📘 What Is the Netherlands Pre-Visa Portal? How Dutch Universities Use Online Portals
When you apply to study in Holland (The Netherlands), most recognised Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences will ask you to complete some steps in a dedicated online pre-visa or enrolment portal. This portal is usually connected to your admission file and helps the institution collect all information they need before they apply for your residence permit for study with the Dutch immigration authorities (IND).
Instead of sending documents by email, students complete their details in a secure online environment. This system reduces mistakes, keeps everything in one place, and speeds up the overall Netherlands study visa process. It also allows the university, student and agent to track the status of the application in a structured way.
🔍 How Does a Netherlands Pre-Visa Portal Typically Work?
- Step 1: You receive a conditional or unconditional offer from a Dutch institution.
- Step 2: The university sends you login details or an invitation link to its online enrolment / pre-visa portal.
- Step 3: You log in, confirm your personal details and upload the required documents (passport, education certificates, financial evidence, etc.).
- Step 4: The institution checks your documents, verifies your eligibility and may ask for clarifications or additional information.
- Step 5: Once everything is complete, the university starts your residence permit application for study with the IND.
- Step 6: After the IND decision, you receive instructions on how to travel to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit card.
✅ Why Are These Dutch Online Portals Important?
- They centralise all your documents in one secure place.
- They reduce errors and missing information, which can delay your visa process.
- They allow you and your agent to track what is pending, submitted or approved.
- They help universities complete their checks before sending your case to the IND, which supports a smoother Netherlands study visa journey.
📝 Typical Questions Asked in a Netherlands Pre-Visa Portal
1. Personal Information
- Full name (exactly as in passport)
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Nationality and country of residence
- Passport number and expiry date
- Marital status
2. Contact Details
- Permanent address in your home country
- Current mailing address (if different)
- Valid email address and mobile number
3. Previous Visa and Travel History
- Have you ever applied for a Netherlands or Schengen visa before? (Yes/No)
- If yes, details of the visa type, dates and outcome (granted/refused).
- Any previous residence permits in Europe or other countries?
4. Previous Study Information
- Highest qualification completed (e.g., 12th, bachelor’s, master’s).
- Institution name, board/university and country.
- Year of completion and grades/percentage.
- Any previous study in the Netherlands or Europe.
5. Immigration and Legal History
- Any visa refusals in any country? (Yes/No)
- Any history of overstaying a visa? (Yes/No)
- Any criminal convictions or legal issues? (Yes/No)
6. Course and Institution Details
- Full course name and level (diploma, bachelor, master, etc.).
- Institution name and campus city in the Netherlands.
- Official course start and end dates.
- Planned intake (e.g. September 2025, February 2026).
7. English Language and Academic Readiness
- Type of English test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or medium of instruction).
- Scores and test date (if applicable).
- Any preparation courses or foundation programs completed.
8. Financial Evidence for Netherlands Study
- Who will fund your studies? (Self, parent, sponsor, scholarship, loan).
- Approximate amount of funds available for tuition and living costs.
- Type of proof of funds – bank statements, loan sanction, scholarship letter, etc.
9. Motivation and Future Plans
- Why do you want to study this course in the Netherlands?
- Why did you choose this specific Dutch institution?
- What are your career goals after graduation?
- How is this program relevant to your academic or professional background?
💡 Pro Tip for Netherlands Study Visa Applicants
- Fill out your Dutch university’s online portal carefully, honestly and completely. Any mismatch between your portal answers, documents and visa application can cause delays or problems.
- Keep scanned copies of your passport, academic records, English test scores and financial documents ready before you start.
- If you are applying through MakeStudy™, stay in touch with our team so we can help you answer questions clearly and present a strong, consistent case for your Netherlands study visa.
