Monthly Archives: May 2026

Job: Hotel Chef de Partie — Marriott Hotels — Toronto, Canada

Chef de Partie – Marriott Hotels Toronto

✈️ Visa Sponsorship Available

🏢 CompanyMarriott International
📍 LocationToronto, Canada
💼 Job TypeFull-time
💰 SalaryCAD $45,000 – $55,000/year
📅 Date Posted2026-05-03
🔗 SourceAdzuna Canada

Job Description

Marriott International is hiring a skilled Chef de Partie for our Toronto flagship hotel. You will be responsible for preparing and presenting high-quality dishes, managing a section of the kitchen, and mentoring junior staff. Relocation assistance and work permit sponsorship available for qualified candidates. 3+ years kitchen experience required.

👉 Apply Now


⚠️ Disclaimer: Travel Explore aggregates job listings to help Nigerians and Africans find opportunities abroad. We do not charge for applications. Always verify job offers independently. Need visa help? Contact us.

Job: Registered Nurse — NHS Trust — London, United Kingdom

Registered Nurse – General Ward

✈️ Visa Sponsorship Available

🏢 CompanyNHS Trust – St. Thomas’ Hospital
📍 LocationLondon, United Kingdom
💼 Job TypeFull-time
💰 Salary£28,407 – £34,581 per year
📅 Date Posted2026-05-03
🔗 SourceNHS Jobs (Adzuna UK)

Job Description

We are seeking a passionate Registered Nurse for our general ward team at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality nursing care. Visa sponsorship is available for qualified international nurses — NMC registration support and relocation package provided. OET or IELTS Academic Band 7.0 required.

👉 Apply Now


⚠️ Disclaimer: Travel Explore aggregates job listings to help Nigerians and Africans find opportunities abroad. We do not charge for applications. Always verify offers independently. Need visa help? Contact us.

Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Travel To: Visa-Free, Visa on Arrival & With Visa (2026 Guide)

Planning a trip abroad with a Nigerian passport? You are not alone. Millions of Nigerians travel internationally every year for tourism, business, education, and family visits. One of the biggest questions every Nigerian traveller asks is: which countries can I visit with my Nigerian passport? This comprehensive guide breaks down every destination into three clear categories — visa-free countries for Nigerians, visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders, and countries that require a visa in advance.

Whether you are a first-time traveller or a seasoned globetrotter, understanding your passport privileges helps you plan smarter, save time, and avoid unnecessary stress at the airport. Let us dive in.

Nigerian Passport Strength in 2026

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the Nigerian passport currently ranks among the lower tiers globally, granting holders access to approximately 46 countries without a prior visa. While this may seem limited compared to stronger passports, there are still dozens of exciting and culturally rich destinations that Nigerian passport holders can access with ease — including visa-free and visa-on-arrival options across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond.

Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Visit Visa-Free in 2026

These are countries where Nigerian passport holders do not need a visa before travelling. You simply arrive, show your passport, and you are admitted for a set number of days.

Africa — Visa-Free Destinations for Nigerians

Africa remains the most accessible continent for Nigerian travellers. Thanks to the African Union’s push for open borders and the AfCFTA, many African nations welcome Nigerian passport holders without a visa. Kenya now uses a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for African Union passport holders.

#CountryStay AllowedNotes
1Benin RepublicUnlimited
2Burkina Faso90 days
3Cape VerdeVariesPrior online registration required
4Chad90 days
5Côte d’Ivoire90 days
6The Gambia90 days
7Ghana90 days
8Guinea90 days
9Guinea-Bissau90 days
10KenyaVariesFree Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for AU holders
11Liberia90 days
12Mali90 days
13Mauritania90 days
14Niger90 days
15Senegal90 days
16Sierra Leone90 days
17Togo7 daysFree at port of entry

Caribbean — Visa-Free for Nigerian Passport Holders

Several Caribbean island nations open their doors freely to Nigerian travellers — offering beautiful beaches, tropical culture, and a warm welcome.

#CountryStay Allowed
1Barbados6 months
2Dominica6 months
3Grenada3 months
4Haiti3 months
5Jamaica6 months
6St. Kitts and Nevis3 months
7St. Lucia6 weeks
8St. Vincent and the Grenadines1 month
9Trinidad and Tobago90 days

Other Visa-Free Destinations for Nigerians

Outside Africa and the Caribbean, Nigerians can also visit the following countries without a visa:

#CountryStay Allowed
1EcuadorUnlimited
2Micronesia30 days
3Vanuatu30 days

Nigerian Passport Travel Guide: Visa on Arrival Countries

Visa on arrival (VOA) means you do not need to apply for a visa before your trip. Instead, you obtain your visa at the airport or port of entry upon arrival — a convenient option for Nigerians who want to travel spontaneously or have not had time to apply in advance.

