A Guide to Studying Abroad in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a popular choice for students looking to study abroad in Europe.

With its notoriety for being bike-friendly, its widespread use of English, and a practical mix of the modern and the old, it's an alluring choice for international students.

If you're looking to spend a year abroad studying in the Netherlands, there are a few things that are helpful to know. Whether you're just starting your research or you're well on your way, this guide will give you tips to make your study abroad dreams a reality.

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🇺🇸 Please note: The specific advice in this guide is for US citizens looking to study abroad in the Netherlands.

How to study abroad in the Netherlands

If you're an American citizen looking to study abroad in the Netherlands for a year, you do not need a visa... technically.

Instead of a visa, you will need to apply for a Dutch residence permit.

This isn't the only requirement you'll need to meet, however. There are requirements specific to students, as well as general requirements that apply to anyone and everyone applying for a residence permit.

Residence permit requirements to study in the Netherlands

In order to apply, you will need to meet a series of requirements. First are the requirements that apply to everyone.

You will need to:

• Have a valid passport/travel document.
• Complete an official form called an "Appendix Antecedents Certificate" (this form is about criminal history and whether or not you have ever committed an offense/crime).

Specific to studying, you'll also need to meet the following requirements.

• Show proof of enrollment at a university or higher educational program.
• The university/educational institution must be a recognized sponsor by the IND.
• Your program must be accredited and recognized (more details can be found through the Dutch Embassy)
• The program must be full-time (aka, you must have full-time enrollment).
• You must continue to show academic progress. This means that you have to obtain a minimum of 50% of the credits for each academic year (pass your classes).
• You must meet financial requirements.

Financial requirements for studying abroad in the Netherlands

To live and study in the Netherlands, you will need to show proof that you can sustain yourself financially.

This is really important as the Dutch government needs to know that you will be able to provide essentials for yourself, such as accommodations and food.

The amount of income required changes annually, but you can find the most recent numbers here. For a quick snapshot, from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, the required minimum monthly income was €1,094.12 for students in higher professional education (HBO) or university and €898.48 for students in secondary education or secondary vocational education (MBO). Check the official website as the amounts are adjusted annually.

Each year you study abroad in the Netherlands, you will need to show that you have the financial means to sustain yourself for the entire year. This is done by filling out a form.

The Netherlands accepts proof of financial sustenance in a few different ways. You can provide:

• Proof of money that you currently have in your bank account.
• Proof that you have deposited the money into an account of your educational institution.
• Proof of scholarship.
• Proof of money received from a company (if a company is paying you, for example).
• Proof of financial support from someone abroad (a parent, for example).
• Proof of financial support from someone in the Netherlands (again, a parent, for example).

Depending on how you choose to show your financial eligibility, you may be required to show specific statements and documents as proof.

The Dutch Embassy will be able to give you specific information as to what forms, statements, etc., are needed for your residence application.

Required documents for applying for residency

In addition to meeting the requirements, there are additional documents you will need to provide for your application.

Your university/educational institute will give you a list of which documents are required.

How to submit your residency application for studying abroad in the Netherlands

This might be the easiest part - the educational institute must submit your application for you.

However, there is an application fee that you must pay. The cost can be found through your educational institute and/or the Dutch Embassy's website.

How long does a Dutch residency application take to process?

For studying abroad, a decision is made within 60 days. However, the decision period can be extended if necessary. According to the Dutch Embassy, this is usually when/if an application is incomplete and/or missing required information.

If this is the case, the IND will let your educational institution know so you can correct it.

Preparing for your life in the Netherlands

Once your residence permit is approved, you are all clear to study and live in the Netherlands!

Whether you're living in Nijmegen, The Hague, Rotterdam, or somewhere else, here are a few tips to help you get settled into Dutch life.

• Be wary of the bike paths! Depending on where you live and study in the Netherlands, there will likely be bike paths all over town. These bike paths are typically pink or red. Make sure not to stand in them or walk in them. This is for your safety and the safety of cyclists in the lane. They are not for pedestrians.
• Get well-acquainted with a map of the Netherlands. If you're spending a near in the Netherlands, chances are you will have a bit of free time to travel! From the coastline to the vast tulip fields and big cities like Amsterdam, get familiar with your new home!
• Be aware of pickpockets, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as the metro or tourist destinations.
• Keep coins on hand. The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro and it can help to make sure you always have a few cents on hand. Why? Like many places in Europe, the bathrooms aren't always free. If you're heading to a festival, train station, mall, etc., there may be a small fee to use the restroom.
• Bring a raincoat! In general, the Netherlands is a rainy place. It's worth splurging a little bit on a nice rain jacket (with a hood) and a strong umbrella. Might as well throw in some rainboots while you're at it!