International student handbook
A practical guide 2025/2026
Handbook guide
Overview of the handbook
Admission & documents
Housing
Entry visa & residence permit
Register at municipality
Insurance & healthcare
What to arrange
Campus facilities
Support & contact
About the Netherlands
Part-time jobs
Admission & documents
Regardless of which stage you are in your academics, you can find the admission information you need below!
Bachelor's
Information for students who completed high school
+ info
Master's (UT or ITC)
Admission information for students who will start a master's at UT
+ info
Exchange
Admission information for students studying at a partner university, and coming to UT for exchange
+ info
Bachelor's Application
Application route
+ UT web
Provides information on the steps to be followed during the application process
Admission Documents
+ UT web
Provides information on the required documents along with examples
Master's Application
Application process
+ UT web
Provides information on the steps to be followed during the application process
Admission Documents
+ UT web
Provides information on the required documents along with examples
Exchange
Application process
+ UT web
Provides information on the steps to be followed during the application process
Admission dates
+ UT web
Provides information on the required documents along with examples
FINDING A PLACE TO STAY
Arranging your accommodation
Frequently asked questions
UT provides different kinds of support to EEA and non-EEA students.
You can find answers to your most common questions by clicking below!
+ UT web
+ UT web
Housing for ITC students
ITC students get garuanteed housing depending on their situation
+ UT web
HOW TO GET A VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT?
As determined by Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa themselves. All applications and extensions for (entry) visas and residence permits are coordinated by the University of Twente. As a non-EEA student, it is important to take note of the different steps involved. You will be guided through the process via email step-by-step.
How to obtain a visa? (UT website)
Do I need a visa? (Study in NL website)
+info
Importance of a residence permit
If you miss a deadline we cannot apply for (or verify) your visa/residence permit and you will not be able to start your studies at the University of Twente on time. Completing the steps early on will enable you to arrange your visa, housing and other formalities sooner.
ENTRY VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: WHAT APPLIES TO YOU?
If you require an entry visa and/or a (new) residence permit, you will be contacted by email to guide you through each step of the process. According to Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa themselves. All applications and extensions for (entry) visas, residence permits and Change of Purpose are coordinated by the University of Twente's Visa Office.
UT bachelor's or master's student
+ info
ITC student
+ info
+ info
Exchange student
IMPORTANCE VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT
It is important to keep in mind the status of your visa/residence permit is subject to change based on your academic performance.
+ UT web
A visa/residence permit is essential for your stay and is the form of identity for your stay here. It also provides access to travel to and from the Schengen countries. Note that this does not include the UK, as you need a separate visa to go there.
Here you can find all the general information you may need about the visa/ residence permit:
+ UT web
REGISTER AT THE MUNICIPALITY
All international students staying at UT for more than four months must register at the municipal civil registry (BasisRegistratie Personen, BRP).
Once registered you will receive a letter from the municipality stating your citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN). The BSN is your unique personal ID for all Dutch authorities. You will need it as identification for study subsidy forms, rental contracts and bank account forms during your stay in the Netherlands. It will only be distributed once.
The procedure is explained here:
+ UT web
More information about other formality appointments (TB test, IND residence permit pick up)
+ UT web
WHAT TO ARRANGE BEFORE AND AFTER ARRIVAL?
After arrival
Before arrival
The section provides information that can help you settle in to UT culture. The section covers everything from setting up a Dutch bank account to joining the Kick-In.
The section provides information that is recommended to follow before you arrive. The section covers everything from cost of living to Notebook computer requirements
+ info
+ info
BEFORE ARRIVAL
Getting started at a university might be exciting, but it can be quite overwhelming too! At the University of Twente, we understand that you could use a little help during the first weeks of your new life here at UT. Read things you have to arrange before arrival in the Get Started Guide:
+ UT web
TO DO ON ARRIVAL
Dutch bank account
+ UT web
Bicycle & other transport
+ UT web
Buddy programme
+ UT web
Shopping & free time
+ UT web
Onboarding market
+ UT web
Kick-In introduction days
+ UT web
Healthcare and insurance
As an international student, you will experience healthcare in the Netherlands differently from what you are used to in your own country. But don't worry, it is only organised differently.
More information on the Dutch healthcare system:
+ UT web
Healthcare for ITC students:
+ UT web
If you live or work in the Netherlands, you are required to have basic health insurance. Your situation determines which type of insurance you need.
What insurance(s) do you need and how to arrange insurance?
+ UT web
Additional insurance information for ITC students:
+ UT web
Recommended insurance package:
+ UT web
CAMPUS FACILITIES
There are a number of international student, study and sports associations at UT.
+UT Web
Students can be provided with almost all everyday needs and necessities without having to leave the campus.
