Combining your studies with work can be easy, and it’s a popular choice amongst our students. This can be another way to finance your studies. Find out how here.
Welcome to our guide designed specifically for prospective students interested in finding jobs and understanding the legalities surrounding employment in the Netherlands.
As a prospective student in the Netherlands, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations regarding finding employment while studying. This manual aims to provide you with important information on how to get a job, where to find job opportunities, and the legal requirements you need to consider as a student.
Working in the Netherlands as a non-Dutch students
Non-Dutch students can work in the Netherlands during their studies but must adhere to specific rules:
- The need for a work permit depends on your nationality, with residents of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland not requiring one.
- Employers must request a work permit on behalf of the student, and the process takes approximately five weeks.
- Students with work permits have limitations on working hours, with options for seasonal or part-time work not exceeding 16 hours per week.
- Basic healthcare insurance is mandatory for anyone over 18 living or working in the Netherlands.
- Engaging in undeclared work or working without a required work permit is illegal and poses risks to both the employee and employer.
Working in the Nethelands as an international student
If you are an international student, certain considerations apply to work legally in the Netherlands:
- EU residents do not need a work permit, while others may have options for full-time work during the summer or part-time work with a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year.
- The work permit application should be initiated by your future employer before signing the employment contract and takes about 5-6 weeks.
- Dutch health insurance is mandatory for international students with part-time jobs within the first three months.
- It is recommended to apply for insurance as soon as you have the employment contract to avoid penalties.
- Special offers, discounts, and healthcare allowances are available for students. Check our blog post on that here.
Language and job market
Knowing Dutch can significantly improve your chances of finding a job in the Netherlands, although there is also an international job market in the Amsterdam region where Dutch language skills may not be required. Learning Dutch can increase your job prospects as English-only positions may be limited.
However, for part-time jobs next to your studies you will not face any language problems as everyone here speaks English and you go a long way, only speaking English.
Finding job opportunities
When looking for job opportunities, it is primarily the student’s responsibility to search for suitable positions.
For many students, the place where to search first when it comes to finding a job in the Netherlands is checking out local job websites. Not only might they help you find your next dream job, but they’ll also give you a good idea of the local job market conditions.
Here are a few to get you started:
Networking, attending job fairs, and connecting with alumni can also be beneficial for finding job opportunities.
Here are a few events or organizations to keep an eye on:
Contact our team
SRH Haarlem Campus has a network of partners, through which we can help you find a part time job, next to your studies.
Some of our partners are in the area of the campus, and others are across the city in Haarlem, so don’t hesitate to ask us for help in case you find it difficult on your own.
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