Savanna Hoffman
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students, offering top-quality education in the first non-English-speaking country. Students can enjoy the country's rich history, famous canal systems, and progressive cities, alongside high-quality universities. International students should be mindful of the steps required to stay in the Netherlands, including obtaining a student residence permit if necessary, and securing accommodation. Students should also be aware of potential scams when searching for accommodation and be cautious with their documents, keeping financial documents locked and travel documents readily accessible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Students from EU/EEA nations or Switzerland do not require a visa, but international students from outside these areas will need a student residence permit |
| Tuition fees | For international students outside of the EU/EEA, tuition fees are not capped by the government, so they will cost more than for an EU/EEA student |
| Scholarships | The Dutch government and universities offer scholarships to attract international students |
| Accommodation | Start looking for accommodation between January and March to move in August. Student accommodation on campus gets booked quickly, so apply as soon as applications open. In big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, rent from winter to spring will cost about €500-700 per month |
| Culture | It is advised to learn some Dutch phrases to help with daily life, as Dutch is the primary language |
| Weather | The weather is unpredictable and it can rain at any time of the year |
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What You'll Learn
Learn some Dutch phrases to help you settle in
Learning some Dutch phrases can be extremely helpful for international students settling in the Netherlands. While 90% of Dutch people speak English, attempting even basic Dutch phrases can unlock genuine smiles, better service, and more meaningful interactions. Dutch is also surprisingly approachable for English speakers, with straightforward phrases and logical grammar.
Greetings
- "Hallo" – Hello (Works everywhere, every time!)
- "Hoi" – Hi (Perfect for casual settings or when speaking to someone under 50)
- "Goedemorgen" – Good morning (Use until 12 pm)
- "Dank u wel" – Thank you (Formal)
- "Dank je wel" – Thank you (Informal and the most common version)
- "Bedankt" – Thanks (Quick and casual)
Dining
- "Alstublieft" – Please/Here you go (Formal)
- "Alsjeblieft" – Please/Here you go (Informal)
Shopping
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" – How much does this cost?
- "Heeft u dit in een andere maat?" – Do you have this in another size?
- "Kan ik met creditcard betalen?" – Can I pay with a credit card?
- "Is er een korting mogelijk?" – Is there a discount available?
Transportation
- "Waar is het station?" – Where is the station?
- "Hoe kom ik bij het museum?" – How do I get to the museum?
- "Is dit de weg naar ...?" – Is this the way to ...?
- "Een kaartje naar ..." – A ticket to ...
- "Welke bus/tram gaat naar ...?" – Which bus/tram goes to ...?
Learning these and other Dutch phrases will not only facilitate smoother interactions in your daily life but also demonstrate respect for the local culture and a willingness to immerse yourself in the Dutch way of life.
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Apply for a student residence permit
If you are an international student from outside the EU/EEA area or Switzerland, you will need a student residence permit to study in the Netherlands. This permit acts as a study visa and allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your studies.
To apply for a student residence permit, you must provide proof of your financial situation for the entire period of your studies. You will need to show that you have around 870 EUR per month to cover your living costs. Additionally, students from the People's Republic of China must obtain a Nuffic Certificate to be eligible for a Dutch entry visa and enrol in an English-taught study programme.
It is important to note that the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) requires your university to inform them if you discontinue your studies, terminate your registration, or no longer have sufficient funds. This may result in the cancellation of your residence permit. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the required minimum level of funds throughout your stay in the Netherlands.
When applying for the student residence permit, you should also be prepared to explain your study plan. This includes detailing why you have chosen your specific subject area and how it relates to your prior studies.
Lastly, after arriving in the Netherlands, remember to register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BPR) in the municipality where you will be living. This step is necessary to finalise your residence permit process and ensure you are legally allowed to remain in the country for your studies.
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Look for accommodation early
Finding accommodation as an international student in the Netherlands can be a challenging task, so it is advisable to start looking early. The golden rule for international students is to start their search between January and March if they plan to move in August of the same year. This is when the market has the most options available, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible.
If your university offers student accommodation, especially on campus, it is recommended to find out about the application process and apply as soon as possible, even on the same day, as these rooms tend to get booked quickly. If you are unable to secure on-campus accommodation or are looking for an alternative, you can consider renting a room or studio in The Social Hub, which offers flexible options for international students.
In the big cities, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, rent from winter to spring can range from €500 to €700 per month. To find a room during this period, you may consider subscribing to websites like Stadswonen and Kamernet, which cost about €30 each but offer an easier way to find and respond to offers.