+UT Web
UT offers students a wide variety of sports and cultural facilities in Enschede with the UnionCard.
+UT Web
The campus mosque and meditation room offer a moment of silence for meditation, prayer or personal reflection.
+UT Web
The library offers study facilities, project rooms, books and online literature.
+UT Web
The Vrijhof is the centre for theatre, music, art and other cultural activities on campus.
+UT Web
Support & contact
For you as a student, well-being can be about physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as academic and social success. Maybe you feel down, stressed, or lonely, or maybe you struggle with mental or physical issues. To provide help and support, an overview of different situations that may apply to you is listed below.
+ UT web
Study switching & career counselling
+ UT web
Coaching, counselling & psychologists
+ UT web
Student Services Contact Centre
+ UT web
International Affairs contacts
+ UT web
Student rights
+ UT web
Student Union
+ UT web
ITC Student Assistance Fund for financial problems
Working while studying
Discover the benefits of having a side-job alongside your studies in the Netherlands. Learn where to find part-time jobs and understand the specific restrictions for students in the Netherlands by clicking the link:
+ UT web
To find student jobs on campus, click here:
+ UT web
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NETHERLANDS
Studying in the Netherlands offers you the space to be a pioneer, be creative and get connected. All study programmes and courses in the Netherlands lead to a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD, a diploma or certificate.
Why is the Netherlands the right study destination for you:
+ UT web
+ UT web
Dutch culture
+ UT web
Get to know Enschede!
+ UT web
Academic culture
+ UT web
Map of UT campus
GUIDE TO USE THE HANDBOOK
Overview page
This page provides an overview of the different topics discussed in the handbook. To proceed further into a topic, please click anywhere on the corresponding box.
Navigation bar
There is a navigation bar located at the bottom of every page. The bar can be used to easily navigate different sections without going back to the 'Overview' page. The different topics are mentioned as you hover over the buttons. Once you click on a button, you will be redirected to the respective section.
Interactive buttons
+ info
Two types of interactive buttons can be seen in the handbook. The button with a '+info' directs you to a different page within the book. The button with '+UT web' redirects you to the UT website.
+ UT web
Home button
Every page consists of a brief description of the topic followed by link(s) with detailed information. The 'home' icon at the top left corner redirects to the overview page while the arrow at the bottom left navigates back to the previous page.
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International student handbook
A practical guide 2025/2026
Handbook guide
Overview of the handbook
Admission & documents
Housing
Entry visa & residence permit
Register at municipality
Insurance & healthcare
What to arrange
Campus facilities
Support & contact
About the Netherlands
Part-time jobs
Admission & documents
Regardless of which stage you are in your academics, you can find the admission information you need below!
Bachelor's
Information for students who completed high school
+ info
Master's (UT or ITC)
Admission information for students who will start a master's at UT
+ info
Exchange
Admission information for students studying at a partner university, and coming to UT for exchange
+ info
Bachelor's Application
Application route
+ UT web
Provides information on the steps to be followed during the application process
Admission Documents
+ UT web
Provides information on the required documents along with examples
Master's Application
Application process
+ UT web
Provides information on the steps to be followed during the application process
Admission Documents
+ UT web
Provides information on the required documents along with examples
Exchange
Application process
+ UT web
Provides information on the steps to be followed during the application process
Admission dates
+ UT web
Provides information on the required documents along with examples
FINDING A PLACE TO STAY
Arranging your accommodation
Frequently asked questions
UT provides different kinds of support to EEA and non-EEA students.
You can find answers to your most common questions by clicking below!
+ UT web
+ UT web
Housing for ITC students
ITC students get garuanteed housing depending on their situation
+ UT web
HOW TO GET A VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT?
As determined by Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa themselves. All applications and extensions for (entry) visas and residence permits are coordinated by the University of Twente. As a non-EEA student, it is important to take note of the different steps involved. You will be guided through the process via email step-by-step.
How to obtain a visa? (UT website)
Do I need a visa? (Study in NL website)
+info
Importance of a residence permit
If you miss a deadline we cannot apply for (or verify) your visa/residence permit and you will not be able to start your studies at the University of Twente on time. Completing the steps early on will enable you to arrange your visa, housing and other formalities sooner.
ENTRY VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: WHAT APPLIES TO YOU?
If you require an entry visa and/or a (new) residence permit, you will be contacted by email to guide you through each step of the process. According to Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa themselves. All applications and extensions for (entry) visas, residence permits and Change of Purpose are coordinated by the University of Twente's Visa Office.
UT bachelor's or master's student
+ info
ITC student
+ info
+ info
Exchange student
IMPORTANCE VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT
It is important to keep in mind the status of your visa/residence permit is subject to change based on your academic performance.
