Netherlands Student Visa for Indians : Complete Application Guide

The Netherlands, renowned for its top-ranked universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and friendly multicultural environment has become an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students. If you wish to pursue your further education in this beautiful country, the first step is to understand the student visa process. Within this exhaustive guide, we will show you everything you need to know about getting a Netherlands student visa requirements in 2025 and beyond. 

Netherlands Student Visas Types

For Indian students, you will first consider two types of visas depending on how long your course is: 

Few-days Netherlands Student Visa (Schengen Visa) 

If your duration of course or research is for below 90 days, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa, which will allow you to travel throughout the Schengen, for the duration of your stay, within the Schengen area.

Long-Stay Netherlands Student Visa 

For courses more than 90 days long, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, you will need a long-stay visa, which consists of two permits:

• MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf): This is an entry visa or a provisional residence permit allowing your travels to the Netherlands.

• VVR (Verblijfsvergunning Regulier): This is a residence permit allowing you to live in the Netherlands while you study.

A very important thing to keep in mind for long-stay visas is the TEV (Toegang en Verblijf) process which combines the application for your MVV and VVR in the same application. Here is the great news for students: your Dutch university will act as your "recognized sponsor" and apply for the TEV on your behalf.

Eligibility for Indian Students 

Here are the Netherlands student visa requirements:

Admitted to an Approved Dutch Institution: You should have a confirmed offer of admission from a Dutch institution or university that is recognized by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Sufficient Financial Means: You should provide proof that you have sufficient funding or the financial ability to support your tuition and living expenses, at least for the first year of studies. The Dutch government adjusts how much support will be required from time to time, so it is imperative that you check with your university for the most up-to-date numbers.

Health Insurance: You should provide proof that you have travel insurance that covers you in the Netherlands. Most institutions will provide an insurance package for international students.

Academic and Language Proficiency: You must meet the academic qualifications of your desired program. You will also be expected to provide proof of English language proficiency, typically through standardized testing, such as the IELTS or the TOFEL.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Student Visa to the Netherlands

Your university will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the required documents. Basically, the list will include:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid beyond your planned stay.

• Two current passport-sized photographs in Dutch specifications.

• Complete and signed visa application (usually provided by the university).

• Official letter of acceptance into your Dutch university.

• Academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates.

• Evidence of financial means (i.e., bank statements, scholarship letters, and/or education loan documents).

• Proof of payment of tuition.

• Evidence of accommodations in the Netherlands.

• Birth certificate.

• A tuberculosis (TB) test may be needed on arrival in the Netherlands.

Application Process for Indians in 2025-2026

The long-stay visa application procedure is simple. The university will handle most of it for you. Here's a brief step-by-step:

• Get Admission Letter: The process will begin once you get accepted into a full-time program at a recognised Dutch university.

• Send Documents to Your University: Your university will send you the basic documents needed to begin the TEV process.

• University Sends Application to the IND: Your university will send your visa application to Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

• Pay Visa Application Fee: The payment for driving the application fee is paid to the university, then the university pays the IND.

• Waiting for Decision from IND: The IND usually takes about 60 - 90 days to decide.

• Get notified on MVV approval: Once you are approved, the university will notify you, and then you make an appointment through the VFS Global Centre for the Netherlands in India to have the MVV sticker placed.

• VFS Biometrics: At your VFS appointment, you will provide your passport and biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo for your application).

• Traveling to the Netherlands: Once you have received the MVV in your passport, you will be able to travel to the Netherlands.

• Collecting Your VVR (Residence Permit): After you arrive in the Netherlands, you will need to collect your VVR from your local IND office. Be sure to rely on your university for more information regarding this.

Netherlands Student Visa Costs for Indian Students (2025-2026)

The costs for the visa can change, and it is always best to check the most current to the time of your application. By early 2025, approximately these fees will be as follows: 

Long-Stay Visa ( MVV + VVR): The fees for the TEV procedures cost ~ €210 or approximately ~₹21,063 depending on exchange rates. This fee will usually be paid to your university. 

VFS Global Service Fee: In addition to the visa costs, there will be a service fee by VFS global services for their services.

Netherlands Student Visa Processing Time (2025)

The overall time frame, from when your university applies to the IND until you receive your MVV, will be anywhere from 2-3 months. It is important to begin the process as soon as you get your letter of admission, so you do not lose a month or two in the process.

Working on a Netherlands Student Visa: A Note on Work for Students

Indian students can work part time while studying in the Netherlands. The following rules apply:

• You can work up to 16 hours a week during the academic year. Or, work full-time in June, July, and August, the summer months.

• Your employer must submit a work permit (TWV) on your behalf.

Also Read : How to Apply for a Netherlands Visa

Conclusion

Starting your educational journey to the Netherlands is an exciting opportunity. By being aware of these visa requirements and following the steps outlined in this blog, your application process will be smooth. Good luck!