Continuing your studies
22 Oct 2009
International students are allowed to study in Holland for a certain set number of years. This is generally equal to the nominal duration of the study programme plus an additional two years. This means that the maximum duration of your stay depends on the duration of the study programme you choose.
For example, a Bachelor’s programme in economics with a study duration of three years, allows you to stay in Holland for a maximum of five years.
If the maximum number of years has passed but you have not yet obtained a diploma, you will not be able to extend your student residence permit. If you would like to stay in the Netherlands, you must apply for a so-called ‘change in the purpose of your stay’.
In general, you may enrol in a Master’s degree programme after completing a Bachelor’s degree. If you have obtained a Master’s degree and would like to go on to do a PhD, you will need to apply for a change in the purpose of your residence permit, as PhD positions are classified as work in the Netherlands rather than as study. More information for researchers is available on the Euraxess website.