Application process non-European students

Would you like to study at VHL? We'd love to welcome you. We've outlined all the steps of the application process below.

Make sure to also check the deadline page.

Step 1: Apply in Studielink 

Start by applying via Studielink.nl. If it's your first time applying at a Dutch university, choose "Create a Studielink account without DigiD". Then select your study programme and the upcoming academic year. You can apply even before finishing your exams. Need help with Studielink? Check out their info page. 

Bachelor students will also receive an invitation to do the study choice check. We strongly advise you to apply in Studielink before 1 May to make beneficial use of this online questionnaire. 

Step 2: Apply in the SIS Portal

After finishing your application in Studielink, please already collect the following documents. Within a few days you will receive email from VHL with a link to our application portal SIS. There, you'll upload your docs.

• a colour copy of official diplomas or certificates of all previous education 
  (secondary and university level and other relevant courses )*
• copies of the corresponding lists of marks - transcripts of records*
• an internationally recognised certificate of proficiency in English language (e.g. IELTS Academic, TOEFL IBT or Cambridge CAE of FCE)**
• colour copy of ID or passport

* If you are submitting your application before obtaining your official diploma, we require a recent list of grades and a signed statement from your school which states the name of the diploma you will obtain and when you are expected to receive it. With these documents we can conditionally enroll you.
* Certification and translation of documents is required when documents are not written in one of the following languages: Dutch, English of German.
** The VHL institutional TOEFL code is: 4478. Please ensure you allow enough time to investigate the availability and costs of attaining a language certificate in your own country.
** Please check the specific admission requirements of your study programme to see whether or not it is necessary to provide proof of English proficiency. Some diplomas or students are exempted.

Students already living/ studying in the Netherlands should also add the following:

• a copy of a valid residence permit (front and back)
• proof of current health insurance 

Step 3: Assessment admission requirements 

Once you've sent your complete application through our portal, the admissions department will review it. This process can take several weeks. If you don't meet the requirements, we will let you know and withdraw your application. If you are admissible, you will receive a conditional admission email which means that we've reserved a spot for you at VHL. The email will state what you need to do to complete your file. 

Step 4: Final admittance

To finalise your application, you need to meet all the conditions in your conditional admission email before the deadline. One of the conditons is to pay the required fees. Another condition can be to send in a copy of your school diploma or language certificate once you receive it.

You have to pay the full amount up front via a bank transfer. You will receive an email with payment information from 1 May. 

When your enrolment is final, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail. 

Step 5: Visa application portal

Once you've met all the conditions and paid the fees, we'll send you a link to our visa application portal. Here, you'll need to upload your documents so we can apply for a student visa on your behalf. Remember, don't start the process on your own, as this could slow things down. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will review your residence permit application and let you know their decision in about three weeks. Be sure to review this IND folder as it outlines the conditions and rules you need to follow. Once you've got your visa stamp from the Dutch embassy in your home country, you're all set to plan your trip to the Netherlands. 

We will also arrange your health care and liability insurance for you with AON. The policy will be in your name, so you’re responsible for it. It'll cost you around €500 per year. If you already have a private insurance that will cover your medical expenses during your stay, please send us proof of your insurance.

Start academic year

A few months before the start of the academic year, you will receive a link to a webpage packed with all the info you need about the introduction week, book list and more. Plus, you'll be invited to a pre-arrival webinar where you can get live answers to your questions.