Netherlands Student Visa
If the student is from a non-EU, non-EEA nation, the Holland student visa process is:
- Requirement of a Provincial Residence Permit, officially known as Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV). This is also known as the permit to enter the Netherlands. The MVV is applied for on the student’s behalf by the host university.
- MVV allows entry in the country for a six-month period. Most of the courses at universities last for 1 to 4 years, a mere MVV will not suffice. Hence, VVR.
- Once you enter the country, you need to apply for VVR or a Residence Permit. The VVR is also applied for by the host university.
- VVR is permitted for study purposes only and is valid for the duration of the programme the student had enrolled in. There is another condition attached with the validity of VVR. It stays valid provided the student scores 50% of credit throughout the course duration.
As the Netherlands is a part of the European Union, international students from the EU or EEA get special privileges and have different requirements. They require neither the MVV nor VVR for studying in the Netherlands. Such students have to simply request their host institutions to register them with the immigration authority.
For students from the USA, Canada, Vatican City State, Monaco, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, only a VVR is required.
Requirements for Student Visa for the Netherlands
For the successful grant of a student visa for the Netherlands, you must submit these compulsory documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient financial means validating that you will be able to support yourself financially during your stay. These include either or all transfers of funds, bank statements and scholarship letters.
- Letter from the university you have chosen confirming your admission or enrollment
- Proof of payment for all required legal fees
- Health insurance
NUFFIC-certificate, a requirement only for Chinese students
Other document requirements are:
- Completed application form
- Two photographs meeting the officially specified conditions
- Birth certificate
- Academic transcripts