Educads

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.

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

TD Delft University of Technology logo

Delft University of Technology

Delft, South Holland, Netherlands Β· Public University

β˜… 76 QS World #49 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 16,500 – EUR 22,000/yr
Founded
1842
UV University of Amsterdam logo

University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands Β· Public University

β˜… 73 QS World #53 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 12,500 – EUR 17,000/yr
Founded
1632
TU Eindhoven University of Technology logo

Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands Β· Public University

β˜… 69 QS World #124 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 15,500 – EUR 21,000/yr
Founded
1956
UT Utrecht University logo

Utrecht University

Utrecht, Netherlands Β· Public University

β˜… 65 QS World #107 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 13,500 – EUR 18,000/yr
Founded
1636
LE Leiden University logo

Leiden University

Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands Β· Public University

β˜… 65 QS World #136 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 12,500 – EUR 17,000/yr
Founded
1575

All universities in Netherlands β†’

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.

Student cities in Netherlands

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

More on Netherlands: destination overview Β· universities Β· scholarships Β· student visa

Stay updated

Get admission alerts, scholarship deadlines & university news β€” free.