Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) for the purpose of study
Are you wondering if the coronavirus is affecting your upcoming immigration procedure, or how the coronavirus might affect your residence permit? Please read about the procedure, and more.
When you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, you need to complete the immigration procedure before the start of your studies at the University of Amsterdam. You will not be allowed to start otherwise.
Please note that applying for or changing your Dutch residence permit for the purpose of study always needs to be done by the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The UvA is a recognized sponsor of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Department (IND) and is therefore obligated by law to arrange this permit on your behalf according to strict requirements.
In this case, you don't need an entry visa (MVV) and/or a residence permit (VVR). However, you will need to provide us with certain information.
You do not need an entry visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands, but you do need a residence permit (VVR) for the purpose of study.
You need an entry visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands and a residence permit (VVR) for the purpose of study.
If you have one of these nationalities, you can apply for a WHS permit or a residence permit (VVR).
You need to choose which one is best for you:
If you have a residence permit (VVR) for the purpose of study in the Netherlands at a different Dutch educational institution than the UvA, and you are going to start a study programme with us, you will need to apply for a transfer of your residence permit (VVR).
If you already have a Dutch residence permit (VVR) for another purpose (for example for employment, stay with family member, or au pair) but wish to change to a residence permit for study purposes, the UvA will need to submit a so-called ‘Change of the purpose of stay’ application to the IND.
You must extend your residence permit before your current one expires. You can start the application for the extension of your residence permit (VVR) from 3 months before the expiration date of your current residence permit.
Information for prospective students
For the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Department (IND) you need to provide us with financial proof showing that you have sufficient financial means to cover both your living expenses and your tuition fees.
If you have more than one nationality, you may choose which nationality you would like to use. If one of these nationalities is EU/EEA or Swiss, we recommend you to use this nationality, as you won't need to apply for a residence permit in that case.
Residence permits arranged by the UvA will allow you to travel freely (up to 90 days every six months) in the Schengen Area, which makes trips to Spain, France, Germany and other European countries possible.
When you graduate from the UvA, you may apply for a one-year residence permit in order to search for employment in the Netherlands. This is called an Orientation Year Permit. For more information, follow the link below.
Every year at the end of the academic year the UvA has to monitor whether students with a residence permit for the purpose of study have made sufficient progress in their studies (both bachelor's and master's). This is called study progress monitoring.
If you have any questions after reading the information on our website, please send us a message:
Or you can talk to us directly during our telephone consultation hours (please have your student number at hand):