Questions and answers regarding COVID-19 for prospective students

We, as NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, remain committed to playing our part in safeguarding the health, well-being and success of our students and staff as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt. Academic continuity is of the highest importance, which means we aim to:

  • ensure that our students can continue their studies in a safe environment
  • ensure that our staff can do their work successfully in a safe environment
  • provide tools for staff and students so they can effectively work, study and perform research

Are you planning to study at NHL Stenden?

NHL Stenden adheres to the latest guidelines concerning COVID-19 as issued by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (the RIVM). At the moment, this means classes are given on campus and although there are no measures in place, the Dutch government stands by its basic advice for limiting the spread of the coronavirus. 

This advice is:  

  • Wash your hands often, and cough and sneeze into your elbow 

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and do a self-test  

  • Ensure a good flow of fresh air indoors 

  • Get your initial vaccinations and booster jab  

  • Give others space. 1.5 metres remains a safe distance when visiting people and at work 

There is no requirement to wear a face mask. Of course, if you feel safer wearing a face mask, you are free to do so. 

Welcome!

NHL Stenden warmly welcomes international students to its campuses and looks forward to greeting those who can safely travel to the Netherlands to undertake their studies. There are no coronavirus-related restrictions for entering the Netherlands if you come from an EU/Shengen area. If you travelling from a country outside the EU/Shengen area then you will need to check the conditions and restrictions for your country. The Dutch government has issued clear instructions for what you need to do before, during and after travelling to the Netherlands. These include having a valid vaccination certificate.

We understand that you may have questions regarding studying at NHL Stenden during this COVID-19 pandemic, so feel free to contact us with your questions. You may find some answers below and the websites listed here provide lots of relevant information, or you can use the contact information to get more help.

If you have any further questions, contact us via WhatsApp +316 12 31 81 10 or email study@nhlstenden.com.

FAQ topics

  1. General
  2. Application to NHL Stenden
  3. Traveling to the Netherlands
  4. Studying at NHL Stenden

General

  • What is the current situation in the Netherlands regarding the corona virus outbreak?

For the current situation regarding the corona virus outbreak, check the latest Corona News in our news overview.

The Netherlands has lifted all basic measures that were in place aiming to restrict the spread of COVID-19. We are providing face-to-face education and so as to ensure that studying is safe for everyone, we do advise the following: 

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. 

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and do a self-test.  

  • Give each other space. 1.5 metres remains a safe distance. 

  • If you have had contact with someone who has or may have coronavirus and are unsure whether you need to self-quarantine, do the Quarantine Check. 

More information about the measures in the Netherlands to prevent the spread of the coronavirus can be found at government.nl.

  • Are the campuses of universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands open?

Yes. Higher education reopened on 14 January 2022.

At NHL Stenden, teaching mainly takes place face-to-face although online classes also continue. This may be because we have learnt that online works well for a particular module or class, or it may be for health reasons (because the lecturer is in quarantine, or you may need to follow a class online because you are self-isolating).  

We ask that everyone does what they can to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including regularly checking and keeping to the latest guidelines issued by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (the RIVM). And that you make sensible decisions about social activities and visiting busy places. It is essential that if you have any of the symptoms related to those of the coronavirus, you stay home and arrange a test in line with national guidelines.

  • Can I attend an NHL Stenden Open Day or visit the campus?

On-campus events are being planned for 2022, so keep an eye on our website for the latest news. We also have lots of information on our website including tours of our campuses and webinars so you can visit us online whenever you like. You can find out more about our events here.

  • Who can I contact if I have other questions related to studying & COVID?

We understand that you may have questions regarding studying at NHL Stenden during this COVID-19 pandemic, so feel free to contact us with your questions. You can reach us via WhatsApp +316 13 57 99 31 or email studentinfo@nhlstenden.com.

Application to NHL Stenden

  • I am unable to take an English proficiency test because test centres in my home country are closed. What should I do?

We are aware that some centres offering recognized tests are temporarily closed. NHL Stenden accepts the following English proficiency tests. In addition, we also accept iBT TOEFL Home Edition.

Please note that NHL Stenden has an onsite Language Centre which offers pre-bachelor and pre-master’s English Language Courses for students who need to upgrade their English language abilities /en/courses/english-language-course. For entry requirements please contact the Language Centre.

  • Secondary school exams have been, or may be, postponed or even cancelled in my school or home country. Can I be admitted to and enrol in a bachelor’s programme?

In principle, NHL Stenden will be accepting the same diploma credentials as usual, regardless of whether exams have been cancelled or postponed. NHL Stenden is actively monitoring the situation globally and applying the guidelines set nationally regarding diploma credentials.

Please feel free to consult our central student administration (csa@nhlstenden.com), quoting your student number (if applicable) if you would like personal advice on your situation.

