We strongly recommend that you open a Dutch bank account for your time in the Netherlands. It will mean you avoid paying high transaction charges and it gives you access to an online payment tool which is linked to your bank account. The most popular online payment method in the Netherlands is iDEAL, and it is also used at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. iDEAL is similar to PayPal; easy to use and secure.

To be eligible to open a bank account, you must be enrolled at NHL Stenden and you must be registered with the local authorities as a local resident. You can easily open an account online. You will need to have digital copies of the following documents:

  • Passport (not a copy)
  • Proof of enrolment
  • Citizen Service Number (BSN Number)
  • Rental contract

The choice of a bank is yours and we’ve listed links to the main ones below.

NB If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to be present when you open your account.