Work Opportunities & Post-Study Options in the Netherlands 2026

Can International Students Work in the Netherlands?

Yes. International students in the Netherlands are allowed to work during their studies, but regulations depend on nationality.

Students can:

• Work up to 16 hours per week during academic term

• Work full-time during summer months (June, July, August)

Non-EU students may require a work permit arranged by the employer.

Popular Part-Time Jobs in the Netherlands

Students commonly work in:

• Restaurants and cafés

• Retail stores

• Supermarkets

• Warehousing and logistics

• University assistant roles

• Delivery services

English is widely spoken, which increases job accessibility compared to some other European countries.

Average Student Salary in the Netherlands

Students typically earn:

• EUR 10 – 15 per hour

Monthly income depends on:

• Working hours

• Location

• Type of job

Part-time work helps cover daily expenses but should not replace financial preparation required for visa approval.

Internships & Industry Exposure

Many Dutch programs emphasize:

• Practical learning

• Internship modules

• Industry projects

• Corporate partnerships

Engineering and business programs often integrate industry collaboration.

Post-Study Work Visa: Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)

Graduates from recognized Dutch institutions can apply for the Orientation Year visa.

This allows:

• One year to live in the Netherlands after graduation

• Full-time employment during the job search period

This visa is designed to help graduates transition into the Dutch job market.

Transition to Work Permit

After securing employment, graduates may apply for:

• Highly Skilled Migrant Permit

• EU Blue Card (where eligible)

Eligibility depends on salary thresholds and employer sponsorship.

High-Demand Sectors in the Netherlands (2026)

The Netherlands has strong demand in:

• Engineering

• Information Technology

• Data Science

• Renewable Energy

• Logistics & Supply Chain

• Finance

STEM graduates often have stronger employment prospects.

Long-Term Career & Settlement Options

Graduates who secure skilled employment may:

• Extend residence permits

• Apply for permanent residence after meeting eligibility requirements

Long-term settlement depends on employment status and immigration compliance.

Important Work Rules

Students must:

• Respect hourly work limits

• Maintain valid residence status

• Register with local authorities

• Comply with tax regulations

Violations may affect immigration status.

Is the Netherlands Good for Long-Term Career Growth?

The Netherlands offers:

• English-friendly work environment

• Strong innovation ecosystem

• International companies

• Structured post-study visa

• Access to the European job market

For students in engineering, tech, sustainability, and business, the Netherlands provides strong career potential.

Final Thoughts

The Netherlands allows international students to gain part-time work experience and provides a structured one-year job search visa after graduation.

With its international academic environment and strong job market, the Netherlands remains a highly attractive study and career destination in 2026.