Welcome to the Netherlands! There are some things that should be arranged upon arrival. We guide you through the different arrangements with the list below
Registering with your municipality/BSN*
If you are an international student coming to study in the Netherlands for more than four months*, you are required to register with the municipality (gemeente) where you will be living. This registration is essential because it allows you to receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN), which you will need to open a bank account, take out health insurance, or work part-time. You must register in person at the local city hall, within five days of your arrival. Make sure to bring a valid passport or ID card, as well as a rental contract or proof of residence. Check with your municipality in advance to see whether you need an appointment and which documents you need to bring.
Here are links to different municipalities around Amsterdam to make appointments and with information on what documents to bring.
If you have any question about registering with a municipality, please contact your study coach.
Apply for a DigiD
It is highly recommended, and often necessary, to apply for a DigiD. DigiD stands for "Digital Identity" and allows you to securely access a wide range of Dutch government and public services online, such as registering for healthcare, viewing your study finance (DUO) or filing taxes. When applying for a DigiD, you must already be registered with a Dutch municipality and have a BSN (Citizen Service Number). After applying, you’ll receive an activation code by post at your Dutch address, which you’ll need to complete the process.
Picking-up your residence permit
Once your visa is approved, you will need to collect your residence permit after you arrive in the Netherlands. This is typically done at the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) desk in Amsterdam (Pieter Calandlaan 1). You will receive an email from Tio with instructions on where to pick up the residence permit and information on how to make an appointment. To make an appointment to pick up your residence permit and more info use this link to the IND website.
TB testing
Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe, but curable, long disease and is found in a number of countries around the world. If you arrive from one of these countries, participating in TB testing is important for your health and required for obtaining your residence permit. You will be tested on tuberculosis by a chest X-ray within three months of arrival in the Netherlands. You make an appointment with the Area Health Service (GGD) to undergo the TB test. Please take the TB test referral form with you to the appointment. The GGD fills in this form and then sends it to the IND.
Opening a Dutch bank account
After receiving your BSN (Citizen Service Number), you can open a Dutch bank account, which is essential for paying rent, receiving your salary or scholarship, and managing daily expenses. Most major Dutch banks offer special accounts for students, including international ones. To open an account, you’ll usually need to make an appointment at a bank branch or complete an online application. Be prepared to provide your passport or ID, proof of enrollment at a Dutch educational institution, BSN, and Dutch address (rental contract or registration confirmation). Some banks may also require your residence permit. Once your account is opened, you'll receive a bank card (debit card) and access to online banking. Popular banks among students include ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and online banks like bunq or Revolut.
Healthcare
Health insurance
Every resident of the Netherlands is required to have health insurance.
Non-EU students
As part of the package fee for non-EU/EEA students, Tio has arranged the required student insurance for you through AON student insurance. You will be covered for the AON Complete student insurance package. This insurance package also includes travel and liability insurance.
AON does not provide a physical insurance card. You will get a digital insurance card by e-mail that you can save on your phone or print and save in your wallet or phone case. In this way you always have your policy number and emergency numbers when needed.
The insurance policy will cover you for the first academic year. After the first year you must organise your own insurance.
European students
Most EU students have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To check if you have sufficient insurance, you can use the AON tool.
How to take out Dutch public health insurance?
- You must be registered with a municipality before you can take out a basic health insurance.
- Choose your health insurance from one of the Dutch public health insurers. Fill out the application form and sent it to the health insurer.
- The registration is complete once you have received an insurance policy (in Dutch: polisblad).
- If you stop working or if you leave the Netherlands, cancel your insurance. Do not forget to deregister from the municipality.
When taking out health insurance, please make sure to check the checklist How-to-take-out-Dutch-basic-health-insurance to know what you should look out for and what differences there are in terms of health insurance.
Emergencies
In case of an emergency the national phone number is 112 (police/ambulance/fire department). Whenever calling with your mobile phone, make sure to clearly state what you need (police, ambulance, fire department) and in which city you are. They need to connect you to the right city department first. When calling: remain calm, and try to state the address, and the problem that occurred. Also make sure to say your name clearly. Of course, the number is only meant for emergencies.
For any ‘emergencies’ that do not need direct action or help, please contact your local doctor.
Find your GP
In the Netherlands, everyone is required to register with a general practitioner (GP), known as a huisarts, for non-emergency medical care. As an international student living in Amsterdam, it’s important to register with a GP close to your home as soon as possible - before you actually need medical help. You can search for GPs in your area through websites like zorgkaartnederland.nl or ask your university's student services for recommendations. Once you find a practice that is accepting new patients, you’ll need to contact them directly to register. Be prepared to provide your BSN, proof of address, and health insurance details. Your GP is your first point of contact for any health issues and can refer you to a specialist if needed. Keep in mind that some practices may have waiting lists, so it’s best to register early.
