Work in The Netherlands alongside your studies
By Ester
Living in The Netherlands can be quite expensive. Therefore, it is good to think about finding a part-time job that can help with your expenses.
Do you live abroad and plan to move to The Netherlands? If you going to work in The Netherlands you are required to have healthcare insurance. As a rule, everyone who lives (for a long period of time) and/or works in The Netherlands is obligated to have health care insurance. The government calls it ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ (Healthcare insurance law).
You can arrange this easily online. It might be complicated to understand Dutch web pages, in this case, you can always call the company. They’ll, for sure, attend you in English language.
Is it possible to work alongside your studies?
This is the most famous question. The answer is YES. You just need to organise yourself better and precisely. There are many jobs open to student applicants, so take advantage of it!
However, it’s important that you use the free time wisely. Use the time that what you have constructively as this will help you balance your day job and your course work more effectively.
How much does it cost?
The basic one goes from €100-120. You can check affordable prices here. Take into account that the government can pay you back some money. It’s called Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) and is a money allowance that the government pays you prior to your health insurance being paid out. The maximum pay out is €94/month, leaving you with less than €10 to pay (depending on your salary).
For mor information check here
Make sure you have organized your healthcare insurance in time
Once you moved to The Netherlands, you have 4 months after moving to take out an insurance policy. If you start working in The Netherlands you also have 4 months to arrange your healthcare insurance after starting your job.
EU-citizens
It is important that you have valid healthcare insurance within 4 months after moving to The Netherlands.
non-EU-citizen
It is necessary to have valid healthcare insurance within 4 months after the issue date of your residence permit. Moreover, you can only work if you have a work permit. You can work for a maximum of 16 hours a week during the year, or full-time during the months of June, July and August.
Work on a self-employed basis
In combination with your studies, you are allowed to work in the Netherlands as a self-employed individual, as long as you continue to meet the requirements for your residence
permit for study. There is no limit to the amount of hours
that you are allowed to work as a self-employed individual. Also, you do not need a work permit. For more information you can visit the website of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions!
Nice article!
All the information from the Dutch government you need to determine whether you need a Dutch basic health insurance:
https://www.zorgverzekeringslijn.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Flyer-Study-or-work-internship-in-the-Netherlands.pdf
Thank you so much!
Hi, I will be attending WUR for a master’s degree in biotechnology from February 2021. I was wondering whether it would be possible for me to work alongside my studies ( Part-time off-campus or on-campus). I am a non-EU/EFTA student and I am limited to English only (I know slight french but that is quite insignificant). I would appreciate it if you provide me with your insights regarding this. Thank you.
Dear Lillia,
Thank you for contacting us. I will send you a private email answering this question.
Kind regards,
Luisa
Hi, I will be attending WUR for a master’s degree in Plant Science from September 2023. I was wondering whether it would be possible for me to work alongside my studies ( Part-time off-campus or on-campus). I am a EU student and I am limited to English only (I know slight spanish). I would appreciate it if you provide me with your insights regarding this. Thank you.
Hi Catarina,
Yes you can work alongside your studies. If you need more information than it’s better to contact ssc@wur.nl.
Kind regards,
Vincent