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Netherlands visas

Netherlands student visa

Short study visits can use a Schengen visa where required, with the application fee waived. Longer study stays generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit.

Ways to get a Netherlands student visa

  1. Schengen visa for short study or training

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa and are visiting for study or educational training.

    Stay
    Usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries, as granted.
    Fee
    Visa application fee waived.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application without issues.
    1. Apply to the embassy or consulate for your main Schengen destination.
    2. Submit the relevant supporting documents no earlier than six months before entry.
    3. Attend in person for your first application and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.

  2. Visa-free school group visit

    No visa needed

    Non-European Union single market pupils legally resident there who travel with a qualifying school group and teacher. The Netherlands also exempts pupils with visa-required nationalities who live in the United Kingdom and travel on a school excursion with a teacher.

    Stay
    Short stay or transit.

  3. Long-stay study visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    Students from outside the European Union single market who need permission for studies lasting more than 90 days.

    Stay
    Generally a long-stay visa for stays of less than a year, or a residence permit for longer periods.

Who needs it

Students without a short-stay exemption need a visa for a short visit. Travellers from outside the European Union single market generally need longer-stay permission for studies lasting more than 90 days.

Who doesn't

Some school groups qualify for visa-free travel. This includes qualifying groups resident in the European Union single market and certain school groups resident in the United Kingdom.

How to apply

  1. For a short-stay visa, apply to the Dutch embassy or consulate if the Netherlands is your main destination.
  2. Apply no earlier than six months before entry and submit the relevant supporting documents.
  3. Attend in person for your first application and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.

What to bring

  • Relevant supporting documents for the study or training visit.

Good to know

  • Long-stay procedures and conditions depend on the country issuing the permission.
  • A school group exemption requires the relevant group and teacher conditions to be met.
  • Some long-stay study procedures are shared across issuing countries.
  • Detailed Dutch long-stay study application requirements are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for the Netherlands?

Students without a short-stay exemption need a visa for a short visit. Travellers from outside the European Union single market generally need longer-stay permission for studies lasting more than 90 days. Some school groups qualify for visa-free travel. This includes qualifying groups resident in the European Union single market and certain school groups resident in the United Kingdom.

What are the ways to get a student visa for the Netherlands?

There are 3 options: Schengen visa for short study or training (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free school group visit (no visa at all); Long-stay study visa or residence permit (a special permit).

Who can go to the Netherlands without a student visa?

Non-European Union single market pupils legally resident there who travel with a qualifying school group and teacher. The Netherlands also exempts pupils with visa-required nationalities who live in the United Kingdom and travel on a school excursion with a teacher.

How long can I stay on a the Netherlands student visa?

Short visits usually fall within the 90 days in any 180-day period limit. Longer study stays need different permission.

How much does a the Netherlands student visa cost?

The Schengen visa application fee is waived for study or educational training. Long-stay fees are not specified.

How long does a the Netherlands student visa take?

For a short-stay visa: 15 calendar days for an admissible application without issues.

What documents do I need for a the Netherlands student visa?

Relevant supporting documents for the study or training visit..

How do I apply for a the Netherlands student visa?

1. 1. For a short-stay visa, apply to the Dutch embassy or consulate if the Netherlands is your main destination. 2. 2. Apply no earlier than six months before entry and submit the relevant supporting documents. 3. 3. Attend in person for your first application and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.

What rules do I have to follow on a the Netherlands student visa?

Long-stay procedures and conditions depend on the country issuing the permission. A school group exemption requires the relevant group and teacher conditions to be met.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for the Netherlands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Netherlands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

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