Residence permit for study (higher education)
For non-EU students enrolled in full-time higher education at a recognised Dutch institution.
The Residence permit for study (higher education) is a Dutch study & graduate visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€243 (2025)) and processing time (~2 weeks to 60 days (recognised sponsor)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit for study (higher education) is for
For non-EU students enrolled in full-time higher education at a recognised Dutch institution.
Study time counts at half value toward permanent residence; graduates can switch to the orientation year.
Residence permit for study (higher education) - eligibility criteria
- Accepted onto a full-time programme at a recognised institution
- Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
- Valid passport and MVV where required
- Tuberculosis test where applicable
- Make sufficient study progress (50% of credits per year)
Residence permit for study (higher education) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit for study (higher education) (Netherlands) is ~€243 (2025), with an indicative processing time of ~2 weeks to 60 days (recognised sponsor). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed by the educational institution (recognised sponsor) with the IND |
| Length of stay | Duration of the study programme plus 3 months |
| Work rights | Limited: up to 16 hours/week, or full-time in summer, with a work permit |
| Study rights | Full-time study at the sponsoring institution |
| Government fee | ~€243 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~2 weeks to 60 days (recognised sponsor) |
| Route to PR | Study time counts at half value toward permanent residence; graduates can switch to the orientation year. |
Pathway & next steps
Study time counts at half value toward permanent residence; graduates can switch to the orientation year.
Many applicants also compare Zoekjaar · Residence permit for orientation year (zoekjaar highly educated persons), Researcher · Residence permit for researcher (Directive (EU) 2016/801), Exchange · Residence permit for cultural exchange / au pair. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit for study (higher education) pitfalls we fix
Residence permit for study (higher education) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit for study (higher education) cost?
The Residence permit for study (higher education) government fee is ~€243 (2025). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit for study (higher education) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2 weeks to 60 days (recognised sponsor). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit for study (higher education) lead to permanent residence?
Study time counts at half value toward permanent residence; graduates can switch to the orientation year.
Can I work on the Residence permit for study (higher education)?
Work rights: Limited: up to 16 hours/week, or full-time in summer, with a work permit.
Who can apply for the Residence permit for study (higher education)?
For non-EU students enrolled in full-time higher education at a recognised Dutch institution.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority