Netherlands Student Work Rights 2026

International students in the Netherlands can work while studying, with rules that depend on nationality and the time of year. After graduation, there is a one-year orientation visa to look for work.

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International students in the Netherlands are allowed to work while they study, but the rules are specific. Students from outside the EU/EEA can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during summer vacations.

A work permit is needed unless the student is exempt based on nationality. During the academic year, work hours are limited, and they can increase during holidays.

After finishing a degree, international students can apply for a one-year orientation visa called Zoekjaar. This lets graduates stay in the Netherlands for up to a year while looking for a job related to their field of study.

If a graduate gets a job during that period, they may switch to a regular work permit. The main student visa is the Dutch Student Visa (MVV and VVR).

Universities in Netherlands

QS World #47 #1 in Netherlands Delft, South Holland, Netherlands

Delft University of Technology

Public University — The Delft University of Technology is the oldest and largest Dutch public technical university, located in Delft, Netherlands. It specializes in engineering, technology, computing, design, a...

EUR 16,500 – EUR 22,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1842Founded

27,000Students

8,000International

Admissions open

#47 QS World University Rankings 2026

#1 in Netherlands

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QS World #55 #2 in Netherlands Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

University of Amsterdam

Public University — The University of Amsterdam is a public research university located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Established in 1632 by municipal authorities, it is the fourth-oldest academic institution in t...

EUR 12,500 – EUR 17,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1632Founded

41,000Students

12,000International

Admissions open

#55 QS World University Rankings 2026

#2 in Netherlands

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QS World #140 #7 in Netherlands Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands

Eindhoven University of Technology

Public University — The Eindhoven University of Technology is a public technical university in the Netherlands, situated in Eindhoven. In 2020–21, around 14,000 students were enrolled in its BSc and MSc program...

EUR 15,500 – EUR 21,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1956Founded

14,000Students

4,000International

Admissions open

#140 QS World University Rankings 2026

#7 in Netherlands

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QS World #103 #3 in Netherlands Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht University

Public University — Utrecht University is a public research university in Utrecht, Netherlands. Established 26 March 1636, it is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. In 2025, it had an enrollment...

EUR 13,500 – EUR 18,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1636Founded

39,000Students

6,000International

Admissions open

#103 QS World University Rankings 2026

#3 in Netherlands

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QS World #119 #4 in Netherlands Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands

Leiden University

Public University — Leiden University is a public research university in Leiden, Netherlands. Established in 1575 by William, Prince of Orange as a Protestant institution, it holds the distinction of being the...

EUR 12,500 – EUR 17,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1575Founded

34,000Students

5,000International

Admissions open

#119 QS World University Rankings 2026

#4 in Netherlands

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QS World #119 #5 in Netherlands Netherlands

Universiteit Leiden

—Tuition (indicative)

1575Founded

33,494Students

—International

Admissions open

#119 QS World University Rankings 2026

#5 in Netherlands

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All universities in Netherlands →

Questions about working & jobs in Netherlands

Can international students work while studying in the Netherlands?

Yes. International students are allowed to work while studying, with specific rules depending on nationality and the time of year.

What happens to work rights after graduation in the Netherlands?

Graduates can apply for a one-year orientation visa called Zoekjaar to look for a job related to their field of study. If they get a job, they may switch to a regular work permit.

Do students in the Netherlands need a work permit?

Yes, a work permit is needed unless the student is exempt based on nationality.