Study-related migration

Many students and researchers choose to study or carry out research in a European country. The EU aims to attract these highly skilled migrants because of their advanced qualifications and their contribution to the knowledge economy. In many cases, they return to their countries of origin after completing their studies or research.

The Netherlands has its own national policy for highly skilled migrants. This policy aims to facilitate the admission of international students and researchers while encouraging them to remain available to the Dutch labour market. The admission of a student or researcher is always arranged through an educational or research institution. This institution then acts as a recognised sponsor. In the Netherlands, international students may remain for up to one year after completing their studies to search for employment.

Please note: the publications on this page are from July 2024 onwards. For earlier publications, please switch to Dutch (the EMN PDFs of the publications on the Dutch pages are in English). The filter below is in Dutch and will be available in English towards the end of 2026.