GRACE is a two year joint master’s programme with compulsory mobility between Austria, the Netherlands and Latvia. Because students study in several European countries, visa and residence permit planning is an important part of preparing for the programme.
The GRACE consortium supports admitted students with general guidance before and during the programme. However, students remain responsible for submitting correct documents on time and following the official instructions of the relevant national authorities.
Why visa planning matters in GRACE
In GRACE, students study at different partner universities during the programme. This creates an exciting international learning experience, but it also means that immigration planning must start early, especially for non EU students.
| Semester | Country | Institution | What this means for visa planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Austria | St. Pölten UAS | Students start in Austria. Non EU students may need an Austrian visa or residence permit before arrival. |
| Semester 2 | The Netherlands | Saxion UAS | Some students can continue through intra EU mobility. Others may need Dutch residence documentation. |
| Semester 3 | Latvia | Vidzeme UAS | Students may need Latvian residence documentation depending on their previous route. |
| Semester 4 | Austria, the Netherlands or Latvia | Depending on thesis location | The final semester location can affect which residence document is most suitable. |
Visa and residence permit requirements may differ per student and can change over time. Admitted students will receive personalised guidance from the GRACE consortium and the relevant International Offices.
EU, EEA and Swiss students
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens usually do not need a student visa or residence permit for Austria, the Netherlands or Latvia. Local registration may still be required after arrival. The International Offices will provide further guidance before the start of each semester.
Non EU students
Non EU students usually need a visa and/or residence permit. The exact route depends on nationality, current residence status, planned mobility route and the country where the student will complete the final semester.
Important early decision
For the first semester in Austria, non EU students may need to choose between different immigration routes, such as an Austrian residence permit for students in a mobility programme or an Austrian Visa D. This choice should be discussed immediately after admission, as it can affect later mobility to the Netherlands and Latvia.
Main route options for semester 1 in Austria
| Option | Simple explanation | What students should know |
|---|---|---|
| Austrian residence permit for students in a mobility programme | A residence permit route intended for students who take part in a recognised mobility programme. | This may be the most integrated route for GRACE students. It should be discussed early with the International Office. |
| Austrian Visa D | A shorter visa route for a stay in Austria of more than 90 days and up to six months. | This may be relevant in specific cases, but students will normally need further arrangements for later semesters. |
Students should not apply for multiple immigration routes without guidance. Applying for the wrong route can create delays or limit later options.
Moving to the Netherlands and Latvia
After semester 1 in Austria, the GRACE team will advise students on the next immigration steps for the Netherlands and Latvia. Some students may continue under intra EU mobility arrangements, while others may need an additional Dutch or Latvian residence document.
| Stage | Student facing message |
|---|---|
| Before semester 2 | Students receive guidance on the immigration steps for the Netherlands, including possible residence permit or notification requirements. |
| Before semester 3 | Students receive guidance on the immigration steps for Latvia, including possible residence permit or long term visa requirements. |
| Before semester 4 | Students receive individual advice depending on thesis location and the residence document they hold. |
How GRACE supports students
| Moment | Support students can expect |
|---|---|
| After admission | First guidance on visa and residence permit planning. |
| Spring before the start of the programme | Online information session about Austria, housing, insurance, working rules and arrival preparation. |
| Summer before arrival | Final preparation session for arrival in Austria and Erasmus related steps. |
| During semester 1 | Guidance on the immigration route for semester 2 in the Netherlands. |
| Before semester 3 | Guidance on the immigration route for semester 3 in Latvia. |
| Before semester 4 | Individual advice depending on final semester location. |
Disclaimer
Visa, residence permit, insurance, financial and working requirements can change. The information on this page is general guidance and does not replace official instructions from national immigration authorities. Admitted students will receive personalised guidance from the GRACE consortium and the relevant International Offices.