During Academic Months
16 Hours
Maximum Per Week
Non-EU/EEA students holding a Dutch student residence permit
may undertake employment for a maximum of 16 hours per week
during the academic year.
Alternative Summer Option
Full-Time Employment In June, July And August
Instead of the 16-hour weekly option during the academic year,
students may choose to work full-time during the three summer
months of June, July and August.
Important: The employer must obtain a TWV (work permit)
before the student starts employment. The two work options
cannot be combined.
01 / DURING STUDIES
Part-Time Work Opportunities
Depending on Dutch-language ability, location, timetable and
employer demand, students may explore employment in hospitality,
retail, customer service, administration and other sectors.
Employment must comply with the conditions of the student's
residence permit. Academic attendance and progress should remain
the priority, and earnings should be treated as supplementary
income rather than the main source of education funding.
02 / PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Internships And Professional Exposure
Internships connected with a student's study programme can provide
practical industry experience, professional skills and exposure
to the Dutch workplace.
An internship forming part of the study programme generally does
not require a separate TWV when the required internship agreement
is signed by the student, employer and educational institution.
Other arrangements may have different requirements.
03 / GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates may explore opportunities in sectors relevant to their
qualifications, including technology, engineering, business,
finance, research, design and other professional fields.
Relevant experience, professional networking, language ability
and employer requirements can influence employment prospects
in the Netherlands.
04 / CAREER PREPARATION
Preparing For The Dutch Job Market
Students should use university career services, develop a
professional CV, build relevant skills and seek suitable
internships before graduation.
Learning Dutch can improve access to a wider range of workplace
opportunities, even when the degree programme itself is taught
in English.
POST-STUDY RESIDENCE OPTIONS
One-Year Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)
Eligible graduates who complete a qualifying Dutch higher-education
programme may apply for an Orientation Year residence permit.
This permit allows them to stay in the Netherlands for up to
12 months to look for employment or explore business opportunities.
During the Orientation Year, graduates have free access to the
Dutch labour market. They can work without their employer needing
to obtain a separate TWV.
Graduates who secure suitable employment may subsequently qualify
to switch to an appropriate work-related residence permit, such as
the Highly Skilled Migrant permit, subject to the applicable
employer, salary and immigration requirements.
Important: Work Permissions And Post-Study Options Have Separate Eligibility Conditions.
Part-time employment, internships and post-study residence options
are subject to different legal conditions. An Orientation Year permit
is not an automatic benefit for every international student or
qualification. Students should verify whether their specific
programme and institution meet the eligibility requirements before
making post-study plans.