Five things you need to know if you’re a non-EU student
If you’ve bid farewell to both your country and your continent as a non-EU student, here are some essential things to know.
For some international students, moving to Groningen means changing countries. For others, it means crossing continents. Certain experiences apply to all international students, but students from outside the European Union (non-EU students) face unique challenges.
As a non- EU student, you’ll encounter distinct hurdles, such as navigating the visa process and undergoing a tuberculosis (TB) test. And what about dealing with potential job discrimination due to your non-European status?
Let’s be honest: many of us are slightly (or very) envious of EU students. We have good reasons for that. EU students enjoy privileges that non-EU students don’t. To ease your transition, we’ve compiled a guide offering practical advice. The key topics are securing allowances, understanding work regulations, navigating the TB test process, managing tuition fees, and navigating Dutch healthcare.
Benefits
A big perk of being a student in the Netherlands are the benefits. For non-EU students, two main types of benefit can help ease the financial burden.
Healthcare benefit (Zorgtoeslag)
Non-EU students who intern or work at a company may be eligible for healthcare benefit. To qualify, you must meet several conditions. You have to be eighteen years or older, must have a BSN (citizen service number) and a Dutch bank account. Additionally you must have Dutch health insurance and your income must fall below a certain threshold.
Rent benefit (Huurtoeslag)
Rent benefit makes finding accommodation more feasible and affordable by increasing your budget. Non-EU students may be eligible for this allowance if they meet certain conditions. To qualify, you must be eighteen years or older, have a BSN (citizen service number) and a Dutch bank account. Your combined income and assets must fall below a certain threshold. Additionally, you must be officially registered at city hall (Gemeente) and you must be the main tenant.
Plus, you must rent independent accommodation, which means your place must be equipped with a private entrance, bathroom and kitchen. The basic rent must not exceed € 454.47 if you are between 18 and 23 with no children; € 879.66 if you are between 18 and 22 with children; and € 879.66 if you are 23 years or older.
For both types of benefit, the money is paid on the 20th of each month, unless the 20th falls on a weekend or public holiday, then you receive it on the following weekday.
You can apply for both healthcare benefit and rent benefit here.
Working regulations
For non-EU students in Groningen who plan to work or are already balancing employment with their studies, it’s essential to be aware of the restrictions and requirements involved. Firstly, there’s a limit of 16 working hours per week during the academic year. This limit is lifted during the months of June, July and August during which students can work up to 40 hours per week.
Secondly, even if your residence permit allows you to work, non-EU students must obtain a work permit to work for a Dutch employer. The employer has to apply for this work permit and the process typically takes about 4-8 weeks. It’s important to note that non-EU students cannot begin working until the work permit has been officially granted. Therefore, ensure that your employer initiates the application process as soon as possible. In addition, be aware that not all employers may be willing to apply for a work permit, so it’s advisable to inform them of your nationality and situation right from the outset.
Tuberculosis test
Upon arriving in the Netherlands, most non-EU students are required to undergo a TB test as part of the immigration process. If you have applied for your residence permit but have not yet received it or you have received it within the last three months, you may need to complete this mandatory test, depending on your nationality. Specifically, if you’re from a country NOT included in this list, you must undergo a TB test in the Netherlands.
Tuition fee
It’s no secret that non-EU students pay a significantly higher tuition fee than EU students. Although the exact amount can vary per institution and study programme, you can expect to pay between € 6,000 and € 17,000 per academic year for bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Most universities offer flexible payment options, allowing students to pay the full amount upfront or in instalments.
Please consider exploring scholarship opportunities, as various grants and financial aid are available for students from outside the European Economic Area countries applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme.
Dutch healthcare
There are two key things you should know about healthcare in the Netherlands. Upon arrival, it’s essential to register with a GP to ensure you have access to medical care. Additionally, Dutch health insurance is mandatory for anyone working in the country, including non-EU students with part-time jobs or internships. You must obtain this insurance within four months of starting work, and with this, GP consultations are typically covered.