How to study in Netherlands
Compare each route by stay and permit, work rights, cost and who it suits. Sources are under each row.
How do you get there?
There are 1 ways to study in Netherlands: Live in the Netherlands on a working holiday.
Choose a different route, and the permit you need changes.
Live in the Netherlands on a working holiday
- Residence permit Working Holiday
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and get to know Dutch society and culture.
- Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year
You must be 18 to 30 when you apply. The residence permit is valid for up to one year. The annual quota for Japan is 200. Japanese citizens need neither an MVV nor pre-registration.
- Can you work?
Occasional work only
The back of the residence permit says: 'Work permit not required for occasional work while on WHP/WHS, other work not permitted'. Occasional work means work only to support your stay in the Netherlands. In that case your employer does not need a work permit (TWV) for you. You may, for example, work full time, but not for the whole year for the same employer. You may not work as a self-employed person.
- Cost
Fee EUR 85
The IND application fee is EUR 85.
Live in the Netherlands on a working holiday
- Residence permit Working Holiday
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and get to know Dutch society and culture.
Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year
You must be 18 to 30 when you apply. The residence permit is valid for up to one year. The annual quota for Japan is 200. Japanese citizens need neither an MVV nor pre-registration.
Can you work?
Occasional work only
The back of the residence permit says: 'Work permit not required for occasional work while on WHP/WHS, other work not permitted'. Occasional work means work only to support your stay in the Netherlands. In that case your employer does not need a work permit (TWV) for you. You may, for example, work full time, but not for the whole year for the same employer. You may not work as a self-employed person.
Cost
Fee EUR 85
The IND application fee is EUR 85.
For Japanese citizens. Official names checked on government websites on October 31, 2026.
Sources (official government pages)
Live in the Netherlands on a working holiday・Source: Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND): Residence permit Working HolidayNetherlands Worldwide: working holiday exchange programmes for the NetherlandsMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Working Holiday programmes (partner countries and annual quotas)
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