Netherlands Student Visa from Bangladesh 2027

Overview

The Netherlands is one of Europe's most popular destinations for English-taught degrees. It offers research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO), and more than a thousand programmes are taught fully in English. Degrees are internationally respected. Cities are compact and safe, and English is spoken almost everywhere. That makes it a comfortable first move abroad for students from Bangladesh.

Dutch student immigration is sponsor-based, which sets it apart from most countries. You do not file the visa application yourself. Once you are admitted and have paid your fees and shown your funds, your university, acting as an IND-recognised sponsor, applies to the IND for your entry visa (MVV) and your residence permit together. This is called the Entry and Residence (TEV) procedure. When the IND approves, you book an appointment at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka to have the MVV sticker put in your passport and give your biometrics.

Money matters a lot. The IND sets a monthly norm amount each January. In 2026 it is EUR 1,130.77 per month for university and HBO students, and the 2027 figure will apply to anyone whose application is filed in 2027. Most Dutch universities ask you to transfer a full year of living costs, plus tuition, into the university account before they file your application. The university then refunds it monthly after arrival. Plan for this cash-flow early, because it usually means around EUR 25,000 to EUR 35,000 paid before your visa is even requested.

After graduation, the orientation year (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) gives you a one-year residence permit. During that year you can work for any employer without a work permit while you look for a job. From there, many graduates move to the highly skilled migrant permit, which has a lower salary threshold for recent graduates.

What's new for 2027

• This 2027 guide is based on the rules in force in September 2026. No major change to the Dutch student residence permit itself has been officially announced for the 2027 intake. Re-check ind.nl closer to applying.
• The IND norm amount (EUR 1,130.77 per month in 2026) and the EUR 254 permit fee are revised every 1 January. Your university will confirm the 2027 amounts when it asks for your deposit, and they are likely to be slightly higher.
• Dutch universities have agreed to manage international intake, with a combined annual target of about 16,800 international students, and more English-taught bachelor programmes may have capped places. Expect stronger competition and earlier deadlines for 2027.
• The Internationalisation in Balance bill (WIB) was still before parliament in September 2026. Some bachelor programmes may shift toward Dutch-language teaching in coming years, so confirm the language of instruction for your 2027 programme.
• MVV collection for Bangladeshi students currently happens at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka. Always follow the location stated in your IND approval letter.

Scholarships available in Netherlands

Dutch funding is dominated by university and faculty awards rather than one big national scheme, and almost all of them are tuition-only or cash-only rather than a complete package. Two things catch Bangladeshi students out: the NL Scholarship is explicitly not a full-tuition scholarship, and the Amsterdam Merit Scholarships are prestigious cash awards that still leave the full tuition fee payable.

• NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating institutions): EUR 5,000, paid once in the first year towards study costs. It is explicitly not a full-tuition scholarship, so the institutional tuition fee must still be paid in full. No central deadline: each participating institution sets it. The 2026/27 round opened on 1 November 2025, so the next round is expected to open around November 2026
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS), Faculty of Science (University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Science): EUR 26,125 for a September 2027 start. Only one award is made each year, and the recipient still pays the full tuition fee, so it is not a tuition waiver. Deadline 15 January 2027
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Amsterdam Law School (University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Law School): EUR 25,900 for the 2026/27 academic year, awarded to one applicant for the faculty's master's programmes. Tuition fees are not covered. Deadline 15 January 2027, with the 2027/28 amount normally announced in the autumn before applications close
• Mr Julia Henriëtte Jaarsma-Adolfs Fund Scholarship (University of Amsterdam, through the UvA Foundation): EUR 25,900 for students from outside the EU/EEA and EUR 12,000 for students from the EU/EEA, for one academic year. It does not waive tuition fees. Deadline 15 January 2027
• Kuiper-Overpelt Study Fund (University of Amsterdam, through the UvA Foundation): Support for study-related costs, awarded by the UvA Foundation for one academic year. The amount is set by the fund and is not published as a fixed rate, and tuition fees are not covered. Deadline 1 February; the next cycle is expected to open around 1 February 2027
• Radboud Scholarship Programme (RSP) and Radboud Encouragement Scholarship (RES) (Radboud University): A reduction of the non-EU tuition fee under the Radboud Scholarship Programme, plus a smaller Radboud Encouragement Scholarship awarded alongside it. Living costs are not covered. For programmes whose September application opens on 1 October 2026, the scholarship deadline is 31 January 2027, against a regular application deadline of 1 April or 1 May 2027
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (European Commission, administered by EACEA): Full tuition for the master's programme plus a monthly stipend, with travel between participating countries and insurance also covered. Calls are published by EACEA once or twice a year, with deadlines usually between November and February for the following autumn intake
• PhD positions as paid employment (the Dutch model) (Dutch universities and university medical centres, such as the University of Amsterdam): A PhD vacancy is a paid employment contract, not a scholarship. One UvA vacancy was advertised as four years, 38 hours a week, at EUR 3,204 to EUR 4,051 per month, plus the standard holiday allowance. Vacancies are posted all year; there is no national deadline and each advertisement has its own closing date

