Known for its picturesque artificial and natural landscapes, the diverse and friendly community, and its biking culture, the Netherlands is a country that has so much to offer. Education in the country is also a pleasant experience both for local and international students making it a popular spot for students in Europe.
The programs offered by Dutch universities are acclaimed internationally, and these universities are also relatively affordable compared to other English-speaking countries. The Netherlands is also among the countries that allow students to work for a limited number of hours a week when classes are in session, and full-time during seasonal study breaks. In this post, we explore the opportunities for international students to work in the country.
Ways to Work While Studying in the Netherlands
Working while studying has a lot of perks you shouldn’t miss out on. Before you go out there on a job hunt, check out these popular entry points for students looking for opportunities to work while studying.
1. Paid Internships
While there is no legal minimum wage for interns per se, generally, interns and trainees can expect to earn an allowance of over €200. If you are studying in a highly technical field like engineering or healthcare, experience as an intern would be crucial for your resume. The capital city of the country, Amsterdam, as industrial as it is, offers most internship opportunities in the Netherlands.
To find an internship, you can explore the traditional route of applying to job postings on job search websites, government websites, and other professional associations. You can also find an internship through your respective university. Universities might have partner programs with prominent industrial organizations in the country or might be willing to guide you to the relevant parties and resources to help you find a role as an intern.
2. Entry-level Jobs
If you have other qualifications and perhaps a little bit of experience, there might be opportunities for you to get into a job in the industry that is fully paid. Start-ups often hire newer talent and might like to have on-board people who are willing to trade off time for a relatively lower pay.
Entry-level jobs are not only good for your resume but can be excellent to help you grow with the organization. While paperwork for internships and jobs as a student might be a bit overwhelming on the employer’s part, demonstrating your skills and projects might help convince them to hire you.
3. Volunteering Work
Non-EU/EEA students are generally required to obtain a work permit when they are employed during their study period. If the paperwork seems like a hassle, you can always opt for voluntary work in the country that does not require a work permit.
4. Other Part-Time Working Opportunities
If work experience in a relevant field doesn’t matter much, and if making a few bucks on the side is your goal, you should perhaps try your luck at other enticing job opportunities that are especially catered for students.
These jobs could include tutoring, food delivery, hospitality, cashiering, waiting, and housekeeping. While these jobs may not be directly related to your field of study, these are excellent ways to earn some extra income to facilitate your other expenses.
FAQs: Working While Studying in the Netherlands
Is There a Work-Study Program in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is among the countries that allow international students to employ themselves during their stay in the country. However, the number of hours a student is allowed to work part-time is capped at 16 hours per week when classes are in session. The country’s immigration law allows full-time work during the summer holidays which span from June through August.
The salary paid for jobs in the country may vary depending on several contributing factors. The minimum wage in the Netherlands as revised by the government for the year 2024 ranges between €3.98 and €13.27 depending on the employee’s age.
Can You Work In the Netherlands While on a Student Visa?
Foreign nationals in the country who are on a student visa are allowed to work. However, many international students might also need a work permit to get a part-time job in the country. Students from the EU/ EEA or Switzerland can work in the country with a student visa provided they adhere to the limitations set up by the government.
Part-time working hours are limited to 16 hours a week except during the summer months. During summer, students are allowed to work full-time and their pay can range anywhere between €3.98 and €13.27 depending on the age of the employee and the type of work. Considering the above restrictions students might be able to make anywhere between €1,000 and €3,000.
What Are the Benefits of Working While Studying in the Netherlands?
Considering the minimum wages mentioned on the official government website, a student 18 years or older might make somewhere around €500 a month working part-time. During summer when the student is allowed to work full-time, a monthly salary of around €1,300 can be expected. This translates to an average annual salary of over €8,000 which can be very useful as an international student.
Working while studying would not only help you cover additional expenses like books, entertainment, and traveling, but it will also be useful in starting other ventures while being a student. There are countless opportunities to invest in further education, business deals, and much more. If you are lucky enough to land a job in an industry that correlates with your education, then it’ll help you get work experience too.
The Netherlands is one of the few countries that are lenient in allowing international students to work. With a work permit (if you are a non-EU student) or your EU/EEA/ Switzerland passport, you could explore a wide range of job opportunities in the country that might interest you.
We hope the guidelines provided in this article help you kickstart your career in the Netherlands. If you are in need of more study opportunities, check out our Available Programs in Europe and the Netherlands Study Guide for international students!
