Reviewed by Yasir Khan, Founder, LAMTANS Group of Companies, and British Council registered consultant
To study in the Netherlands from Pakistan, your university applies for your residence permit with the IND, then you collect an MVV entry sticker at the Dutch Embassy in Islamabad. The IND fee is EUR 254. This guide covers the steps, funds and work rules for 2026.
Netherlands student visa process from Pakistan
Only your educational institution, as a recognised sponsor, can apply for your residence permit. You cannot apply directly, and you must not enter on a tourist visa.
- Apply to the institution and pay what it asks for, including the funds and the IND fee.
- The institution applies to the IND. It tells you when the IND approves.
- Book your MVV appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Islamabad by emailing isl-ca@minbuza.nl with the subject “Mvv appointment request”. You need only the institution’s email with your V number, and your passport valid for six months with two empty pages.
- Collect your MVV sticker, usually within about 10 working days, and travel within three months of the IND decision.
- Take a TB test only if your institution said so when it applied.
The permit is valid for up to five years and runs three months beyond your studies. You must study full time on an accredited programme and earn at least half of your credits each year. The IND does not state a processing time. Fontys says two to three weeks, and Inholland says the MVV is ready two to six weeks after submission. Apply early: Inholland needs payment before 4 April and the visa application by 15 May for September.
Proof of funds for the Netherlands
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| IND 2026 standard, university or hbo | EUR 1,130.77 a month |
| Radboud University | EUR 1,150 a month, EUR 13,800 for 12 months, paid to the university |
| Fontys, Pakistani bachelor’s and master’s applicants | Transfer of EUR 13,620 for the first year; bank statements are not accepted |
| Wageningen | Twelve months of living allowance transferred in advance |
The IND sets the standard, but many universities collect more and require you to transfer the money to them. Check your institution’s rule before you plan your funds.
Costs: tuition and health insurance
Non-EU tuition averages EUR 9,000 to EUR 20,000 a year for a bachelor’s and EUR 12,000 to EUR 30,000 for a master’s. Wageningen charges EUR 21,900 for non-EU master’s students in 2026/27, and Inholland charges EUR 10,360 for a bachelor’s. Students who only study cannot take Dutch public health insurance, so you need private or home-country cover, which your institution often arranges. Dutch public health insurance becomes compulsory once you take a part-time job.
Working in the Netherlands as a student
As an employee you need an employer-held work permit (TWV). You may choose either up to 16 hours a week, or full time in June, July and August. Internships that are part of your programme need no TWV, and self-employed work has no hour cap but needs KvK registration and tax.
Orientation year after graduation
The orientation-year permit lasts one year and cannot be extended. You can work or start a business freely without a TWV. Apply within three years of finishing an accredited Dutch bachelor’s or master’s, or a master’s or doctorate from a designated top-200 foreign university. You can then switch to a highly skilled migrant, start-up or self-employed permit. A student’s partner is not allowed to work.
English requirements and entry with the HSSC
Hogeschool Utrecht asks for IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for bachelor’s programmes, and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 for its listed master’s programmes. The University of Groningen’s medical sciences master’s asks for IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each skill.
Nuffic compares the HSSC to HAVO level for grades A1 to C, which normally points to applied-sciences programmes, and we confirm this per course. Pass and honours bachelor’s degrees give access to some master’s programmes. The University of Twente’s foundation year has its final intake in September 2026.
Dates, scholarships and how we help
Utrecht University’s master’s applications open on 1 October and close on 1 April, with 1 February for scholarship applicants. The NL Scholarship gives EUR 5,000 in the first year to non-EEA students at participating institutions, with deadlines set by each institution.
We help with course choice, applications and funds evidence, and we prepare your MVV appointment. We cannot promise a visa. Compare other countries on our student visa from Pakistan guide or see all study abroad destinations, including Germany, Ireland and France.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to study in the Netherlands?
The IND standard for 2026 is EUR 1,130.77 a month. Many universities ask for more, for example EUR 1,150 a month at Radboud, and some require you to transfer the money to them.
How much does the Dutch residence permit cost?
The IND fee is EUR 254. Your institution applies on your behalf.
Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?
Yes, with an employer’s work permit, up to 16 hours a week or full time in June, July and August.
Can I stay in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The orientation-year permit lasts one year, lets you work freely, and cannot be extended.
Can my partner work if I study in the Netherlands?
No. A partner of a student with a study permit is not allowed to work.
Book a Free Initial Consultation
Official sources: IND student permit · IND costs · Required amounts · Orientation year · MVV at the Embassy · Nuffic Pakistan. Figures checked on 11 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the latest position at your consultation.