Who can apply

• Unconditional admission to a full-time programme at a Dutch institution that is listed in the IND public register of recognised sponsors
• A valid passport, ideally with at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned stay and at least two blank pages
• Enough funds for living costs at the 2026 IND norm (EUR 1,130.77 per month for HBO/university), usually shown by paying one year into the university's account
• Tuition fees for the first year paid, or proof of payment arrangements accepted by the institution
• No criminal record that would make you a risk to public order, and you must sign the antecedents certificate
• Willingness to take a tuberculosis (TB) test in the Netherlands, since Bangladeshi nationals are not exempt
• Health insurance from arrival, either a private international student policy or Dutch public health insurance if you take up paid work
• The intention to study and to make adequate study progress, meaning at least 50% of each year's credits

Requirements by study level

Intermediate / A Level

Pre-university students usually come for a foundation or preparatory year at a recognised sponsor, or, less commonly, for secondary or MBO education. The same sponsor-based study permit applies.

• Foundation and preparatory programmes (for example international study centres linked to Dutch universities) are covered by the study residence permit if the provider is an IND-recognised sponsor
• Bangladeshi HSC or O/A-Level holders often need a foundation year before entering a Dutch research university bachelor's. HBO programmes may accept HSC directly with good grades
• Secondary school and MBO students must show EUR 928.58 per month (2026). Preparatory years linked to HBO/university usually require the higher EUR 1,130.77 norm
• Students under 18 need parental consent, and usually a guardian or approved accommodation arranged by the school
• A preparatory year permit is normally limited to one year. You then change to a bachelor's study permit through your new institution
• Check that the foundation programme guarantees or clearly states progression routes into specific Dutch bachelor's programmes

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's students (3 years at a research university, 4 years at an HBO university of applied sciences) apply through Studielink, and the university files the IND application once admission is unconditional.

• Apply via Studielink and the university portal. Numerus fixus (capped) programmes usually close on 15 January, and most others close between 1 March and 1 May for non-EU students
• Non-EU tuition is typically EUR 9,000 to EUR 20,000 per year, and higher for medicine and some specialist programmes
• Bangladeshi HSC alone is often not enough for research-university (WO) bachelor's programmes, so a foundation year or A-Levels may be needed. HBO is usually more flexible
• IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT or Duolingo score where accepted
• You must earn at least 50% of the credits each year. Your university must report poor progress to the IND
• The permit is issued for your programme length plus 3 months, up to 5 years. If your studies take longer, the university arranges the extension

Master's Degree

Master's students apply directly to the university with a recognised bachelor's degree. Programmes usually last 1 year (taught) or 2 years (research, technical).

• A 4-year Bangladeshi bachelor's is generally accepted. Some universities ask for a minimum CGPA, often around 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher
• Non-EU tuition is typically EUR 12,000 to EUR 25,000 per year, varying by university and field
• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall is standard, with some programmes asking for 7.0 or minimum sub-scores
• Scholarships such as the NL Scholarship and university excellence awards usually have early deadlines, between February and May
• Graduates of Dutch master's programmes qualify for the orientation year and for the lower salary threshold of the highly skilled migrant permit
• Master's graduates who go into a PhD in the Netherlands can switch to a researcher or employee permit

PhD / Doctorate

In the Netherlands a PhD is employment, not enrolment. You apply to a vacancy, are hired by the university or a university medical centre, and your salary is the funding.

• PhD positions are paid jobs, usually four-year contracts of 38 hours a week; one UvA vacancy was advertised at EUR 3,204 to EUR 4,051 per month, and other universities use different scales.
• There is no national application round. Vacancies appear continuously on werkenbij.uva.nl, academictransfer.com and euraxess.eu, so you apply to individual projects rather than to a programme.
• Most vacancies require a completed master's degree (WO) that is recognised in the Netherlands, and the required level of the degree is stated on each advertisement, so check it before you invest time in an application.
• Because you are an employee, you pay income tax and build pension rights, and the tuition question disappears: PhD candidates do not pay tuition.
• Once hired, the university applies to the IND for your residence permit as an employee, so you do not go through the sponsor-based student admission route at all.
• PhD graduates can apply for the highly skilled migrant permit, which has a lower salary threshold than the general skilled migrant route, so keep your employment contract and references after you finish.

