The Netherlands is a popular destination for Canadian students because of its high-ranking universities, courses in English, and good job prospects after graduation. The country is known for its welcoming education system and lively student culture, giving international students a nice mix of school and social life.
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The Netherlands is a top European choice for international education. Canadian students can find strong academics, international experience, and career-focused education there. Dutch schools value new ideas, critical thinking, and practical skills, giving them a good global name.
With over 2,200 programs in English, a diverse student body, and good job prospects after graduation, the Netherlands provides a solid international study abroad. Its central spot in Europe also makes it easy to travel and network in different EU countries, with a good quality of life and resources for students.
The benefits of studying in the Netherlands are given below.
International students can apply for the following Netherlands student visa, depending on their needs and requirements.
Canadian students who want to study in the Netherlands full-time for more than 90 days need to get a Long-Stay Visa (MVV) and a Residence Permit (VVR). The MVV lets students enter the Netherlands, and the residence permit allows them to live and study there legally for their program.
Usually, Dutch universities apply for the visa and permit for the student through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Once it's approved, the student picks up the MVV from the Dutch embassy or consulate in Canada. The residence permit is given after the student arrives in the Netherlands. Both are usually good for the whole study program, as long as the student keeps up with school.
International students can visit the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period because of the Schengen visa program. This is useful for Canadian students in short programs like summer courses or exchange programs that are less than 90 days.
However, students need to show proof of enrollment, enough money, valid travel insurance, and a ticket to leave the Netherlands. It's a good idea to check with the Dutch embassy or consulate before traveling, as the rules might be different depending on the program.
In the Netherlands, international students, such as Canadian citizens who have a valid study residence permit, can work if they meet some requirements. During the school year, students can work up to 16 hours each week. They're also permitted to work full-time in the summer, during June, July, and August. In either situation, employers need to get a work permit (TWV) for the student before they start working.
Students can also work for themselves if they sign up with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and follow tax rules. They cannot do both part-time work and full-time summer work in the same year. Also, if an internship is part of a student's curriculum and is secured through a signed contract, they don't need a separate work permit.
The eligibility criteria for Netherlands Student Visa are given below.
When applying for a Netherlands Student Visa, applicants should have these documents ready:
The application process to apply for Netherlands Student Visa is given below.
Step 1: Gain admission into a university in Netherlands.
Step 2: The University will then submit the applications for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit to the Dutch Immigration Department (IND) for you.
Step 3: After approval, get your MVV from the Dutch embassy or consulate in Canada.
Step 4: Go to the Netherlands and pick up your residence card to pursue studies.
Step 5: Register with the local city hall and finish any needed health or TB screening.
The cost of studying in the Netherlands is given below.
| Expense | Amount (EUR) | Approximate in CAD |
| Tuition Fees | €8,000 – €15,000/year | CAD 11,500 – CAD 21,500 |
| Living Expenses | €1,000 – €1,200/month | CAD 1,400 – CAD 1,700 |
| Visa & Residence Fee | €228 (one-time, 2025 rate) | CAD 330 |
| Health Insurance | €40 – €120/month | CAD 60 – CAD 170 |
Annual expenses usually vary between CAD 28,000 to CAD 38,000, based on school and its location.
Detailed information about the processing time for Netherlands Student Visa is given below.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Long-Stay Visa (MVV) + Residence Permit | 2 – 6 weeks (average) |
| Short-Stay (under 90 days) | Not required for Canadian citizens |
Most universities accept applications three to four months before a program begins. If you want to start a program in September, it is advised to begin the admission and visa process in April or May.
Detailed information about the scholarships and financial aid available in Netherlands for international students is given below.
| Scholarship Program | Description |
| Holland Scholarship | Offered to non-EEA students for bachelor’s and master’s programs; one-time grant of €5,000. |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | Available to Canadian students applying to participating Dutch institutions. |
| University-Specific Funding | Many institutions offer merit- and need-based scholarships for international students. |
| Erasmus+ Exchange Grants | For short-term exchange or internship programs in the EU. |
| Canadian Government Scholarships | Students may apply for Canadian study-abroad grants (e.g., GAC's IES program). |
Those who graduate from a Dutch college may be able to get an Orientation Year permit. This lets them stay in the Netherlands for a year to find a job or start a business. They do not need a work permit for this time.
The fields having multiple job openings in Netherlands include:
*Want to apply for Netherland Work Visa? Y-Axis is here to guide you with the process.
