Can you work besides your study?

When you are planning to look for a job besides your studies it is important that you know the rules and regulations. Below you can find which rules apply to all students in general, and to EU and Non-EU students in particular.

EU students
Students from the EU who wish to work besides their studies have the same rights as the Dutch students. You do not need a work permit and the hours that you are allowed to work per week are not restricted. However, it is still not easy to find a job.

Non-EU students
The rules below for non-EU students (restricted hours and work permit) apply to all non-EU students and students from Bulgaria and Romania.

Restricted hours
You cannot count on finding a source of additional income after you arrive in the Netherlands. Your opportunities to work are restricted. As a non-EU student, you are only allowed to work a maximum of ten hours per week ór fulltime during summertime (June, July, August). You are not allowed to do both!

Work permit
If you wish to work you require a work permit. Your employer has to apply for your work permit at the CWI (Office for Work and Income). The CWI has five weeks to decide on your application. One of the documents that they need before they can take your file into consideration is the actual residence permit. Proof of applying for the residence permit is not sufficient. Therefore, it may take months before you have your work permit and it is not permitted to work without one. Keep this in mind when you are planning to find a job.

All students
As an international student you need to take into account that you need a so-called 'basiszorgverzekering' when you want to work besides your studies. The health insurance that is designed for students or an EU health card does not suffice anymore. The 'basiszorgverzekering' is considerably more expensive than the student insurance. Make sure you change your health insurance in time in order to prevent extra penalty costs.

Please note that the Dutch government has become more strict in checking whether students ignore these rules. The Immigration services and the labour inspectorate are working together more closely. If you are found working more than 10 hours a week or working without a work permit while you need one, your residence permit can be withdrawn.

For more information:

• Rules for working while studying at the Study in Holland (Nuffic) website

Agencies with jobs for non-Dutch speakers

• Undutchables Job Agency
  
  Administrative jobs for qualified persons only (administrative, commercial, financial, it).
  
  
• English language jobs
  
  For non-dutch speakers who want to continue their career in the Netherlands.
  
  
• Projob International
  
  Attempts to mediate between international companies and non-Dutch speaking candidates who have received an adequate education and have a good knowledge of the English language.
  
  
• ISS Nederland BV for housekeeping and cleaning
  Ringdijk 60
  1097 AH Amsterdam
  tel. 020 5684684
  
• Randstad Inhouse Services
  Production Work
  tel. 020 3344152
  
• Primajob BV
  Bilderdijkstraat 177
  tel. 020 6769696

For more information on working besides your studies, please see this document. 

Career Information Centre

VU University has a Career Information Centre, the counsellors are available every Friday.