How to apply, step by step

1. Choose programmes and check sponsor status: Shortlist programmes on Study in NL and university websites. Confirm the institution is in the IND public register of recognised sponsors, and check entry requirements for Bangladeshi qualifications.
2. Apply through Studielink and the university portal: Create a Studielink account and submit the university application with transcripts, IELTS, motivation letter and CV. Meet the numerus fixus or regular non-EU deadlines.
3. Receive and accept your admission: Accept the offer and meet any conditions, such as final transcripts or your English score, so that your admission becomes unconditional.
4. Complete the university's visa request: Fill in the immigration section in the university portal. Upload your passport scan and photo, and sign the antecedents certificate and TB declaration.
5. Pay tuition, living-cost deposit and IND fee: Transfer first-year tuition, one year of living costs at the IND norm, and the EUR 254 IND fee to the university by its deadline, often May to June for September intake.
6. University submits your MVV and residence permit application: As your recognised sponsor, the university files the Entry and Residence (TEV) application with the IND on your behalf.
7. IND decision: The IND must decide within 60 days. For recognised sponsors, most decisions arrive in about 2 to 4 weeks. The approval letter states where you collect your MVV.
8. Collect the MVV sticker at the Embassy in Dhaka: Email the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka to book an appointment within 3 months of the approval. Bring your passport, photo and approval letter, and give your fingerprints and signature. Your passport comes back with the MVV.
9. Travel and collect your residence permit card: Enter the Netherlands on the MVV (valid 90 days). Collect your residence permit card at the IND desk, or pick it up during your university's arrival programme.
10. Register with the municipality and take the TB test: Register at your city hall (gemeente) to get your BSN. Take the TB test at the regional health service (GGD) within 3 months of arrival.

Document checklist

• Valid passport (Scan of the photo page for the university, and the original at the Dhaka embassy appointment)
• Unconditional admission from an IND-recognised sponsor (Check the IND public register of recognised sponsors before you accept an offer)
• Proof of living-cost funds (Usually a transfer of 12 x EUR 1,130.77 into the university account, or a bank statement or sponsor declaration if the university accepts one)
• Proof of tuition fee payment (First-year tuition, or the instalment the university requires before it files your application)
• Signed antecedents certificate (IND form declaring you have no criminal record. Your university sends it for signature)
• TB test declaration (You declare that you will take a tuberculosis test in the Netherlands within 3 months of arrival)
• Recent passport-size colour photo (Must meet the Dutch passport photo standard. Bring it to the embassy appointment)
• IND approval letter (Needed for the MVV appointment at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka)
• Completed MVV collection form and embassy appointment confirmation (Requested by email from the Dhaka embassy (dha-ca@minbuza.nl) once IND approves)
• Academic transcripts and certificates (SSC, HSC or A-Levels, bachelor's) (Needed for admission. Some universities ask for certified copies or verification from the Bangladesh education board)
• English test result (IELTS, TOEFL or similar) (Needed for admission unless the university waives it)
• Health insurance certificate (Needed from your first day in the Netherlands, for example an international student policy)
• Proof of accommodation (Not always required for the IND, but you need an address to register with the municipality)
• Sponsor (guarantor) statement and sponsor's bank documents (Only if a parent or other person is funding you and the university accepts this route)
• Birth certificate (legalised and translated) (Sometimes needed for municipal registration, mainly if you will stay long-term)
• Parental consent and guardianship documents (Only for applicants under 18)

Costs & proof of funds

• IND residence permit fee (study): EUR 254 (2026 rate)
• Living-cost deposit (12 months): Approx. EUR 13,600 or more
• Tuition, bachelor's (non-EU): Approx. EUR 9,000 - 20,000 per year
• Tuition, master's (non-EU): Approx. EUR 12,000 - 25,000 per year
• Health insurance: Approx. EUR 40 - 70 per month
• Accommodation: Approx. EUR 500 - 1,000 per month
• TB test: Usually free at the GGD
• Flight Dhaka to Amsterdam: Approx. BDT 80,000 - 150,000 one way

You must show enough money to live in the Netherlands without public funds. The IND norm is set every January. In 2026 it is EUR 1,130.77 per month for university and HBO students (EUR 928.58 for secondary and MBO), and the 2027 amount will apply to applications filed in 2027. Most universities collect this as a deposit before they file your application.

