If you are from Peru and want to study in the Netherlands, you usually start with the university. In many cases, the university helps with the student residence permit after you are admitted. The exact steps depend on your programme, your nationality status, and the school, so always check the university admissions page and the Dutch immigration authority, IND.
How the student visa route usually works
For most non-EU students, the university is the sponsor for the residence permit process. You normally do not apply alone first. The school checks your documents, then tells you what they need and when they will start the permit request.
- Apply to a Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
- Receive an offer or conditional offer if the school accepts you.
- Send any missing documents, if asked.
- The university often starts the residence permit process with IND.
- After approval, you may get instructions for travel, entry, and biometrics.
Some students also need an entry visa, depending on their nationality and travel route. The university or IND will tell you if this applies to you. Do not rely on social media advice for this step. Use the official IND site and your university's international office.
What universities usually ask for
Each programme has its own entry rules. The university decides if your Peruvian school documents, bachelor degree, or other studies match the programme level. For master's study, they usually look at your previous degree and transcript. For bachelor's study, they usually look at your secondary school diploma and grades.
- Passport copy.
- Diplomas or degree certificates.
- Transcripts or grade lists.
- English proof, often IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- A CV or resume for some programmes.
- A motivation letter for some programmes.
- Proof that you can cover tuition and living costs, if the university asks for it.
Some schools also ask for certified copies or translated documents. If your papers are not in English or Dutch, the university may ask for a sworn translation. Check the programme page for the exact format before you pay for translations or copies.
English level and academic matching
Most English-taught programmes ask for proof of English. The required score depends on the university and the course. Some programmes accept different tests, and some can waive the test if you studied in English before. This is not automatic, so check the programme page.
The university also checks whether your previous study level matches the programme you want. If your diploma is not the right level, or if your subjects do not fit the course, they may ask for extra evidence or refuse the application. That is normal and does not always mean there is a problem with you personally.
Proof of funds, fees, and living costs
Many universities in the Netherlands ask international students to show money for tuition and living costs. The amount can change each year, so do not use old forum posts. Check the university's finance page and the IND site for the current guidance.
- Tuition fee.
- Living-cost amount set by the school or IND process.
- Sometimes proof of a bank balance, scholarship letter, or sponsorship.
- Sometimes an extra deposit or payment before the university starts the permit process.
Some universities collect this money first and then release it later for approved students. Others use a different process. Read the instructions carefully, because missing a payment deadline can delay your permit file.
How long the process usually takes
Plan early. A full application can take several weeks or longer, and the residence permit process can add more time. The total timeline depends on when you apply, how fast you send documents, and whether the university has to ask for corrections.
- Programme application: often several weeks before the deadline.
- Document review: a few days to a few weeks.
- University decision: varies by programme and season.
- Residence permit handling through the university and IND: often several weeks.
- Travel planning and arrival steps: after approval and university instructions.
The safe approach is to apply as early as possible, especially if you need a visa appointment, document translation, or a new English test. Do not wait until the last month before classes start.
Common reasons for refusal or delay
Refusals and delays often come from missing documents or unclear answers, not from one single big mistake. The most common issues are easy to avoid if you read the checklist carefully.
- Wrong or missing diploma or transcript.
- English test score below the requirement.
- Unclear proof of funds.
- Expired passport.
- Late submission of documents or fees.
- Documents that do not match the programme level.
- Untranslated or unofficial papers when certified copies are required.
If the university asks for more information, answer fast. If something is unclear, ask the international office directly. They see these cases every year and can tell you what to fix.
How to get noticed before you apply
Many universities do not wait for the final application to learn about you. They often want strong, complete profiles from students who match a programme. A clear profile can help admissions offices find you earlier and contact you first.
- Choose the field you want to study.
- List your current education and final grades if you have them.
- Add your English level and any test results.
- Upload diplomas, transcripts, and ID documents.
- Write a short and honest study interest.
Keep your details clear and complete. If your profile is easy to read on a phone, admissions staff can check it faster. This is useful before you submit a formal application, because it can help you learn which programmes fit your background.
Common questions
Do I apply for the visa myself?
Usually the university helps start the student residence permit process after admission. The exact route depends on the university and your case, so check the admissions page and IND.
Can I apply if I do not have my final diploma yet?
Sometimes yes, if the university allows conditional admission. You may need to send final documents later. Check the programme page for the rules.
What if my English test is not ready yet?
You can still ask the university about timing, but many programmes need the score before final acceptance. Some accept other proof, but not all. Ask the admissions office early.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see whether you fit their programmes. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.