While there is no official list of universities for the Netherlands Orientation Year visa, any Dutch university that offers accredited Bachelor's, Master's, or Post-master's programs, and foreign universities listed among the top 200 globally ranked universities, qualify for the Orientation Year visa. The Residence permit for the orientation year is particularly for highly educated non-EU/EEA recent graduates who have completed a study program or research in any of the above-listed universities within the last 3 years. With an Orientation Year visa, one can reside in the Netherlands for up to 12 months to seek employment, work without a work permit or sponsorship, or start a business.
Also, read…
Can Indians apply for the Netherlands Orientation Permit?
What are the qualifying programs for the Orientation Year Visa?
Degree programs, such as Bachelor’s or Master’s, and Post-Master's programs, such as PhD, completed within the last 3 years at a Dutch university or any of the Top 200 globally ranked universities, can qualify for the Orientation Year Visa. If you have graduated from a foreign university with a qualifying program, you must ensure that the university is listed among the top 200 in global rankings. The Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities, or Shanghai Rankings, etc, are generally considered for the top 200 rankings.
Eligible programs for recent graduates from Dutch higher education institutions
The study programs that are eligible for graduates from any of the qualifying Dutch universities are:
- A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree program
- A PhD or scientific research program
- A Master’s degree, which is a part of the Erasmus Mundus program
Eligible programs for recent graduates from foreign universities
The study programs that are eligible for graduates from any of the qualifying foreign universities are:
- A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree program from a university with a global ranking (Top 200)
- The course field must match your field of research or study (for subject-specific rankings)
To have your foreign degree qualify for the Netherlands Orientation permit, it must meet the following criteria:
- The educational institution must rank in the top 200 in any of the following general rankings: Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, or ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities.
- Your educational institute must rank in the top 200 on the date of your study program or research completion.
- The rankings, as per the subject for which your educational institute ranks in the top 200, must be relevant to your field of study or research.
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to apply for a Netherlands Orientation visa? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!