Asia — Visa on Arrival for Nigerians

Asia offers several exciting visa-on-arrival destinations for Nigerian passport holders. The Maldives is a particularly popular choice — it is free and the island nation is stunning.

#CountryStay AllowedVisa FeeNotes
1Cambodia30 daysUSD 30
2Maldives30 daysFree
3Nepal15–90 daysUSD 25–100
4Sri Lanka30 daysUSD 35Also available as eVisa
5Timor-Leste30 daysUSD 30

Africa — Visa on Arrival for Nigerians

Many African countries also offer visa-on-arrival for Nigerian passport holders. Rwanda and Ethiopia are standout options — both offer free VOA for African Union passport holders.

#CountryStay AllowedVisa FeeNotes
1Comoros45 daysUSD 50
2Djibouti31 daysUSD 60–80
3Ethiopia30 daysFreeVia Addis Ababa Bole Airport
4Madagascar90 daysUSD 82
5Mozambique30 daysUSD 50
6Rwanda30 daysFreeFree for all AU passport holders
7Tanzania90 daysUSD 50
8UgandaVariesUSD 50Also available as eVisa
9Zambia90 daysUSD 50
10Zimbabwe90 daysUSD 55

Other Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Nigerians

Additional destinations offering visa on arrival to Nigerian passport holders. Always confirm the latest entry requirements with the destination country’s embassy or official immigration website before travel, as policies can change.

#CountryStay AllowedVisa FeeNotes
1Bolivia90 daysFree
2Cape VerdeVariesFee applies
3Iran30 daysUSD 75
4Kyrgyzstan30 daysUSD 35
5MauritiusVariesVariesSubject to approval
6Palau30 daysUSD 50
7Samoa60 daysFree

Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Visit With an eVisa

An eVisa (electronic visa) is applied for online before your trip, making the process far easier than visiting an embassy. Many countries now offer eVisas to Nigerians, allowing approval within days. Turkey’s eVisa is one of the most popular — processed online in minutes for approximately USD 75, valid for 30 days.

#CountryeVisa TypeStay / Fee
1AustraliaETA or eVisaVaries
2CanadaeTA (transit)Varies
3Ethiopiae-VisaVaries
4Indiae-Tourist Visa / e-Business VisaVaries
5KenyaElectronic Travel AuthorisationFree (AU holders)
6New ZealandNZeTAVaries
7Rwandae-VisaVaries
8Saudi ArabiaeVisa (tourism)Varies
9Sri LankaETAVaries
10TanzaniaOnline VisaVaries
11Turkeye-Visa30 days / USD 75
12Ugandae-VisaVaries
13ZambiaeVisaVaries

Countries That Require a Visa in Advance for Nigerian Passport Holders

The majority of the world’s most popular destinations require Nigerian passport holders to apply for a visa in advance through their embassy or consulate. While this requires more planning, these destinations are absolutely worth the effort.

Europe (Schengen Area)

The Schengen visa covers 27 European countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and more. Nigerian applicants typically apply through the embassy of the country they will spend the most time in. Required documents usually include a valid Nigerian passport (at least 6 months validity), completed visa application form, recent passport photographs, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), bank statements, and a letter of employment or sponsorship. Processing time is typically 15 working days — apply ideally 8–12 weeks before travel. Learn more at the official Schengen Visa Info website.

United Kingdom

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows Nigerian passport holders to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or family visits. Applications are made online via the UK Government UKVI website. You will need biometrics taken at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria. The visa fee is approximately £115 and processing takes around 3 weeks.

United States of America

The US B1/B2 visa is one of the most applied-for visas by Nigerians. Applications are made through the US Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos via the CEAC portal. The process includes completing the DS-160 form, paying the USD 185 application fee, and attending an in-person interview.

Canada

Nigerians applying for a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV) or student/work permit must apply online via the IRCC portal. Biometrics are required. The fee is CAD 100 for a visitor visa. Processing times are typically 4–8 weeks. Having a valid US or UK visa can strengthen your Canadian visa application.

Australia

The Australian Tourist Visa (subclass 600) requires an online application through the ImmiAccount portal. Fees start at AUD 145. Ensure your health insurance, financial records, and travel itinerary are comprehensive for a stronger application.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Nigerian passport holders require a visa to visit the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.). UAE visas can often be obtained through airlines like Emirates and Etihad, or via an approved travel agent. Processing is usually fast — 3 to 5 working days. The 30-day tourist visa costs approximately AED 300–500.

China and Japan

Nigerians must apply for a Chinese visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria. Japan similarly requires a visa from Nigerian passport holders. Both countries require detailed documentation, but approval is generally smooth for applicants with strong financial records and clear travel plans.

Pro Tips for Nigerian Travellers

  • Always check the latest entry requirements before booking — visa policies change frequently.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.
  • Apply for visas well in advance — do not leave it to the last minute.
  • Keep digital and physical copies of all travel documents.
  • Use a reputable travel agency to help with visa applications and travel planning.
  • Having a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa can open doors and improve approval chances elsewhere.
  • Enrol in travel insurance for every international trip.
  • Build a strong travel history — multiple country stamps in your passport strengthen future visa applications.