+ UT web
A visa/residence permit is essential for your stay and is the form of identity for your stay here. It also provides access to travel to and from the Schengen countries. Note that this does not include the UK, as you need a separate visa to go there.
Here you can find all the general information you may need about the visa/ residence permit:
+ UT web
REGISTER AT THE MUNICIPALITY
All international students staying at UT for more than four months must register at the municipal civil registry (BasisRegistratie Personen, BRP).
Once registered you will receive a letter from the municipality stating your citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN). The BSN is your unique personal ID for all Dutch authorities. You will need it as identification for study subsidy forms, rental contracts and bank account forms during your stay in the Netherlands. It will only be distributed once.
The procedure is explained here:
+ UT web
More information about other formality appointments (TB test, IND residence permit pick up)
+ UT web
WHAT TO ARRANGE BEFORE AND AFTER ARRIVAL?
After arrival
Before arrival
The section provides information that can help you settle in to UT culture. The section covers everything from setting up a Dutch bank account to joining the Kick-In.
The section provides information that is recommended to follow before you arrive. The section covers everything from cost of living to Notebook computer requirements
+ info
+ info
BEFORE ARRIVAL
Getting started at a university might be exciting, but it can be quite overwhelming too! At the University of Twente, we understand that you could use a little help during the first weeks of your new life here at UT. Read things you have to arrange before arrival in the Get Started Guide:
+ UT web
TO DO ON ARRIVAL
Dutch bank account
+ UT web
Bicycle & other transport
+ UT web
Buddy programme
+ UT web
Shopping & free time
+ UT web
Onboarding market
+ UT web
Kick-In introduction days
+ UT web
Healthcare and insurance
As an international student, you will experience healthcare in the Netherlands differently from what you are used to in your own country. But don't worry, it is only organised differently.
More information on the Dutch healthcare system:
+ UT web
Healthcare for ITC students:
+ UT web
If you live or work in the Netherlands, you are required to have basic health insurance. Your situation determines which type of insurance you need.
What insurance(s) do you need and how to arrange insurance?
+ UT web
Additional insurance information for ITC students:
+ UT web
Recommended insurance package:
+ UT web
CAMPUS FACILITIES
There are a number of international student, study and sports associations at UT.
+UT Web
Students can be provided with almost all everyday needs and necessities without having to leave the campus.
+UT Web
UT offers students a wide variety of sports and cultural facilities in Enschede with the UnionCard.
+UT Web
The campus mosque and meditation room offer a moment of silence for meditation, prayer or personal reflection.
+UT Web
The library offers study facilities, project rooms, books and online literature.
+UT Web
The Vrijhof is the centre for theatre, music, art and other cultural activities on campus.
+UT Web
Support & contact
For you as a student, well-being can be about physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as academic and social success. Maybe you feel down, stressed, or lonely, or maybe you struggle with mental or physical issues. To provide help and support, an overview of different situations that may apply to you is listed below.
+ UT web
Study switching & career counselling
+ UT web
Coaching, counselling & psychologists
+ UT web
Student Services Contact Centre
+ UT web
International Affairs contacts
+ UT web
Student rights
+ UT web
Student Union
+ UT web
ITC Student Assistance Fund for financial problems
Working while studying
Discover the benefits of having a side-job alongside your studies in the Netherlands. Learn where to find part-time jobs and understand the specific restrictions for students in the Netherlands by clicking the link:
+ UT web
To find student jobs on campus, click here:
+ UT web
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NETHERLANDS
Studying in the Netherlands offers you the space to be a pioneer, be creative and get connected. All study programmes and courses in the Netherlands lead to a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD, a diploma or certificate.
Why is the Netherlands the right study destination for you:
+ UT web
+ UT web
Dutch culture
+ UT web
Get to know Enschede!
+ UT web
Academic culture
+ UT web
Map of UT campus
GUIDE TO USE THE HANDBOOK
Overview page
This page provides an overview of the different topics discussed in the handbook. To proceed further into a topic, please click anywhere on the corresponding box.
Navigation bar
There is a navigation bar located at the bottom of every page. The bar can be used to easily navigate different sections without going back to the 'Overview' page. The different topics are mentioned as you hover over the buttons. Once you click on a button, you will be redirected to the respective section.
Interactive buttons
+ info
Two types of interactive buttons can be seen in the handbook. The button with a '+info' directs you to a different page within the book. The button with '+UT web' redirects you to the UT website.
+ UT web
Home button
Every page consists of a brief description of the topic followed by link(s) with detailed information. The 'home' icon at the top left corner redirects to the overview page while the arrow at the bottom left navigates back to the previous page.