Practical information/arrangements

Student visa
Registration with the university
Registration with the local authority (GBA)
Opening a bank account
Insurance
Dentist and GP
Working next to your studies
Costs of living
Public transport

Student visa

Before arriving in the Netherlands, students with a non-European nationality must apply for a visa and/or residence permit for the Netherlands. The International Office will apply for the visa. Students who need a visa will receive more information about the visa application procedure after we have received and approved their online application.

Registration with the university

You have to register yourself through our online application system. You will then receive a student number and a VU-net-ID. The VU-net-ID gives you access to the university’s various ICT services, so make sure not to forget your username and password.  Upon arrival you will receive a declaration of registration and a student card.

Registration with the local authority (GBA)

Both EU residents and non-EU residents who stay in the Netherlands for more than four months are obliged by law to register with the municipality (GBA) at the municipality. During the arrival days in the introduction weeks you are able to register at the municipality.

Opening a bank account

VU University Amsterdam has special arrangements with some Dutch banks for their international students. If you wish to open a bank account you will need to do this in person. You don’t have to make an appointment to open a bank account; you can just visit the bank in person.

Insurance

Valid health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. Before you come to the Netherlands, you should inquire whether your current insurance will suffice in the Netherlands or if you need a supplementary cover. If your own insurance policy covers your stay in the Netherlands, take proof of this with you. Be sure you also check your personal liability policy.
If your own insurance doesn’t cover medical and liability costs in the Netherlands, we recommend the insurance company AON. AON has developed the Insurance Certificate for Students (ICS). It is developed especially for foreign students travelling to the Netherlands for educational purposes and who have to take care of their own insurance.

Dentist and GP

All students of VU University Amsterdam who stay here for less than one year can contact the ‘Tandartsbemiddelingsbureau’ for urgent dental care (+31 20 5709595).

The general practitioner or GP (huisarts in Dutch) plays a key role in the Dutch health care system. If you fall ill or need a prescription you must always first consult your GP, who will either refer you to a specialist or threat you himself/herself. VU University Amsterdam has a special arrangement with the General Practice Medical Centre which allows all students to register here. For registration you need to bring a valid ID and a valid proof of health insurance. Once you have registered, you are able to make an appointment to see the doctor whenever necessary. Please note that you will need to pay for every consultations at the GP. You can later claim these costs at your insurance company. It is very important to register at the GP. Doctors will not be able to treat you if you are not registered. (De Boelelaan 1132, entrance at Amstelveenseweg 601,  +31 20 4441400).

Working next to your studies

Non-EU students and students from Bulgaria and Romania need a work permit and can only work 10 hours a week or fulltime during the summer (June, July, August). You are not allowed to do both. Your employer has to apply for your work permit.

Other EU students can work without any restrictions in the Netherlands. However, it is still not easy to find a job, as often proficiency in Dutch is required. Please note that when you work next to your study, the health  insurance that is designed for students or an EU health card does not suffice anymore. You will need a so-called ‘basisverzekering’, which is much more expensive then the students insurance. You can find more information about this insurance on the AON website.

Costs of living

Experience shows that to live and study in the Netherlands for one year costs a student €700-1,000 a month. Some students manage to spend less, but this of course depends on your own lifestyle. An indication of likely expenses is given below.

Monthly expenses

You cannot count on finding a source of additional income after you arrive and, unless you are from an EU member state, your opportunities to work are restricted. As a non-EU student, under Dutch law you are only allowed to work 10 hours a week and only if you have a work permit.

Public transport

To use buses, trams, or metros in Amsterdam you need an OV-chipkaart. The OV-chipkaart can be bought at the GVB tickets & Info offices. More information about the public transport in Amsterdam can be found here.