For Indian students looking for an internationally oriented education in Europe, Netherlands public universities offer a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes, including many courses taught in English. The Dutch higher-education system includes research universities and universities of applied sciences, with different academic and professional orientations.
For international students, the Netherlands can be particularly relevant for fields such as engineering, technology, business, economics, social sciences, natural sciences, agriculture and environmental studies. The official Study in NL database provides an up-to-date overview of English-taught programmes offered by Dutch institutions.
For Indian applicants, however, choosing a university involves more than looking at rankings. Programme content, eligibility based on your previous qualification, English-language requirements, tuition fees, application deadlines, scholarship availability and housing should all be considered before applying.
This guide explains the major public research universities, approximate costs, admission requirements, application process, scholarships and student-residence requirements relevant to Indian students.
Understanding Public Universities in the Netherlands
The Dutch higher-education system is different from the way students often categorise universities in India.
The Netherlands has three main types of higher-education institutions:
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- Research universities — primarily academic and research-oriented.
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- Universities of applied sciences — focused more strongly on professional and practical education.
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- Institutes for international education — specialised institutions offering advanced international programmes.
This article focuses mainly on public research universities, which are a common choice for Indian students interested in academic bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
Research universities offer programmes across areas such as engineering, technology, economics, business, law, social sciences, natural sciences and medical sciences. Bachelor’s programmes at research universities are generally three years, while master’s programmes can range from one to three years depending on the field.
When comparing universities, students should also check whether the specific programme is accredited and whether its qualification matches their long-term academic or career plans.
Popular Public Research Universities in the Netherlands for Indian Students
The Netherlands has several internationally oriented public research universities. The following institutions are examples that Indian students may consider depending on their course and eligibility.
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology, commonly known as TU Delft, is a research-focused university particularly relevant to students interested in engineering, technology, architecture and related disciplines.
Students interested in areas such as computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, aerospace, civil engineering and sustainable technology can explore its programme portfolio.
Admission is programme-specific, so applicants should examine the academic prerequisites and qualification requirements for their chosen course.
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology is another option for students interested in technology, engineering and innovation.
Its location in the Eindhoven technology ecosystem can be relevant to students exploring technical and industry-oriented fields. Prospective applicants should compare individual programmes rather than selecting the university solely based on its overall reputation.
University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam offers programmes across a broad range of disciplines, including business, economics, social sciences, humanities, computer science and natural sciences.
Its international environment may appeal to students who want to study in a major European city. However, students should consider programme requirements and the accommodation situation before applying.
Utrecht University
Utrecht University offers academic programmes across sciences, social sciences, humanities, life sciences and other disciplines.
Students considering Utrecht should review the curriculum, teaching format, admission criteria and English-language requirements for the specific programme.
Leiden University
Leiden University is one of the Netherlands’ major research universities and offers programmes across areas including law, humanities, social sciences, science and medicine-related disciplines.
It can be considered by students whose academic interests align with its available programmes.
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen has a large international student community and offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes across several disciplines.
Its English-taught programme portfolio includes areas such as science, engineering, business, social sciences and humanities.
University of Twente
The University of Twente is particularly relevant to students interested in technology, engineering, behavioural sciences and interdisciplinary education.
Students considering technology-related programmes should compare individual course modules, specialisations, admission requirements and career-oriented components.
Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is especially relevant for students interested in agriculture, food science, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology and related areas.
Its specialised academic focus makes it important for students who already have a clear subject preference.
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is particularly known for programmes connected with economics, business, management, social sciences, health and other fields.
Students interested in business or economics should examine the curriculum and selection requirements of each programme because admission conditions can differ significantly.
Maastricht University
Maastricht University offers a range of international programmes and is known for its problem-based learning approach.
It can be considered by students interested in areas including business, health sciences, social sciences and other interdisciplinary subjects.
