Application Sent
You’ve sent in your application and now you’re waiting to hear from us.
What happens next?
For whichever programme or course you have applied for, there will be a waiting period before receiving your answer. If you have sent in your complete application we will be able to process and assess your application within the expected time period. If the application package you sent is incomplete, the process will take longer. We will send you notification by email of what is missing. Please note that the administrative process for application assessments cannot be sped up.
- MA Programme: 6 weeks
- Doctoral Programme: 6 weeks
- Diploma Programme and Short Course: 4-5 weeks depending on the availability of the assessor
It is good to start early when looking into fellowships. While the largest minority of ISS students apply for the Netherlands Fellowship programme, there are an increasing number who come to ISS on another scholarship or who are self-financed. Go to to find guidelines and support for finance.Fellowships
NFP Fellowship
For all NFP fellowship applications you must have an acceptance letter from ISS for the specific programme and course you applied for. With this you can apply for an NFP scholarship. ISS is not responsible for your NFP applications; for more details please get in contact with the Netherlands embassy in your country or visit this website: www.nuffic.nl/nfp.
Visas
Foreign students who wish to study in the Netherlands need to go through Dutch immigration procedures. After being admitted to one of the ISS programmes or courses, the following procedures are applicable:
- MA and Doctoral students: ISS will apply on your behalf
- Diploma students: with an ISS invitation letter, students can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa at the Netherlands embassy in their own country. Invitation letters are sent to applicants upon payment of fees.
Visa requirements vary, depending on students' nationality.
Note that students are not allowed to work while in the Netherlands on a study visa.
For Chinese students, there is a special visa procedure.
- Visa FAQ
Q. Can I start the MVV** application before I’ve been accepted at ISS?
A.No, you should never apply for an MVV yourself.
Q. Can I get a study visa to come to the Netherlands to prepare myself for a study programme (e.g., by taking a language course)?
A. No.
Q. Can I come on a tourist visa before I have my MVV?
A.Never do this! If you enter the Netherlands while your study-visa application is being processed, the authorities have every right to turn down your application, and perhaps deny a second application.
Q. What can I do if the embassy hasn't received the approval for my MVV?
A. The Immigration Service in the Netherlands sends the approval to the embassy by e-mail. It might take a few days for the embassy to register that the approval has arrived and to take further action. If the problem persists for longer than five days, ask the ISS admission office for help. They can contact the Netherlands Immigration Service on your behalf to check whether the approval has arrived yet.
*Refers to those candidates who intend to apply for the Netherlands Fellowship Programme.
**An MVV visa is only meant for a duration of longer than 3 months.
Page last updated: 31/08/2009