This timeline gives an indication of the months in which you should ideally arrange certain things for a proper preparation. Each subject is marked to indicate whether it is a mandatory step or not.
You have applied for one or more programmes at Radboud University. As you know, there are a number of things you need to arrange before starting your studies. On this page, we explain the steps you need to take for a successful start.
Check the status of your enrolment
[Mandatory] *Recommended start date: May
Check to make sure you have completed all steps for enrolment. If necessary, also consult OSIRIS to check if there are any outstanding actions to be taken.
Did you apply for a programme with a numerus fixus? Then the deadline to complete your enrolment is 31 July. Make sure to have handed in the required documents and necessary steps in Studielink before this date.
Apply for your visa or residency permit
[Mandatory for non-EU/EEA]
Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you may need an entry visa and/or a residence permit to be able to study in the Netherlands. Find out if you need a visa and/or a residence permit and how the application process works. Also make sure that you submit the required documents, as mentioned in your admission email, before 1 June.
Complete the Pre-Arrival Services form
[Mandatory] *Deadline 1 June
The Student Admissions office provides special Pre-Arrival Services for international students who are enrolling in a programme at Radboud University. The Pre-Arrival Services include help with housing, social activities and visa (if applicable).
Check if you are eligible for housing assistance.
Join the community
[Optional]
Get in touch with your fellow (international) students via the Goin' Connect platform and build a global network to make your student life even more fun.
Apply for student finances
[Optional] *Recommended start date: June
Student finance for students with Dutch nationality consists of several components: the supplementary grant, a loan and the student travel product. Check which components you are eligible for and apply for them in time via DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). Do this at least 2 months before the start of your studies.
Make sure you have the right insurance
[Verplicht]
Find out more about the Dutch healthcare system, various types of insurance to consider, and how to respond in case of a medical emergency.
If you applied for a visa via Radboud University (see above), the application for health insurance is included in your visa application.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fees
[Mandatory] *Recommended start date: mid-June *Deadline: 31 August
Information about the payment of your tuition fees will be sent to the e-mail address you used to register in Studielink. You can arrange payment via Studielink from mid-June. If you opt for a digital authorisation, you only need to enter your bank details, after which the tuition fees will be debited automatically. The sooner you have arranged your tuition fee payment (and thereby your enrolment), the sooner you will have access to the systems at Radboud University and your student card.
Check your course schedule
[Mandatory]
By 1 July, the course schedule for the first semester will be published. From 1 July, you can also register for courses. As soon as registration for courses opens, you will receive an e-mail.
Are you a first-year bachelor/(pre-)master student? Then the registration for courses will be done for you. Whether this is only for the first block/first semester or for the entire academic year varies per faculty.
Order your Student Mobility Package
[Optioneel]
Public transport and bikes are the main modes of transportation for students in the Netherlands. You can order a Student Mobility Card and/or rental bike before your arrival.
Register for the Radboud Intro
[Optional]
Will you start your Bachelor's at Radboud University in September 2024? Then mark the Radboud Intro in your calendar from 18 - 25 August 2024. This is a fun way to get to know your fellow students, the university and the city. The introduction is not a hazing: everything is allowed and nothing is required. Are you a (pre)master student? Then you can sign up for the Master welcome day on 29 August. In early July, you will receive the invitation via where you can register. Want to get a taste of the atmosphere? Then watch the aftermovie.
Make your final study choice
[Mandatory]
Have you made your final study choice? Cancel the applications of programmes that you will not start in Studielink.
Request your student card
[Mandatory]
Your student card allows you to use various facilities such as printers and the Radboud Sports Centre (with a subscription). Apply for your student card using the instructions on the site.
Get the required books for your courses
[Optional]
The study guide in Osiris will tell you which books, readers, and other course materials you need to get for your courses. Your study association often offers discounts on textbooks, or check here for alternative ways to order your books and study materials.
Consider opening a Dutch bank account
[Optional]
As soon as you have moved to the Netherlands, it can be very practical to open a Dutch bank account and receive a debit card. Find out whether it is a good option for you to open a bank account.
Register as a citizen at the municipality
[Mandatory]
You will receive an email from the Student Admissions in August with more information on how to register at the municipality.
Submit all documents required for enrolment
[Mandatory] *Deadline 15 August
All documents that are required for enrolment need to be submitted before 15 August. Documents received after this deadline may not be processed in time to guarantee enrolment by 1 September.
Participate in the Radboud Intro
[Optional]
The Radboud Intro for Bachelor's students is the best way to get acquainted with student life in Nijmegen. Discover the university, the city and everything Nijmegen has to offer during this multi-day introduction from 18 to 25 August 2024. Participation is on a voluntary basis.
(pre-)Master Welcome Day 29 August 2024
[Optional]
The (Pre-)Master's Welcome Day will take place on Thursday 29 August 2024. During this day, you will get to meet the faculty staff, get introduced to the ICT systems and, of course, your fellow students. You can also ask all your questions about the study programme, subjects, exams, etc. You will receive a personal invitation for the Welcome Day, including the programme for the day via e-mail.
Start of the academic year and Opening Academic Year
The academic year starts on Monday 2 September. Traditionally, the festive opening of the academic year takes place on the first day of classes in the afternoon. View the full annual schedule of academic year 2024-2025 here.
Download these useful apps
Check your schedule on your phone or see what time your favourite sports class starts with our apps. On this webpage you will find an overview of apps that are useful to download if you study in Nijmegen.
Receive your Proof of Enrolment
Once you have completed the entire enrolment process, including the payment of tuition fees, a Proof of Enrolment will be sent to the e-mail address you provided in Studielink. If you haven't received a Proof of Enrolment by the beginning of September, please check in OSIRIS Student as soon as possible whether you still have any outstanding action points you need to fulfil.