Study in Netherlands Student Visa 2026

This spoke covers the Netherlands student visa path. For the full country guide, see Study in Netherlands.

How Long Does the Dutch Student Visa Process Take?

Budget 60 to 90 days for standard processing once your university submits the application, though this clock only starts after you've secured your unconditional admission letter and provided your financial documentation. Because your university handles the submission rather than you applying directly, timelines are tied closely to your institution's own internal processing speed, so following up with the international office early is worth doing.

What Are the Financial Requirements for a Dutch Student Visa?

The IND sets an annual financial means requirement, adjusted each year on 1 January:

• Living costs: approximately EUR 13,600 to 13,800 a year, based on a monthly study norm of roughly EUR 1,130 to 1,225 depending on the exact figure your institution applies
• Tuition: your full annual tuition amount, statutory or institutional depending on your eligibility

Acceptable evidence: a direct bank transfer to your university (refunded after enrolment and opening a Dutch bank account), a sponsor's bank statements plus a signed statement of financial support, or an official scholarship letter covering the required amount.

Documents must be recent: generally no older than 3 months at the time of application.

Note that the IND checks your financial proof for the full study period in advance, and part time work income cannot be counted toward meeting this requirement, even though you're allowed to work once you arrive.