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Masters Application
Nepal → Netherlands
Masters Application
Document Checklist
Complete step-by-step checklist for Nepali students applying for a masters degree in the Netherlands — covering university applications, admission documents, residence requirements, and arrival preparation.
5 phases·27 items·Last Updated: August 11, 2026
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Most Dutch universities process applications through Studielink, the national application portal. September is the main intake; some programs also have a February intake.
Academic Documents
Bachelor's Degree CertificateRequired
Official Academic Transcripts (All Semesters)Required
SLC / SEE Certificate + Transcript (Grade 10)Required
+2 / Higher Secondary Certificate + Transcript (Grade 12)Required
Standardized Tests & Personal Documents
IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBTRequired
Required for English-taught programs.
Statement of Purpose / Motivation LetterRequired
CV / ResumeRequired
Letters of RecommendationProgram-specific
Valid Passport CopyRequired
Nepal is NOT an apostille country. Documents must go through: Issuing Authority → MoEST → MoFA. Allow 2–4 weeks.
Attestation Chain
SLC/SEE Certificate verified by NEB, BhaktapurNepal
+2 Certificate verified by NEB / HSEBNepal
Bachelor's Degree & Transcripts verified by university registrarNepal
Educational documents attested by MoEST, KesharmahalNepal
All documents legalized by MoFA, TripureshworNepal
Unlike most countries, the Dutch university — as an IND-recognized sponsor — submits your residence permit application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) on your behalf. This happens after you accept your offer and pay the required tuition deposit/first instalment. Your role is to supply documents to your university's international office promptly, not to file with IND yourself.
What you need to do
Accept your offer and pay the required tuition deposit/first instalmentRequired
Provide passport copy, proof of funds, and admission confirmation to your university's international officeRequired
Confirm with your university that the IND application has been submittedRequired
If it hasn't started, contact the international office directly.
Wait for the IND decision on your residence permit
The Netherlands has no embassy in Nepal. Nepali applicants apply for and collect the MVV sticker at the Dutch mission indicated in your IND approval letter — commonly the Embassy of the Netherlands in New Delhi. You cannot apply for the MVV in Nepal itself.
After IND Approval
Submit your passport at the Dutch mission named in your IND decision letterRequired
Financial proof meeting the current Nuffic/IND monthly normRequired
Verify the current amount before applying — it is updated periodically.
Health/travel insurance for the interim period before Dutch insurance startsRequired
Dutch student housing is notoriously competitive — start searching as soon as you accept your offer, well before your visa is finalized.
Before you leave
Book your flight
Start your accommodation search early — housing is highly competitive
After arrival
Register in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at your municipality within 5 days of arrivalRequired
Collect your residence permit card
Apply for a BSN (citizen service number) as part of BRP registration
Open a Dutch bank account