Radboud University
Radboud University in Nijmegen offers programmes across science, social sciences, humanities, medicine-related areas and other disciplines.
Students should evaluate individual programme requirements, especially where subject prerequisites or selection procedures apply.
Tilburg University
Tilburg University is particularly relevant for students interested in economics, business, law, social sciences and related disciplines.
Students applying from India should check whether their previous qualification meets the programme’s academic and subject requirements.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers programmes across sciences, business, social sciences, humanities and health-related disciplines.
Its Amsterdam location can be attractive to international students, but accommodation availability and living expenses should be considered alongside tuition fees.
The official Study in NL list of Dutch research universities includes institutions such as Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University, Maastricht University, Radboud University, Tilburg University, University of Amsterdam, University of Groningen, University of Twente, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam and Wageningen University & Research, among others.
What Can Indian Students Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers English-taught programmes across numerous academic areas. The official Study in NL Studyfinder currently provides an extensive database of international programmes, including bachelor’s and master’s options.
Popular areas for international applicants include:
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- Computer Science
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- Artificial Intelligence
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- Data Science
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- Information Technology
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- Engineering
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- Business Analytics
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- Business and Management
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- Economics
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- Finance
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- Environmental Science
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- Sustainability
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- Biotechnology
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- Food Science
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- Social Sciences
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- Psychology
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- Law
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- Communication and Media
For students choosing between programmes, the course curriculum should be examined carefully. Two universities may offer courses with similar names but significantly different modules, specialisations and career orientations.
Tuition Fees at Netherlands Public Universities
Indian students are generally classified as non-EU/EEA students, so they normally do not pay the statutory EU/EEA tuition rate.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Study in NL states that average tuition for non-EU/EEA students is approximately:
| Programme | Approximate tuition fee |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | approximately €9,000–€20,000 per year |
| Master’s | approximately €12,000–€30,000 per year |
| Application/handling fee, where applicable | approximately €75–€100 |
These are broad averages rather than universal prices. The actual tuition depends on the university, programme and student category. Students should always check the specific programme page before planning their finances.
For example, individual programmes can fall outside the broad average. The Study in NL database lists programme-specific tuition information, demonstrating why students should not use a general Netherlands tuition figure as their final budget.
In addition to tuition, students should budget for:
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- accommodation;
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- food and groceries;
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- local transportation;
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- health-related expenses;
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- books and study materials;
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- personal expenses;
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- travel between India and the Netherlands;
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- residence-permit-related costs where applicable.
Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Admission requirements are not identical across all Netherlands public universities. The university and, in many cases, the individual programme determine the requirements.
For Indian students, requirements may include:
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- recognised previous academic qualification;
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- appropriate subject background;
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- minimum academic performance;
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- English-language proficiency;
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- programme-specific prerequisite subjects;
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- motivation or personal statement, where required;
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- CV or résumé for selected programmes;
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- portfolio for certain creative courses;
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- entrance or selection procedures for specific programmes.
English-Language Requirements
For English-taught programmes, applicants generally need to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.
Study in NL lists commonly accepted tests such as:
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- IELTS;
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- TOEFL iBT;
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- Cambridge English;
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- Pearson;
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- LanguageCert;
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- TOEIC.
The required score depends on the institution and programme, so Indian students should not assume that one universal IELTS or TOEFL score applies to every Dutch university.
Academic Qualification
Students should check how their Indian qualification compares with the Dutch education requirements.
Nuffic provides information used by Dutch higher-education institutions when assessing foreign qualifications, but the final admission decision belongs to the institution and programme concerned.
This is especially important for master’s applicants because universities may require specific bachelor’s-level subjects, credits or academic backgrounds.
How to Apply to a Dutch Public University
The application process generally begins with identifying a suitable programme and checking its official admission requirements.
1. Shortlist suitable programmes
Compare:
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- course curriculum;
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- duration;
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- tuition;
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- location;
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- admission requirements;
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- language requirements;
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- scholarship opportunities;
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- application deadline;
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- housing availability.
