If you’ve gained study admission in Netherlands, then you should bother about how to apply for Netherlands student visa in Nigeria. This is because the success or failure of your application can make or destroy your dreams of studying in the Netherlands. And the application process in Nigeria is indirect.
Netherlands is the home of the University of Amsterdam and other top schools around the world. The country has universities offering different varieties of courses in English Language. So language is no barrier at all. To study in Netherlands, it is vital that you get the right information about how to apply for Netherlands student visa in Nigeria. Read on for these details.
What Is Netherlands Students Visa?
Netherlands student visa is required to study in Netherlands. It is also called Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV) or long-stay visa. Netherlands student visa is the permit to enter the Netherlands for study but your host institution will help you apply for your MVV.
You can access Netherlands by applying for long-term visa which allows you to stay within Netherlands for more than 90 days. But you have to upgrade to residence permit in order to stay longer than six months.
The residence permit is also known as VVR. It helps to legally extend the lawful duration of your stay in Netherlands if your course of study requires more time. It is vital for you to note that you can only use VVR for study purposes alone. But you may also have the right to stay in the Netherlands after your study period if you score 50% or higher.
To study a short-term course in the Netherlands, consider applying for Netherlands visit visa instead. This visa is applicable for courses within three months. You may read our guide on how to apply for Netherlands visit visa in Nigeria.
Why You Should Study In Netherlands
Netherlands has become a popular destination among Nigerian students not only because of her highly ranked universities but also because her schools help facilitate visa application. Here are the other reasons why you should study in Netherlands:
Lots of English Programs
Universities in Netherlands offer a large number of English-taught programs. About 90% of the countries’ population speaks English, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
Quality Education
Netherlands institutions are well-recognised for their superb way of teaching their students. The quality of education in Netherlands is one of the most efficient you can find in Europe. Other benefits like tuition fees and daily living cost are lower than in other EU countries. You also have the opportunity to apply for scholarship.
Moreover, the teaching style in Netherlands institutions is very interactive and it keeps students alive during lectures. You can develop your personal opinion, your eyesight as well as keep an open mind about international orientation.
Safety
Netherlands is considerably safe for international students to live. It is also among the top 10 happiest countries in the entire world. The crime rate in Netherlands is low compare to other countries.
Travel around Europe
You can be in Berlin, Paris and so on in just three to six hours by train. Livings in Netherlands give you opportunity to travel around Europe as much as you can without spending a fortune.
Start a career in Holland after graduation
Netherlands government wants to retain young talent and knowledge, so international students that graduate from any of their institutions can apply for another residence permit of a year so as to get a job, or to start a business after graduation.
Transport
Netherlands is a small country with efficient train network and it offers discounts up to 40% for students. So, you don’t actually need a car in the Netherlands but you could require a bicycle to make traveling to your lectures easier.
Cost of living
You could get student discounts in bars, museums, cinemas and some restaurants. Living cost in Netherlands is not the lowest in Europe but discounts could help you save some money.
Nigerian Students In Netherlands
The International Educational Exchange data released by the Institute of International Education (IIE) shows that there are about 2000 Nigerian students currently pursuing their educational goals in the Netherlands. The report also stated that the overall number of international students in the Netherlands increased by three percent over the previous year. With this data, it is safe to conclude that Netherlands is conducive and desirable to international students.
How to Apply For Netherlands Student Visa In Nigeria: Step By Step
Nigerians cannot apply directly for Netherlands student visa, you can only apply through a host in Netherlands or through the Netherlands embassy in Ghana or Benin Republic.
1- Pass the Civic Integration Examination Abroad
The Basic Civic Integration exam tests your reading and writing skills as well as your knowledge of the Dutch society. You need to prepare yourself for this examination using an authorized study pack, then register with the Education Executive Agency (DUO). The exam fee is $150 and DUO will give you receipt after payment.
The next step is to book an appointment with the Netherlands embassy in Abuja or their representative in Lagos using the receipt. You would write your exam at the embassy but you should visit with a valid means of identification. DUO will send your result to you through your email under eight weeks.
However, you do not have to write this exam if you do not intend to live with your spouse in the Netherlands or if you are under age 18. Click HERE to see other exemptions for the civic examination.
2- Gain Admission
Apply for admission to some of the recognized sponsor institutions in Netherlands and ensure you secure an admission. It is important to get this done as soon as possible because you can only apply for MVV under 12 months of passing the civic exam.
3- Your School Sends Your Application to the Immigration Service in Netherlands
The institution of learning would submit your application to the immigration and naturalization service (IND). When the agency approves your application, they would you a letter through your school containing instructions on the next line of action. And the required documents to come with. While these may vary slightly or totally, the supporting documents are usually the items mentioned under ‘requirements’ in this article.
4- Make an Appointment with the Embassy
You need to make an appointment with the embassy to get your MVV stamp. While the Embassy of Netherlands in Nigeria cannot process Netherlands student visa, you may have to confirm with them if they can stamp your passport with the long-stay visa. Otherwise, make an appointment with Netherlands embassy in Ghana or Netherlands embassy in Benin Republic for your sticker.
Be ready to go along with the letter from the IND and all the documents mentioned in it. Also, download and fill the MVV form with the latest version of Adobe PDF Reader. It is among the documents that you must take along.
5- Get your MVV Stamp
Visit the embassy to get the MVV stamp on your passport.
Netherlands Student Visa Requirements For Nigerian Citizens
Before you can secure the Netherlands student visa in Nigeria, there are certain supporting documents that you must have. These documents are as follows:
1- Your international passport. Ensure that it is valid for more than six months upon the time of application submission.
2- Admission letter from your host institution which confirms your admission.
3- Proof of health insurance worth 30,000 Euro coverage. Click here to order for your health insurance.
4- Duly and completely filled application form. You can help yourself avoid errors when filling application by ordering for our visa application form filling service. Click HERE
5- Two passport photographs
6- Your birth certificate
7- Your academic transcripts. You may have to
8- Financial statements. This could be your bank statement of account or your sponsor’s
9- Sworn affidavit of sponsorship (if sponsored)
9- Proof of Accommodation. To order for hotel reservationClick here
10- A cover letter. Click here for a valid and acceptable cover letter.
11- Civil status proof
12- Proof of reserved flight ticket or Itinerary. This must be verifiable. Kindly Click here to order for your reserved flight ticket.
13- Filled copy of MVV form
FAQs On How To Apply For Netherlands Students Visa In Nigeria
How much is visa fee for Netherlands student visa in Nigeria?
Click here to use naijagoingabroad visa calculator to calculate your visa expenses in Nigerian naira.
Will I attend an interview for Netherlands student visa?
While most applicants do not attend interview for Netherlands student visa in Nigeria, the Nether
you are required to attend a visa interview during your visa application process.
Where is Netherlands Embassy In Nigeria?
Click here to view the addresses of the Netherlands Visa Application Centers in Nigeria
Where do I download Netherlands student visa application form?
You can download Netherlands student visa application form from here or you can visit www.vfsglobal.com
Conclusion
Now that you know how to apply for Netherlands student visa in Nigeria, you should endeavor to apply in good time. The embassy advises that you submit an application at least 12 weeks before the academic calendar begins.
If you have not taken our free visa eligibility test, we advise you take the test now in order to properly plan your application.