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Study migration

International students at Maastricht University | Photo: Harry Heuts, 2015

Many students and researchers choose to study or undertake research projects in a European country. The European Union (EU) wants to be attractive to these migrants as they are highly educated and contribute to our knowledge economy. They often return to their home countries after their stay.

The Netherlands has its own national policy for highly-skilled migrants. With this, the Netherlands wants to facilitate the arrival of students and researchers, and retain them for the Dutch labour market. The admission of a student or researcher is always secured by an educational or research institution. This institution is then a recognised sponsor for the migrant, as stipulated in the Modern Migration Policy Act (2013). In the Netherlands, students are permitted to stay for one year after completing their studies to seek employment.

EMN Study | Abuse right of residence

Study: Misuse of student residence permit for other purposes

9 March 2022
EMN Study on measures in EU Member States to prevent and tackle abuse of residence permits. Study migration was chosen as an example. In the Netherlands, there are hardly any indications of misuse of the right of residence for study purposes*.