Y-Axis is a leading study abroad and immigration consultancy offering international education advice, assisting Canadian students who want to study in the Netherlands. Our group helps make sure your application goes smoothly and meets all requirements.
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Yes, students from Canada need a visa to study in the Netherlands. Canadian students planning to study in the Netherlands for over 90 days will need a Long-Stay Visa (MVV) and a residence permit. The Dutch school helps with these documents after the student is accepted. For programs lasting less than 90 days, Canadians do not need a Schengen visa because they are visa-exempt. Still, they must show they have adequate funds, health insurance, and proof they are enrolled in a course. Students should start their visa application 3–4 months before their program begins to make sure everything is approved in time.
Yes, there are English-taught study programs available in the Netherlands. In the country, there are more than 2,200 Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programs taught in English, covering diverse subjects. Dutch universities have a good global reputation for their teaching standards, and most large schools have specific programs for students from other countries. These programs cover areas like engineering, business, environmental science, law, and social sciences. Because many people speak English in the country, students from Canada can study and live there without knowing Dutch, but learning some Dutch might help in social and work situations.
The cost of studying in the Netherlands is given below.
| Expense | Amount (EUR) | Approximate in CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | €8,000 – €15,000/year | CAD 11,500 – CAD 21,500 |
| Living Expenses | €1,000 – €1,200/month | CAD 1,400 – CAD 1,700 |
| Visa & Residence Fee | €228 (one-time, 2025 rate) | CAD 330 |
| Health Insurance | €40 – €120/month | CAD 60 – CAD 170 |
Yes, Canadian students can work while studying in the Netherlands. In Canada, students who have a valid Dutch residence permit are allowed to work up to 16 hours each week while school is in session. They can also work full-time in June, July, and August.
The company that hires them needs to get a work permit for the student. Instead of being an employee, students can also be self-employed if they fulfil the rules for registration and taxes. If an internship is part of the student's school program, they do not need a work permit, as long as the university, the student, and the company all sign an agreement. Students need to do well in their studies to keep their work privileges.
Details of the processing times for a Netherlands student visa are given below.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Long-Stay Visa (MVV) + Residence Permit | 2 – 6 weeks (average) |
| Short-Stay (under 90 days) | Not required for Canadian citizens |
Yes, Canadian students can avail of scholarships in the Netherlands. The various scholarships available in the Netherlands are given below.
| Scholarship Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Holland Scholarship | Offered to non-EEA students for bachelor’s and master’s programs; one-time grant of €5,000. |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | Available to Canadian students applying to participating Dutch institutions. |
| University-Specific Funding | Many institutions offer merit- and need-based scholarships for international students. |
| Erasmus+ Exchange Grants | For short-term exchange or internship programs in the EU. |
| Canadian Government Scholarships | Students may apply for Canadian study-abroad grants (e.g., GAC's IES program). |
To study in English in the Netherlands, you usually need to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. Standardized tests like IELTS (scoring 6.0–6.5), TOEFL iBT (scoring 80–90), or Cambridge English exams are usually fine. Some schools want higher scores for some programs. If the program is in Dutch, you will need to prove you know Dutch, usually with the NT2-II exam. If you went to an English school in Canada, you might not need these tests, but check with the school to be sure. Always confirm what you need with the school you are applying to.
Yes, Canadian students can extend their stay in the Netherlands after graduation. International students who get a degree in the Netherlands can apply for a residence permit called the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar). It lets them stay there for a year to find work or start a company. They don't need a work permit during this time. If they find a job, they can switch to a permit for highly skilled migrants or other work-related residence options. The Dutch job market wants skilled international workers, especially in areas like tech, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all international students in the Netherlands. For stays shorter than 12 months where you are not working, you will need private insurance that fits what the Netherlands requires. If you stay longer, or if you get a job or paid internship, you might have to sign up for Dutch public health insurance (Zorgverzekeringslijn). You will need to show proof of insurance when you apply for your visa, and it needs to be valid for your entire stay. Some schools offer group insurance plans for international students.
For international students considering studying in the Netherlands, it's best to start the application at least four to six months before the program's start. Most universities in the Netherlands usually have application deadlines between January and May for programs starting in September. After the school accepts you, they will start the visa or residence permit process for you. Because getting a visa can take time, starting early gives you more time to get your documents in order, find a place to live, and take care of health insurance or money matters. Planning early also betters your chances of getting grants or financial help.