The official Study in NL Studyfinder can be used to explore English-taught programmes.
2. Check the university’s requirements
Do not rely only on third-party course listings.
Visit the university’s official programme page and check:
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- academic requirements;
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- English-language requirements;
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- required documents;
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- application deadlines;
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- selection procedures;
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- tuition fees.
3. Register through Studielink where required
For most Dutch programmes, students first register through Studielink, the official registration and application portal for Dutch higher education.
However, applicants should first check the university’s instructions because some institutions or programmes may have additional application procedures.
4. Submit supporting documents
Depending on the programme, students may need to submit documents such as:
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- academic transcripts;
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- degree or school certificates;
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- passport;
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- English-language test result;
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- CV;
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- motivation letter;
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- recommendation letters, where required;
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- portfolio, where applicable.
5. Track the application
Some programmes have selection procedures or additional university-specific steps.
For numerus fixus programmes, the general application deadline is 15 January, while the general deadline for other programmes is often 1 May. These are general guidelines, not universal deadlines, so students must verify the deadline for their particular programme.
Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarship availability depends on the institution, programme and applicant profile.
One option relevant to non-EEA students is the NL Scholarship, which is intended for international students from outside the European Economic Area applying for eligible bachelor’s or master’s programmes.
For 2026–27, the scholarship amount is approximately €5,000 for the first year, and it is not a full-tuition scholarship. Participating institutions and available programmes can change from year to year.
Students should also investigate:
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- university-specific scholarships;
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- faculty scholarships;
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- merit-based awards;
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- external scholarships;
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- programme-specific funding.
Scholarship applications may have separate deadlines from university applications. Study in NL advises students to check the relevant institution’s scholarship conditions and deadlines.
Student Visa and Residence Permit Requirements
Indian students generally need immigration permission to study in the Netherlands.
For university or higher professional education, the educational institution plays an important role in the residence-permit application. The institution must be recognised by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), and the programme must meet the applicable requirements.
Key requirements include:
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- admission or registration at the institution;
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- enrolment in a full-time programme;
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- an accredited programme;
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- a recognised sponsor institution;
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- meeting the applicable income requirements;
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- maintaining adequate academic progress.
The IND states that students generally need to obtain at least 50% of the credits for each study year to demonstrate sufficient study progress, subject to applicable rules and circumstances.
For 2026, the IND study norm for university or higher professional education is approximately €1,131 per month, excluding tuition fees. This amount is used to assess whether sufficient funds are available for living expenses and is updated periodically.
Visa and residence-permit requirements can change, so students should verify the latest requirements with the IND and their university before applying.
Living and Accommodation Considerations
Accommodation deserves attention before an Indian student accepts an offer.
Study in NL warns that the Netherlands is experiencing a significant housing shortage, with insufficient student accommodation for everyone. Students are advised to arrange accommodation before arriving in the Netherlands and to start searching as early as possible.
Accommodation availability also varies significantly between cities.
Students should consider:
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- distance from the university;
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- public transport access;
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- whether utilities are included;
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- contract duration;
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- registration requirements;
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- deposit and payment terms;
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- whether the accommodation is furnished.
Study in NL gives an indicative average room cost of approximately €550 per month, but actual housing costs vary substantially by city, property type and accommodation provider.
Avoid transferring money for accommodation without properly verifying the landlord, contract and property.
How to Choose the Right Dutch University
Instead of selecting a university only because it appears highly ranked, Indian students can compare options using several practical factors.
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Course fit | Modules, specialisations and teaching approach |
| Eligibility | Indian qualification and subject prerequisites |
| Language | Required English test and score |
| Tuition | Approximate non-EU/EEA fee |
| Scholarships | Eligibility and deadlines |
| Location | City, transport and lifestyle |
| Housing | Availability and approximate accommodation costs |
| Career relevance | Internships, projects and industry connections |
| Application process | Selection procedures and deadlines |
| Immigration | Residence-permit requirements |
A university that is suitable for one student may not be suitable for another. For example, a student interested in sustainable agriculture may need a different academic environment from someone seeking a master’s in data science.
