Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences

Why this works

• Tuition is €8,500/year — below the average for Dutch universities of applied sciences for non-EU students.
• IELTS 6.0 minimum is accessible for most CIS applicants without additional preparation.
• EU diploma opens the 1-year Zoekjaar orientation permit for job search across the Schengen zone after graduation.
• Holland Scholarship of €5,000 (one-time) is available for non-EU students including RU, UA, KZ, and UZ nationalities.
• Students can work 16 h/week during term and full-time in summer with no separate work permit required.
• Velp is a small, safe town near Arnhem — lower cost of living than Amsterdam or The Hague.

What to check

• Russian students face SWIFT transfer blocks to the Netherlands — tuition and living cost payments require workarounds.
• Belarusian students have no confirmed standard visa pathway — direct IND contact is required before applying.
• Velp is a small town with limited part-time job market and student nightlife compared to major Dutch cities.
• Daily life in the Netherlands requires Dutch for housing search, local services, and social integration.
• Accommodation costs range €450–900/month in dormitories; private housing reaches €1,500/month, straining a tight budget.

Accommodation

€500-800/mo private — Campus housing available on-site. Quiet campus setting near Arnhem.

Scholarships

Holland Scholarship: one-time €5,000 first-year grant for non-EU students. Apply directly to the institution. BY eligibility uncertain for 2026 intake.