Working after your studies

The Dutch education system looks beyond offering good quality study programmes. It is a common belief in the Netherlands that offering a good study climate alone is not enough, but that students need to be given the tools to start a great career after receiving their diplomas.

It is therefore no surprise that large international recruitment agencies see graduates from Dutch institutions as highly interesting and highly employable.

The Dutch government and Nuffic want to make sure you are well informed about your options to stay in the Netherlands for work. The Netherlands welcomes international recruits with open arms, offering them a thriving business climate, industry-leading innovation and an inclusive culture.

The general employment climate in the Netherlands is good, with low unemployment, relatively high wages and pleasant working conditions. This includes secondary conditions such as decent sick leave benefits, retirement schemes and holidays.

You can read all about the Dutch workplace culture, innovative sectors, starting a business in the Netherlands and a lot more on the Welcome-to-NL website.

The Netherlands has a thriving start-up scene. The surge of successful entrepreneurial endeavors has made the region one of Europe's hottest start-up hubs.

Read all about starting a business in the Netherlands on the Welcome-to-NL website.

Are you about to graduate or did you graduate from a Dutch institution or from a top 200 university abroad in the past three years and considering to start a career in the Netherlands? Then it is important to know that this may require a different type of residency permit than the one you currently have. If you’re an EEA or Swiss citizen, you’re free to live and work in the Netherlands by default. If you’re a non-EEA citizen and you’ve completed your studies or research project in the Netherlands, you may be eligible to apply for the ‘orientation year’ residency permit.

This permit is valid for one year and allows you to find a job in the Netherlands or to start your own business. This residence permit gives you free access to the Dutch labour market and the possibility to continue your stay in the Netherlands.

Read all about how to apply for an orientation year permit on the Welcome-to-NL website.

Or find out more about the Orientation Year by watching this video:

If you want to leave the Netherlands to return to your home country or move to another country, with a Dutch diploma in your pocket chances are that you will find a job without having to look far.

The Dutch higher education system offers high quality, but wouldn’t it be great if you could prove it? If you move to another country, a diploma description can be helpful in explaining which study programme you have followed in the Netherlands and the value of the diploma you were awarded.

It provides your prospective employer, or a government agency insight into your qualifications and may improve your chances of finding work.