It is important to be cautious when using Facebook groups to find accommodation, as scams are common, especially during the busy season from June to September. Never pay any deposits before you have seen the room and met the property owner in person. If you are struggling to find a room, you can pair up with another student and look for apartments together, increasing your chances of finding a place to stay.
Overall, by starting your search early and being proactive and cautious in your approach, you can successfully secure accommodation as an international student in the Netherlands.
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Be cautious of scams when searching for housing
When looking for accommodation in the Netherlands, international students should be cautious of scams, especially if they are searching during the busy season (June to September). Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:
Firstly, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially cheap rental accommodation in city centres. Scammers are often in a hurry and will pressure you to sign the lease quickly, so be cautious if you feel rushed or uncomfortable. Before handing over any money, check the apartment in person and make sure the keys work. If you can't do this yourself, ask someone else to do it for you. Even this does not guarantee that the rental is legitimate, but it lowers your chances of being scammed.
Secondly, be cautious of illegal sublets or tax scams. Ask if you can register with the council at the address, and if the answer is no, that is a red flag. You should also check who owns the apartment via the Kadaster property register. If the owner is different from the prospective landlord, ask for an explanation and, if necessary, written authorisation.
Thirdly, only pay via bank transfer if possible. Scammers may demand payments through companies like Western Union or Airbnb, or they may ask for cash payments without providing receipts. If you must pay in cash, make sure you get a signed receipt, have witnesses present, and send confirmation emails to the landlord or agency. Use your phone to record the conversation, stating the amount, reason for payment, address, and recipient.
Finally, keep a file of all relevant information, including screenshots of the apartment advertisement and emails. If you do fall victim to a scam, contact the police immediately and press charges.
By being cautious and following these steps, international students can protect themselves from housing scams when searching for accommodation in the Netherlands.
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Consider applying for scholarships
The cost of studying in the Netherlands can be high, especially for international students from outside the EU/EEA area, who do not have their fees capped by the government. Undergraduate degrees can cost between €8,000 and €20,000 per year, with postgraduate degrees costing up to €30,000 per year.
However, there are plenty of scholarships available for international students to help fund their studies. The Dutch government, universities, and other institutions offer scholarships to attract international students to the Netherlands. These scholarships are available for all types of programs, from bachelor's to master's degrees.
One such scholarship is the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, as well as Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. This scholarship is aimed at international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to complete their bachelor's degree in the Netherlands. It provides a scholarship of €5,000 to contribute to living costs and is paid to successful applicants by Breda University of Applied Sciences after their arrival in the Netherlands. To qualify, candidates must not have lived in Europe for more than 12 months over the past five years and should not have previously studied in the Netherlands (except as an exchange student for 1 or 2 semesters).
Another scholarship to consider is the Erasmus+ scholarship, which is provided by the European Commission. This scholarship is for students who wish to study abroad for a semester or complete an internship abroad. It is accessible to all studies and is not limited to EU countries, with some non-European countries also eligible.
Additionally, the Buas Bachelor Scholarship is designed to support non-EU/EEA students who pay the full tuition fee for one of the bachelor's programs at Breda University of Applied Sciences. A limited number of scholarships are available each year to contribute to the costs of tuition fees.
To find out more about these and other scholarships, you can visit the following websites:
- Studyfinder: This database provides information on scholarships available for specific study programs.
- Study in NL: An initiative of Nuffic that informs students about Dutch higher education worldwide, including funding opportunities.
- Scholarship Portal: This website integrates funding opportunities for studying, working, or performing research in European nations, helping students find and select appropriate scholarships.
- Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education: Manages the Indonesian Education Scholarship.
When considering scholarships, it is important to check the eligibility criteria and application process carefully. Scholarships often prioritize students based on academic performance or motivational levels, so be sure to showcase your strengths and highlight why you deserve the scholarship.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands as an international student. You can apply for a provisional residence permit (MVV) and/or a residence permit.
Only your educational institution can apply for a residence permit for you.
You can apply for a 1-year 'Search Year' residence permit. You need to apply for this before the expiration of your current residence permit. With this, you have the right to work in the Netherlands and can look for a stable job that provides you with the right to stay.
You can still stay in the Netherlands by applying for residence as a highly skilled migrant. This application is done via your employer, who must be qualified to apply for your residency.
Yes, nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States, and the Vatican are exempt from the provisional residence permit requirement.
