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Visa application for Semester in Amsterdam students

When you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you need to complete the immigration procedure before you can start your studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. So it is very important to have that matter settled! Luckily our International Office at VU Amsterdam will apply for the required immigration documents on your behalf.

On this website you will find all the information you need in order to complete it smoothly. Therefore please read the website carefully for it contains very important information.

There are several types of immigration procedures possible for Semester in Amsterdam students:

  • Residence permit (VVR) procedure
  • Long stay entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) procedure
  • Change of Sponsor
  • Working Holiday Programme/Scheme (WHP/WHS) (applicable to Canada, Australia and New Zealand)
  • Intra-EU mobility (for students who already hold a valid EU study permit of another member state)

Which procedure applies to you depends on your nationality. 

Nationality
Required procedure
Australia*
Canada*
Japan
Monaco
New Zealand*
South Korea
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vatican City State
Residence permit (VVR) procedure
All other non-EU countriesLong stay entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) procedure
All other non-EU countries but in possession of valid residence permit of another Schengen countryResidence permit (VVR) procedure
All EU countries
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Switzerland
No procedure required

Immigration Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: 1 June
  • Spring Semester: 1 December

Please also see our detailed How-To Guide for more information about the immigration application process for Semester in Amsterdam students.

Required Immigration Documents

You can find a complete list of required documents on the general Visa page. Please keep in mind that Semester in Amsterdam students are NOT Exchange students. Please scroll down and follow the directions listed on the main page via the link above (and do not click the link for Exchange). 

Requirement Exemptions for Semester in Amsterdam Students

  • English Language Test Scores: the requirement to have an International Student Advisor check your English language test scores does not apply. Semester in Amsterdam students taking Bachelor-level courses are not required to submit English language test scores. You can ignore this requirement. 
  • Visa Fee: in certain circumstances, your home university or study abroad organisation might pay the visa fee on your behalf. If this is the case, you can ignore this requirement. If you're not sure, please check with your home university or study abroad organization.

Contact information

Feel free to reach out to us

In case you have questions about your immigration procedure, please send an e-mail to studentimmigration@vu.nl.

Telephone: +31 (0)20 598 3078 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, between 11:00-13:00).

You can also schedule an appointment with us (phone or face-to-face).