Netherlands Student Visa

Study in the Netherlands and Open the Door to a European Future
Studying in the Netherlands allows international students to benefit from top-tier education, innovative research environments, and strong career prospects. With flexible study options, the possibility of working after graduation, and a clear residence pathway, the Dutch student visa is an ideal choice for building a sustainable future in Europe.

Family Options

Eligible applicants may bring spouse and children

Language Requirement

IELTS Academic or TOEFL

Processing Time

Around 60 to 90

Estimated Cost

10,000€

Immigration to Netherlands

آیکون مهاجرت تحصیلی

Netherlands Startup Visa Program

The Netherlands offers special immigration programs for entrepreneurs and investors: the Startup Visa and the Investment Visa.

 

Eligibility And Opportunities

  • Students admitted to a recognized Dutch educational institution
  • Applicants enrolled in programs longer than 90 days (MVV required)
  • Individuals with sufficient financial proof or official sponsorship
  • Candidates holding a valid English language certificate
  • Applicants with clean criminal records and acceptable medical status
  • Students with a clear academic objective and future plan

Study Options in Canada

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
  • Doctoral and research programs
  • Short-term academic or research courses

Work & Career Prospects

  • Legal part-time work during studies (with permit)
  • Full-time employment after graduation
  • Strong demand for international graduates in technology, engineering, business, and research sectors

Dutch Student Visa Document Checklist:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Official admission letter from a Dutch institution
  • Completed visa application forms
  • Academic diplomas and transcripts (translated)
  • IELTS or TOEFL Academic certificate
  • Proof of financial resources or sponsor documents
  • Valid student health insurance
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Passport-style photographs
  • Identity documents (birth certificate, national ID)
  • Apply for a post-study residence permit
  • Secure a full-time position with a Dutch employer
  • Convert student residence into a work permit through IND
  • Become eligible for permanent residency after several years of lawful employment and tax compliance

Financial Transparency

MVV Visa Fee

317€

Visa Processing Fee

174€

Estimated Monthly Living Cost

850€

Frequently Asked Questions

How is financial proof calculated for non-funded students?

Financial proof covers one year of living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and daily costs. If accompanied, expenses must be shown for all family members.

Yes, students may work part-time with the appropriate work authorization.

The residence permit is issued for the duration of the academic program and can be extended if studies continue.

Yes, students may apply for short-term visitor visas for parents.

In many cases, PhD candidates are employed as researchers and receive a salary instead of paying tuition fees.

Not sure if you qualify ?

Get a free assessment of your Netherlands student visa eligibility before starting your application.

Comprehensive guide to obtaining a Netherlands student visa

Prestigious universities and a standard education system, the ability to bring your spouse and children, the ability to convert a study visa to a work visa, and obtain Dutch residency are all reasons that have made this beautiful and prosperous European country a popular destination for Iranian students.
If you also have your language certificate ready and want to start correspondence with the university to obtain a Dutch study visa, read on.

Types of visas to study in the Netherlands

A study visa in the Netherlands is issued for both short-term training and research courses and for university studies. However, since most study courses in the Netherlands last more than 90 days, Iranian students need to obtain an MVV visa and a study permit.

Netherlands student visa documents

To get a Dutch student visa, you need to start contacting universities to apply for admission. If you can get a scholarship from the university, you do not need to provide financial means; otherwise, you must have financial means or a sponsor to cover living expenses during your studies.
The language certificate must be TOEFL or IELTS Academic, and you must also obtain student insurance. After preparing these documents and booking an appointment at the embassy, ​​arrange the other documents according to the following checklist:

  • Passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
  • Completed and signed visa application form
  • A complete resume with all details of your educational background.
  • Two passport photos with standard specifications
  • Original and official translation of transcripts and previous academic certificates
  • Original and translated identity documents such as national ID and birth certificate

By booking an appointment at the embassy, ​​you will be sent a checklist of documents, based on which you must arrange and translate all documents.

Steps to obtain a Dutch student visa from Iran

Once you receive your acceptance letter from the university, you can book an appointment at the embassy. After accepting you (fully funded students only) and as a sponsor, the university will send your visa application to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND). Once the visa is issued, the student can apply for a place to live, book a flight, and be at their destination at least 10 days to a week before the start of the semester.

The processing time for a student visa is usually between 60 and 90 working days.

Netherlands student visa extension

Student residence is issued only for the period of study. If there is still time left from the study, the student visa can be extended by presenting academic documents. By extending the student visa, the spouse’s visa is automatically extended.

Possibility of converting a student visa into permanent residence

If you are able to find full-time employment after completing your studies and receive a job offer from your employer, explaining why you are suitable for the job and what your responsibilities will be, you can convert your student visa into a work visa. However, during the job offer process, you will need to ask your employer to submit your work permit application to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND).
After a few years of continuous work and receiving a salary, provided you comply with the laws and pay taxes, you can apply for Dutch residency and become a permanent resident of this beautiful country.

Dutch job sites

You can use the following sites to find work and submit your resume:

  • LinkedIn Platform
  • Indeed Netherlands website
  • Glassdoor website
  • Monster Netherlands website
  • Werk website

If you meet the initial requirements, you will usually be invited to participate in an interview.

Aval Visa Services for Netherlands Student Visa

If you are planning to continue your studies in the Netherlands and are looking for a reliable guide to obtaining a student visa, Aval Visa is your best companion on this path.

Studying at universities and educational centers in the Netherlands is a prerequisite for living in Europe and immigrating to the Netherlands. Aval Visa’s professional team, with unparalleled experience, accompanies the student from the beginning to the end of the visa application process. From choosing the best route to apply for a visa to completing documents, writing support letters and submitting the application, it handles all the steps for you with care and speed. With the help of Aval Visa, you can bypass the legal and administrative complexities of this path and confidently obtain a Dutch student visa. You can count on the help of our educational consultants for advice, completing forms and documents, correspondence with the university and booking an embassy appointment.