Visa, health Insurance, living costs
Visa and Residence Permit
If you are going to study in the Netherlands as a foreign student, you may need to apply for a visa before arrival and/or a residence permit after arrival. Whether or not you need these documents depends on your purpose of stay, the length of your stay and your nationality.
On our website for prospective international students you will find two diagrams which will tell you which documents you need and which procedures apply to you.
Health Insurance
Legally required health & liability insurance
International students in The Netherlands are required by law to have adequate health and third party liability insurance. Proof that you are adequately insured is also necessary to obtain a multiple entry visa (a so-called D+C visa) (if applicable). Having adequate health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit.
What type of health insurance is required?
In the Netherlands there are two types health insurance policies:
- the “Basic Healthcare Insurance Policy” (basiszorgverzekering), the contents of which is highly regulated by the Government
- other healthcare policies
Since the introduction of the new Health Insurance Law on January 1 2006, public health insurance or “Basic Healthcare Insurance” (basiszorgverzekering) is mandatory for all permanent residents in The Netherlands.
In some cases International Students are also required to take out the Dutch Basic Healthcare Insurance, for example if you have a (part-time) job in addition to your studies. Please read more about health insurance on the Nuffic website. to determine which type of insurance you need.
Cost of Living
NOTE on Proof of Sufficient Funds for a residence permit and/or “MVV”
Please note that if you need an “MVV” (visa) to enter the Netherlands and a residence permit to legally stay in the Netherlands, you will need to provide proof that you are financially able to cover expenses during the whole period of stay. Rates are fixed by the Ministry of Justice (Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
Estimated Living Expenses per month
On average a student will need at least € 750 – € 900 per month. This estimate does not include tuition fees and unforeseen costs, and should be used as a general indication of the costs of living. How much money you actually spend will of course depend on your life style and spending habits. The costs for housing, for example, may differ considerably. If you plan to travel a lot during your stay here, you will of course need budget for extra expenses.
| Rent (incl. Water & Electricity) | € 300 – € 450 |
| Food & Beverages | € 200 |
| Clothing/Miscellaneous | € 100 |
| Transport (depending on where you live or if you use a bicycle) | € 50 |
| Social Activities and Events | € 100 |
| TOTAL | 750 – € 900 |
More information on housing prices can be found on the International Student Housing website.