• Based on the 2026 norm, one academic year is 12 x EUR 1,130.77 = EUR 13,569.24. Budget a little more for 2027, because the norm usually rises each January
• Most Dutch universities require you to transfer this amount into the university's bank account. They pay it back to your Dutch bank account in monthly instalments after you register
• Some institutions accept a personal bank statement or a declaration from a sponsor or scholarship provider instead, so check your university's rules
• Tuition is paid separately from, and in addition to, the living-cost amount
• Scholarships count toward the requirement if the award letter states the amount and duration
• The norm amount is updated every 1 January, and you must still have enough funds when you extend your permit in later years

Visa interview

There is normally no visa interview for Dutch student permits. The university applies to the IND for you, and the Dhaka embassy appointment is only for MVV collection and biometrics. Staff may still ask a few basic questions to confirm your identity and purpose.

• Arrive on time with your passport, IND approval letter, photo and appointment confirmation
• Know your university, programme and start date in case staff ask
• Make sure your passport name exactly matches the name on the IND approval letter
• Keep printed and digital copies of your admission letter and payment receipts
• Answer any questions briefly and honestly. The appointment is administrative, not an assessment
• Check the collection notice email before returning to pick up your passport

Work rights

You may work up to 16 hours per week, or full-time in June, July and August. Your employer must first get a work permit (TWV) for you, which usually takes a few weeks. Internships that are part of your programme need a signed internship agreement rather than a TWV. You may also work as a self-employed person after registering with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). If you work, you must take out Dutch public health insurance.

Within 3 years of graduating from a Dutch programme, you can apply for the orientation year permit (EUR 254). It lasts 1 year and cannot be extended. During it you can work in any job without a TWV. If you then find qualifying work, you can switch to the highly skilled migrant permit, which has a reduced salary threshold for recent graduates, or to other work or self-employment permits.

Tips & common mistakes

• Start your housing search as soon as you accept your offer. Housing shortages in Dutch cities are severe, and scams are common
• Apply by the early deadlines. Scholarship and numerus fixus deadlines fall around 15 January to 1 February
• Budget cash-flow carefully. Tuition and a full year of living costs are usually due before your visa is filed
• Use a Dutch or international bank transfer service with clear tracking, and keep all receipts for the university
• Check the IND register of recognised sponsors. Without sponsor status, the institution cannot get you a study permit
• Keep your passport name consistent across your admission, payments and IND forms
• Look for part-time jobs early. Employers need weeks to get a TWV, and Dutch-speaking jobs are easier to find
• Save your university's refund schedule so you know when the monthly living-cost payments will arrive
• Accepting an offer from an institution that is not an IND-recognised sponsor
• Missing the university's deadline for the living-cost deposit and tuition, which delays the IND filing and can push you past the intake date
• Waiting too long to email the Dhaka embassy for an MVV appointment. Book as soon as the approval letter arrives
• Arriving without housing, or paying deposits to unverified landlords online
• Working more than 16 hours a week during term, or working without the employer holding a TWV
• Skipping the TB test or municipality registration after arrival
• Falling below 50% of the credits in a study year, which can lead to the permit being withdrawn

Frequently asked questions

Do I apply for the Dutch student visa myself?

No. Your university, as an IND-recognised sponsor, submits the MVV and residence permit application for you. You provide documents and payments through the university portal, then collect the MVV sticker at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka.

Do I need to go to New Delhi for biometrics?

No. Based on current NetherlandsWorldwide information, Bangladeshi students collect their MVV sticker and give biometrics at the Dutch embassy in Dhaka, provided the IND approval letter names Dhaka. Always follow the location stated in your letter.

How much money do I need to show for 2027?

The 2027 IND norm amount is published around January 2027. As a guide, the 2026 norm is EUR 1,130.77 per month (EUR 13,569.24 for 12 months) for university and HBO students, on top of tuition. Expect a slightly higher figure for 2027.

How long does the process take?

The IND decides within a maximum of 60 days, and usually in about 2 to 4 weeks for recognised sponsors. MVV issuance in Dhaka takes up to 10 working days. Allow about 2 to 3 months from payment to travel.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, up to 16 hours per week during term or full-time in June to August. Your employer must first get a work permit (TWV) for you.

What is the orientation year?

A one-year residence permit for graduates of Dutch (and some top foreign) universities. It lets you work freely without a work permit while you look for a job. You must apply within 3 years of graduating, and it cannot be extended.

Can my family come with me?

A partner or children can apply for family reunification, but you must show sufficient independent income under the IND family rules. This is generally difficult on a student budget.

Is IELTS mandatory?

English proficiency is an admission requirement set by the university, not the IND. Most universities require IELTS, TOEFL or an equivalent. Waivers for Bangladeshi students are rare but some institutions consider English-medium degrees.

Official resources

• IND - Student residence permit for university or higher professional education
• IND - Required amounts (income requirements)
• IND - Residence permit for orientation year
• IND - Public register of recognised sponsors
• NetherlandsWorldwide - Applying for an MVV in Bangladesh
• Study in NL - Official study portal