Requirements to Study in Netherlands as an International Student

Updated date: 20th January 2023

Netherlands is centrally located in Europe. It is the first non-English speaking country in which universities started to offer higher education study programs in English. Are you thinking of studying in Netherlands? If yes, then you are on the right page. In this article, we will present you with the complete list of requirements to Study in Netherlands as an International Student.

Documents required for the admission application process

If you want to apply to any university in the Netherlands, you need to meet certain requirements. You need to submit some of the supporting documents while applying. These documents serve as proof of your skills, abilities, nationality, and identity. Universities in Netherlands ask for documents depending on your study level and course of study. However, to study in the Netherlands, you will need the following documents: 

• Copy of passport - You will need to upload a copy of the page(s) in your passport containing your details and photographs. If you are from the EU or EEA,  your identity card can be accepted instead of a passport.
• Updated Resume/ CV - The CV (curriculum vitae) must be written in English and should contain the basic personal data and a clear overview of your educational and professional history to date.
• Academic documents - 10th & 12th onwards (Mark-sheets)
• Transcripts - Copies of diplomas and transcripts are required. The documents must be in the original language. If these documents are not in Dutch, English, German, or French, their official translations into one of these languages should be attached with the originals. If you have not yet completed your current study program, mention your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date and an official list of subjects still to be completed.
• Two Letters of Recommendation (if required) -  Letters of recommendation must be written on letterhead paper, signed, and (for verification purposes) they must bear the full contact details of the applicable referee. 
• Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter - The letter of motivation should be a personal statement explaining why you want to pursue that specific study program, why you want to study at a particular University, and what makes you an eligible candidate.
• Passport size Photograph - You need to arrange the correct sized and latest photographs to apply. 
• Language proficiency - If you want to apply for an English-taught degree, you need to prove your efficiency in the language through the test. Check this out: English Language Requirements to Study in Netherlands  
• Duly filled application form with Q/A - The Application form is the entry that you need to fill carefully to get admission at your chosen university. 
• Experience letters (If any) - If you are applying for any Business Program you might be asked to have work experience in the relevant field to get admission to any Business School in the Netherlands. The main documents you can present as proof of work experience are:

1. Latest Joining Letter.
2. Latest Salary Slip.
3. Employment Certificates from all Previous Employers.

Language requirements for universities in Netherlands

A minimum level of language proficiency is required before you can study at any degree level in the Netherlands. Depending on the language used to teach at the university, you will need to prove the language efficiency. 

The main accepted English tests are:

• TOEFL iBT
• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced

If you want to pursue your studies in Dutch:

• You need to pass the Dutch TUL intermediate exam or
• hold a Dutch NT2-II diploma. 

Student visa Requirements to Study in Netherlands as an International Student

To enter the Netherlands, you will need to obtain a student visa. You need to apply for the visa once you are accepted at the dutch university. Along with the filled application form, you need to submit a few supporting documents to obtain a student visa in Netherlands. Below is the list of those documents:

• Completed visa application form
• a valid passport 
• Confirmation of Admission from a Dutch University.
• Financial proof for the entire period of study
• Health insurance for the first three months of their stay in the Netherlands. 
• Also, they might be requested for a Tuberculosis test before they travel to the Netherlands.
• Academics (Transcripts, Degree Certificate, Mark-sheets & All)
• Accommodation letter
• Blocked Air ticket
• Proof of payment for all required legal fees
• Two photographs meet the officially specified conditions
• Birth certificate
• Academic transcripts

Do not miss this out: Planning to Study in Netherlands? Here's All You Need to Know About Netherlands Visa

Health insurance requirements for a student visa for Netherlands

In the Netherlands student visa requirements, you should also have valid health insurance to bear your medical expenses while you study in the Netherlands. You should find out from your host institution for details on health insurance requirements and references for an insurance company. Many private companies also offer special insurance schemes for international students. This health insurance is a mandatory requirement to Study in Netherlands for International Students.

Financial requirements proof for Netherlands student visa

For obtaining a student visa, you need to present financial proof showing that you have sufficient financial means to cover both your living expenses and your tuition fee.

• The tuition fee differs with the study program you chose. The amount needed to show should be for a full academic year of your program.
• The minimum amount required for your living expenses is 925 EUR per month. You need to show the full amount as financial proof which is for the number of months you will be enrolled.

There are a few ways to demonstrate that you have enough funds to study and live in the Netherlands

• You can present a bank statement and/or account statement of a bank account held in your name.
• You can present a scholarship letter confirming that the scholarship has been granted to you.
• If any other person is sponsoring your studies in Netherlands. the sponsor's support statement should be presented. Here the sponsor should declare to support you during your stay in the Netherlands 
• You can also deposit the required amount in the bank account of your university.

We hope this article was helpful for you. For any additional details, you can visit the website of the Dutch university. There you will find the exact documents requirements for your chosen course and visa documents list. You can contact us for any queries. Feel free to reach us.!!

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