  • Does NHL Stenden apply an adjusted visa application policy due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

We normally apply for visa in the months of June and July in order to ensure on-time arrival for our international students, through an accelerated procedure with the Dutch immigration services (IND).  At present we don’t foresee any changes or different policies.

  • Can I defer my NHL Stenden offer and start my course later?

If you want to postpone the start of your study programme, you will be asked to withdraw your actual application and apply, via Studielink, for a later start date.

Most of our English-taught bachelor programmes have both a September and February start, and an overview of these programmes can be found here. None of NHL Stenden’s programmes have an entry quota or selected admissions, which means you are guaranteed admission as long as you meet our entry requirements.

Traveling to the Netherlands

  • Does NHL Stenden expect international students to travel into the Netherlands or can I start a course online?

NHL Stenden expects international students who can safely travel to the Netherlands to come to our student cities.

EU nationals and citizens of an EU or Schengen country are exempted from any kind of travel ban. Nationals from outside the EU travelling from high-risk countries are expected to have a valid vaccination certificate. Please check the Dutch government website  for the latest information.  

Don't forget, you are required to wear a face mask on planes and at the airport.  

  • Which measures will apply to me if I travel to the Netherlands?

Please check the Dutch government website for information about travelling to the Netherlands, including information about travelling from high-risk regions. The Dutch government has issued clear instructions as to what to do before, during and after travelling to the Netherlands. These include testing for COVID-19, having a health declaration and self-quarantining on arrival.

If you have any questions, please contact the Dutch ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country you are staying in.

Don't forget, you are required to wear a face mask on planes and at the airport. 

  • Do I need to self-quarantine upon arrival in the Netherlands?

No. At the moment the only travel restriction is if you are travelling from a country outsdie the EU or Shengen area, then you will need to have a valid vaccination certificate.  

Information about self-quarantine can be found on the Dutch government website.  

  • As an international student, can I get a vaccine in the Netherlands?

International students who live in the Netherlands and are registered with the local municipality will be able to access the Covid-19 vaccination programme in the Netherlands. The RIVM (the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) will send you an invitation for a vaccination appointment to the address at which you are registered. More information is available on the Dutch government website.

  • When can I get a Covid-19 vaccination?

If you are registered as living in the Netherlands, you will receive an invitation for vaccination (including the booster jab) depending on your age and health risk. People in medically at-risk groups have been given priority in the vaccination programme. More information is available on the Dutch government website.

  • Do I need to carry proof of vaccination in the Netherlands?

If you have been vaccinated in your home country, you will need to bring proof of vaccination with you when coming to the Netherlands. 

  • I got the first dose of my vaccination in my home country. Can I get the second dose in the Netherlands?

The short answer to this is no. We assume that if you get vaccinated in your home country, that you will ensure you get all doses before travelling to the Netherlands. As the type of vaccine and the necessary interval between jabs varies, there is no guarantee that the second dose of the vaccine you need will be available in the Netherlands when you need it.

  • I’m staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months. Can I still get a Covid-19 vaccination?

If you are coming to live and work in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, then you need to register as a non-resident of the Netherlands. You can do this at one of the municipalities that handles matters relating to the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), for instance in Leeuwarden (see contacting an RNI municipality for more information). If the RNI includes your email address, then you may be contacted about the possibility of being vaccinated. Bear in mind that you will need to be in the Netherlands long enough to complete the whole vaccination process.

  • Is the invitation letter for a Covid-19 vaccination available in English?

Yes. The invitation letter is available in English as well as in Arabic, Polish and Tigrinya. You can read the letter here.

Studying at NHL Stenden

  • What measures against the coronavirus are in place for the academic year 2021/2022 ?

The basic measures set by the Dutch government are in place within our university of applied sciences. These include regularly washing your hands, staying 1.5 metres away from others in public spaces, staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated.  

The higher education sector in the Netherlands reopened in January 2022 and classes are being held on campus.  

We do of course realize that developments around vaccination and/or the virus itself may mean the situation may change. We remain alert and will keep you informed of developments through the website.  You can also stay updated by checking the Dutch Government website. 

  • What are online classes at NHL Stenden like and what can I expect?

The vast majority of classes take place on campus but some activities may be held online. In this case, NHL Stenden offers a variety of digital facilities, including three particular platforms: Blackboard, Teams and our own platform with web lectures and knowledge clips. Your study programme will keep you updated about the way in which online education is organised for you. You can find more information about online education and testing at NHL Stenden here.

Life has changed a great deal since the outbreak of COVID-19. This obviously has had an impact on student life and on the way our students are dealing with studying. As an NHL Stenden student, you have free access to self-help modules provided by the mental health care organisation Mirro. These are e-Health modules that give you tips and exercises for coping with a variety of issues.

  • What should I do if I develop Corona-related symptoms while I am in the Netherlands?

If you develop symptoms that could be related to COVID-19, you must get tested to see if you are infected. Please visit www.government.nl for more information. Please stay home and do not visit the campus if you have any symptoms.