Special needs / custom education
Thanks to its small-scale approach and intensive guidance, Tio offers her students a programme tailored to their individual needs.
Top athletes
Are you a top athlete, E-gamer, trainer/coach, or sports official? Then it is possible for you to extend your studies, schedule projects flexibly, deadlines can be adjusted in consultation, assignments can be adjusted and exams can be taken at a different time.
To be eligible for a top sports tailor-made programme, the following conditions apply:
- Top athlete: an official NOC*NSF A, selection, HP or Federation status, or talent status (IT, NT or Promised status).
- E-athlete/E-gamer: you compete at the highest competition level in a game that is internationally recognised and organised with a minimum training and preparation effort of 16 hours a week.
- Trainer/coach: you guide (prospective) top athletes whose level qualifies for a NOC*NSF recognised top sport or talent status, with a minimum training and preparation effort of 16 hours a week.
- Sports official: you officiate competitions of (prospective) top athletes, whose level qualifies for a NOC*NSF recognised top sport or talent status, with a minimum training and preparation effort of 16 hours a week.
For more information, please visit one of the open days.
Top talents in art and culture
Active musicians, DJs, actors, dancers, models and art-creating students can qualify for custom education. You can draw up a tailor-made study plan together with your study coach and can take longer to complete the study if necessary.
To be eligible for the tailor-made programme for top talents in art and culture, the following conditions apply:
- You have a statement from an orchestra (leader), manager, agency or art association/museum that explains your rehearsal schedule, tour schedule and performances/exhibitions.
- Your rehearsal and performance/exhibition schedule requires a workload of at least 16 hours during the week.
- You can support it with, for example, communications or other images (official portfolio), website, etc.
For more information, please visit one of the open days.
Entrepreneurs
If you are an active entrepreneur in addition to being a student and if you have a Chamber of Commerce registration, you may be eligible for a customised programme. You can draw up a tailor-made study plan together with your study coach and timetable and you can take longer to complete the study if necessary.
To be eligible for the tailor-made programme for entrepreneurs, the following conditions apply:
- You have a registration with the Chamber of Commerce that is at least 1 year old.
- Running the company means that you work for the company at least 24 hours a week.
For more information, please visit one of the open days.
Excellent students
Tio can offer you plenty of additional challenges. You can graduate for your bachelor programme in just three year. In addition to the accelerated three-year programme, you can stand out by seizing extra opportunities. Take the lead in projects, do an internship abroad or gain management experience in the Tio student association Cognatio. Plan to complete your study programme with excellent results? If so, you could be eligible for the distinction cum laude.
Family care givers
Do you fulfill the role of family care giver? Then you can draw up a tailor-made study plan together with your study coach and, if necessary, take longer to complete the study.
To be eligible for the tailor-made programme for family care giver, the following conditions apply:
- You have a statement from a doctor/specialist/practitioner indicating how necessary the care tasks are.
- You have a statement from the person to whom you provide care. You can only be an family care giver for your parents or grandparents, brother or sister.
- Your care tasks require a workload of at least 16 hours a week and also disrupt your study schedule.
- There must be informal care for a period longer than 6 months.
Students with support needs
Do you need support (for example with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, physical disability, chronic illness, psychological complaints or autism) during your studies? Please report this when you register and discuss with your study coach which adjustments Tio can offer you. Our guidance to students with support needs is highly appreciated.
The restrictions may mean that you as a student experience obstacles in regularly participating in the educational process and that material and/or intangible facilities are necessary in the entry, progression and/or outflow phase of your studies.
Specialist in support needs
At Tio, the study coaches specialise in advising, supporting and counselling students with support needs. They take part in external and internal training programmes for this.
After the student has announced themselves, the study coach conducts an information/intake meeting with the student. During this meeting, the support needs are discussed and the student is informed about the available facilities. Together, the study coach and the student determine which facilities are required. The study coach is responsible for the coordination within Tio, e.g. with the campus manager and the Board of Examiners. An evaluation meeting with the student is held twice a year.
Parents/guardians
Tio’s contact with parent(s)/carer(s) is also tailored to everyone’s specific needs. When you sign up, you can enter your parents’/ carers’ email address, so Tio can keep them updated on e.g. your grades and attendance record. At least twice a year, you will have a study progress interview. With your consent, parents are welcome to attend these meetings. If you are a legal adult, we will not provide any specific information without your prior consent, in order to safe-guard your privacy.
For more information, please visit one of the open days.