The best approach is therefore to start with the course and career objective, then shortlist universities that match the student’s academic profile.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid
Choosing only by university ranking
A university’s overall position does not necessarily tell you whether a particular programme fits your goals.
Ignoring programme-specific requirements
Admission criteria can differ between programmes at the same university. Always check the official course page.
Applying close to the deadline
Some programmes have selection procedures or earlier deadlines. Starting early gives students more time to arrange documents and English-language tests.
Treating general tuition ranges as exact fees
The approximate Netherlands tuition ranges are useful for initial budgeting, but the actual fee should be checked on the specific programme page.
Delaying accommodation planning
Housing shortages can make finding accommodation difficult. Students should investigate housing as soon as they begin planning their move.
Assuming admission means automatic visa approval
University admission and immigration approval are separate matters. Students must satisfy the applicable IND requirements for a residence permit.
Applying without checking career relevance
Before submitting applications, compare the programme curriculum, specialisations, internship opportunities and potential career directions.
If you are planning to study abroad and need help understanding your options, you can connect with a LetzStudy counsellor for personalised guidance. We can help you explore suitable countries, universities, courses, eligibility requirements, application steps and other aspects of your study-abroad journey based on your academic profile and goals.
FAQs
Which public universities in the Netherlands can Indian students consider?
Indian students can explore universities such as Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Leiden University, University of Groningen, University of Twente, Wageningen University & Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Maastricht University, Radboud University, Tilburg University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The appropriate choice depends on the programme and admission requirements.
How much does it cost to study at a Netherlands public university for Indian students?
For non-EU/EEA students, average tuition is approximately €9,000–€20,000 per year for bachelor’s programmes and approximately €12,000–€30,000 per year for master’s programmes. Actual fees vary by university and programme.
Do Indian students need IELTS to study in the Netherlands?
Many English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency, but the exact test and required score depend on the university and programme. IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English and other recognised tests may be accepted.
Can Indian students apply for scholarships in the Netherlands?
Yes. Non-EEA students can explore options such as the NL Scholarship and university-specific scholarships. Eligibility, participating institutions and deadlines vary. The NL Scholarship for 2026–27 provides approximately €5,000 in the first year and is not a full-tuition scholarship.
Is Studielink required for Netherlands university applications?
For most Dutch higher-education programmes, students first register through Studielink. However, applicants should check their university’s specific application instructions because some institutions or programmes may use additional procedures.
Is accommodation difficult to find in the Netherlands?
Yes. Study in NL currently warns of a significant housing shortage and recommends arranging accommodation before travelling to the Netherlands.
Do Indian students need a residence permit to study in the Netherlands?
Students from outside the EU/EEA generally need the appropriate immigration permission for long-term study. For university study, the recognised educational institution submits the relevant student residence-permit application to the IND.
Choosing among Netherlands public universities for Indian students should begin with the right course rather than the university name alone. Compare programme content, eligibility, English-language requirements, approximate tuition fees, scholarships, deadlines, accommodation and immigration requirements before making your shortlist.
The Netherlands offers a broad selection of English-taught programmes and internationally oriented research universities, but admission requirements and costs vary by institution and programme. Starting your research early can help you prepare your academic documents, language test, applications, finances and accommodation plan in time.
Key takeaways:
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- Compare programmes, not just universities.
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- Expect non-EU/EEA tuition to vary by course.
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- Check programme-specific eligibility carefully.
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- Research scholarships early.
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- Apply through the required university/Studielink process.
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- Plan accommodation well before arrival.
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- Verify current immigration requirements with the IND.
Start Your Study Abroad Journey
This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision.
