Dutch Student Visas

American citizens are not required to apply for a visa. Rather, upon receiving a conditional acceptance to a study program, your Dutch university will apply on your behalf for a residence permit for the purpose of studying.

Once you have applied and are conditionally accepted to your program of interest, you will be invited to submit certain documents that your university will use to apply for a residence permit on your behalf.

Because of this unique process in which the university applies on the student’s behalf, the logistics of applying for residency in the Netherlands from abroad can be significantly less complicated than in many other European countries.

Financial Requirements
Other Requirements
Waving flag with red, white, and black horizontal stripes on a boat against a cloudy sky and water with a lighthouse in the distance.
Interior view of a historic library with tall bookshelves on multiple levels, arched windows, decorative ceiling, and a glass skylight ceiling.
Two bicycles, one red and one white, parked outdoors among green plants and flowers, with yellow and purple bushes in the background.
Two people sitting in a modern, slanted window view room during sunset, one reading a book and the other using a smartphone, with city buildings and cranes outside.
Colorful, narrow European-style buildings along a canal with blue sky in the background.

Financial Requirements

In order to qualify for a residence permit, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to afford the cost of your degree and the cost of living in the Netherlands. These funds can be comprised of your personal savings as well as grants, scholarships, loans, and/or a sponsorship.

  • €13,130

    (Roughly $15,500)

    for one year of living expenses
    (calculated at €1,094 per month x 12 months)

  • €243

    (Roughly $300)

    Residence permit application fee

  • Tuition

    Typically universities will require students provide proof of available funds for their tuition in addition to the funds assigned for their living expenses.

  • ✔ Sponsorships Permitted

    Sponsorship agreements are permitted with a person (family or not) or company located either in the Netherlands or abroad.

Go to: Student Working Rights

Other Requirements

  • Health Insurance

    Students are required to have insurance valid in the Netherlands upon arrival in the country.

  • Legalized Documents

    All your official documents must be in English and legalized with an apostille.

Discover more about studying in the Netherlands

Return to the Netherlands Country Profile