)

ItemAmountNotes
Student residence permit (IND)About €254Usually paid through your institution; older pages quote €228.
Proof of living funds (shown, not paid)€1,130.77 per monthAbout €13,569 for twelve months, plus tuition.
Tuberculosis testVariesRequired for some nationalities after arrival.
Health insuranceVariesRequired; cost depends on provider and cover.
Tuition feesVariesInstitutional fees for non-EU students.

Fees and funds thresholds are set by the relevant government authorities and change without notice. Confirm current amounts on the official site before applying.

Work Rights and Post-Study Options

  • During studies — Up to 16 hours per week, or full-time in June–August.
  • Work permit — Your employer must apply for a work permit (TWV) for you.
  • Self-employment — Possible within student-permit conditions.
  • After graduation — A 12-month orientation-year permit to look for work.
  • Moving to work — Graduates may move to a highly skilled migrant or other work permit.

Why Study in the Netherlands?

English-Taught Degrees

Many programmes taught in English.

International Environment

A multicultural student community.

Central European Location

Easy travel across Europe.

Post-Study Route

A dedicated orientation-year permit.

Strong Applied Learning

Universities of applied sciences with industry links.

Netherlands Student Visa FAQs for UAE Residents

Answers to the questions applicants ask most.

1. What is the MVV and do I need one?

The MVV is a long-stay entry visa that some nationalities need to enter the Netherlands for more than 90 days. Your university normally applies for it together with your residence permit. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, so ask your institution.

2. Can I apply from Dubai?

Yes. UAE residents are guided by their university, which submits the TEV application to the IND. If an MVV is required, you collect it at the Dutch mission serving the UAE within the time window stated in your approval.

3. What is the TEV procedure?

TEV stands for the combined entry and residence application submitted by a recognised sponsor, normally your university. It saves you from applying separately for the visa and the permit. You provide documents and funds evidence to the institution.

4. How much money do I need to show?

The IND's 2026 study amount is €1,130.77 per month, usually shown for twelve months, which is about €13,569 for living costs. Tuition fees are additional. Check the current amount, as it is set annually.

5. How much does the student permit cost?

The student residence permit fee is about €254 according to current guidance, although older pages quote €228. It is usually paid through the university. Health insurance and other costs are separate.

6. Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?

Yes. You can work up to 16 hours per week in term, or full-time in June, July and August, and your employer must obtain a work permit. Choose one pattern, not both.

7. Do I need a work permit (TWV)?

For paid employee work, your employer must apply for the permit. Self-employment may be possible within the conditions of your student permit. Check the details before you accept work.

8. Do I need to speak Dutch?

Not always. Many programmes are taught in English and ask for an English test, while Dutch-taught programmes require Dutch. Each programme sets its own requirement.

9. What if I do not pass enough credits?

Your university must report if your study progress falls below the required threshold, which can affect your permit. Plan your workload realistically and speak to your study adviser early if you struggle.

10. What is the orientation year (zoekjaar)?

It is a 12-month permit that lets graduates of eligible institutions look for work or start a business after finishing their studies. You apply within three years of graduating.

11. Can I bring my family?

Family members may be able to apply for their own permits, but you must meet income and other requirements. Partner work rights depend on the permit type.

12. Is a TB test required?

Some nationalities must take a tuberculosis test in the Netherlands within three months of receiving the permit. Your university or the IND tells you whether it applies.

13. How long does the process take?

Processing varies by season and nationality, and published estimates range from weeks to a couple of months. Apply early and book your MVV appointment as soon as you receive approval.

14. What if my permit is refused?

The IND will explain the reasons and the objection period. Review them with an advisor and your university before responding.

15. Can Visatrix Global guarantee my student visa?

No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service decides whether a visa or permit is granted, and no consultant can guarantee approval or processing times. We help you shortlist courses and prepare an accurate, well-organised application.

Plan Your Study in the Netherlands

Start your Netherlands education journey with personalised guidance from our Dubai-based advisors. Free initial consultation, no obligation.

Disclaimer: Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Dutch Government, the IND or any Dutch embassy or consulate, or with any education provider. Dutch student residence permits are decided by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), which makes all decisions. We do not guarantee admission, visa approval or processing times. In most cases your university, as a recognised sponsor, submits the permit application on your behalf. Rules, fees and funds thresholds change frequently; always confirm them with official sources before acting.

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