Kazakhstan → Netherlands
Study in Netherlands from Kazakhstan
Netherlands is a strong option for Kazakh students specifically because of OTS scholarship availability. NESO Kazakhstan simplifies the process significantly.
Visa / legal path
MVV + VVR
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Work rights
16 h/week
Tuition
€9,000–€18,000 /yr
Living cost
€10,000–€18,000 /yr
Financial proof
€12,500
Credential recognition
Nuffic (nuffic.nl)
English (IELTS)
6
Scholarships
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS), Holland Scholarship
What works on this route
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is available for Kazakh citizens — major advantage. Apply via NESO Kazakhstan office in Astana. Deadline varies by university.
- Holland Scholarship: €5,000 one-time grant. Some universities open to Kazakh students — check per institution.
- NESO Kazakhstan in Astana: official Netherlands Education Support Office — use for pre-application advice and document review.
- MVV financial proof: Kazakh bank statements accepted normally.
Why applications get rejected
- Financial proof rejected (MVV) — format issue
- IELTS below 6.0
- Missed Studielink deadline (1 May)
Example institutions
| Example institutions | Programme | City | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanze | International Business | Groningen | ~€9,000/yr |
| NHL Stenden | International Business / Hospitality | Leeuwarden | ~€9,500/yr |
| Saxion | International Business | Enschede | ~€9,000/yr |
| THUAS | Business / CS | The Hague | ~€9,500/yr |
| HvA | Business / IT | Amsterdam | ~€10,000/yr |
After visa: settling in
- 1Register with the municipality (gemeente) to get your BSN (citizen service number) — needed for a bank account, insurance, a job and a phone contract.
- 2Lock down housing BEFORE you fly: the Amsterdam / Utrecht / Delft / Eindhoven shortage is severe. Never transfer a deposit for a room you haven't seen via a verified party — sight-unseen rental scams are common.
- 3Use the official student-housing providers (DUWO, SSH) — register on their waitlists months ahead, not on arrival.
- 4Open a Dutch bank account once you have a BSN and address (most webshops and rent payments expect iDEAL / a local IBAN).
- 5If you take a side job alongside study you must switch to Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering); a pure full-time student keeps international/travel cover instead.
Related routes
Figures are indicative for the 2026-27 academic year and must be confirmed at the official source before applying. Admission and visas are never guaranteed.