Getting help with visas

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter the Netherlands and a residence permit to study here for more than three months. If you work while studying, you may need a work permit. The rules on visas and permits are complex, but Windesheim’s International Office provides full support to students and applicants who need help.

Visas and permits: who needs what

The visa and permit requirements are summarised in the table below. Please note that, if you plan to work while studying, this has implications for your visa and permit requirements. 

Working while you study
List of EU and EEA countries 
IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service) 
Study in Holland

 

Group  Entry visa (MVV) needed Residence permit (VVR) needed   Work permit required
1.EU/EEA nationals and Swiss nationals  No   No No 
2. Romanian and Bulgarian nationals  No  No
But Verification Against the European Community Law is required if you want to work or do a paid internship. Can be applied for after arrival Cost: € 41,-
Yes
Cost: free
3. Nationals of the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vatican City, Monaco  No  Yes
Cost: € 600,-
Yes
Cost: free
4. Non-EU/EEA nationals from countries not in group 3. Yes
Cost: € 300,-
Yes
Cost: € 300,- 
Yes
Cost: free 

How to apply

Windesheim’s International Office will normally apply for a visa and/or permit on your behalf. The procedure is summarised in the table below. For full details, see our downloadable guide, below. 

 Applying for visas and residence permits: who does what
 You …  We …  The authorities …
 Include Visa Service Application form when applying for a place at Windesheim    
  Decide whether you can be offered a place; if so, send you an offer letter including a request for visa fees and documents  
Pay the visa fees and send us requested documentation    
  Submit your application to the Dutch authorities   
    Consider your application; if approved invite you to collect your visa from Dutch embassy in your country
Collect visa, taking requested documents with you     
On arrival in NL, register at Windesheim’s International Office     

Documents you need to provide

A documentation checklist is provided on our Visa Service Application Form. To get a visa, you need to demonstrate that you have adequate financial support. In practical terms, this means that you have to pay your tuition fees in advance and pay € 800 subsistence money into an account in the Netherlands for every month of your stay. This subsistence money is not kept by Windesheim – you can draw on it to pay for your keep once you are here. For full details, see our downloadable guide, below.

Visas and residence permits – a guide for international students

Visa Service Application Form