Frequently Asked Questions — Nigerian Passport Travel Guide 2026

How many countries can Nigerians visit visa-free?

As of 2026, Nigerian passport holders can access approximately 46 countries without a prior visa, including both visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations.

Can Nigerians travel to Dubai without a visa?

No. Nigerian passport holders require a visa to visit Dubai (UAE). However, the visa process is relatively straightforward and can be arranged through airlines or travel agencies.

Which African countries can Nigerians visit without a visa?

Nigerians can visit many African countries visa-free, including Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Benin Republic, Kenya (eTA), and several others. Many more offer visa on arrival — see the full tables above.

Is Turkey visa-free for Nigerians?

No, but Turkey offers a quick and easy eVisa for Nigerian passport holders that can be obtained online in minutes for approximately USD 75, valid for a 30-day stay.

Can Nigerians get a Schengen visa easily?

Yes, with proper documentation. Nigerians successfully obtain Schengen visas regularly. The key is to prepare a thorough application with all required documents, including strong financial evidence and a clear travel itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Your Complete Nigerian Passport Travel Guide for 2026

This guide has shown that travelling with a Nigerian passport requires planning, but it is far from impossible. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can explore Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond — and with the proper visa applications, the entire world is within reach. From the beaches of Barbados to the temples of Nepal, from the safari parks of Kenya to the Eiffel Tower in Paris — Nigerian travellers are seeing the world, one stamp at a time.

Need help with your visa application or travel planning? Travel Expore Agency is here to help. Our experienced team assists Nigerian travellers with visa applications, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and complete travel packages to destinations worldwide. Contact us today and let us make your next international trip a reality.

DAAD Scholarships 2027 for African Master’s Students: Funded Master’s at German Universities

The DAAD Scholarships 2027 cycle remains the largest single source of funded Master’s seats in Germany for African applicants. Across the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) catalogue, the Helmut-Schmidt Programme, and subject-specific calls in engineering, agriculture, public health and economics, the German Academic Exchange Service typically awards 2,500-3,000 scholarships globally each year, with a meaningful fraction allocated to Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Sahel. For Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Tanzanian, Cameroonian, Senegalese, Ethiopian and Egyptian applicants, the 2027 calls open across summer 2026 and close on dates ranging from August 2026 to October 2026 depending on programme.

What changed for DAAD Scholarships 2027?

Three updates worth flagging. First, the standard Master’s monthly stipend rose to €992/month for 2026-2027 awards (up from €934). Second, the DAAD added several new EPOS-eligible Master’s at Bonn (Public Policy and Good Governance), TU Berlin (Urban Management) and Hannover (Water Resources Management) for African applicants in development-relevant fields. Third, the DAAD reaffirmed its commitment to “African Excellence” partnerships, with multi-year funding commitments to in-region centres at the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cairo, Nairobi and Accra — opening parallel scholarship channels for African students staying on the continent.

The official DAAD English portal and the DAAD-Africa regional hubs publish the canonical calls. Always verify deadlines and eligibility there before paying any third party.

Who can apply?

The DAAD Scholarships 2027 cycle directly targets African applicants holding a strong undergraduate degree (typically First Class or Second Class Upper from accredited universities) plus relevant professional experience for development-track programmes. Typical 2027 candidate profiles: a Lagos-based public health practitioner with three years of NGO experience applying to TropEd (TU Berlin/HMU); a Kenyan agronomist applying to International Agriculture at Hohenheim; a Ghanaian engineer applying to Renewable Energy at Oldenburg; a Cameroonian water specialist applying to Hannover’s Water Resources Management; a Senegalese economist applying to Development Studies at Bochum; an Ethiopian gender researcher applying to International Gender Studies at Göttingen.

EPOS calls explicitly require two years of professional experience in a field relevant to the Master’s programme. The Helmut-Schmidt Programme targets early- and mid-career civil servants and aspiring public-sector leaders.

Key requirements and deadlines

Every DAAD Scholarships 2027 application must satisfy four gates. The first is academic: a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, typically not older than six years at the application deadline. The second is language: depending on programme, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0-6.5, TOEFL 80+) or German proficiency (DSH or TestDaF for German-medium programmes). The third is professional experience: at least two years of relevant work experience for EPOS, less for some Helmut-Schmidt slots. The fourth is the programme application itself — you apply through the host German university’s process and indicate DAAD-EPOS funding intent.

  • Recognised Bachelor’s (or equivalent), generally not more than six years old at deadline.
  • English IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL 80+ (some programmes accept ETS Score 5.5 with conditional admission).
  • Two years of relevant professional experience for EPOS programmes.
  • Programme-specific deadlines: most EPOS calls close between 31 August 2026 and 31 October 2026.
  • Two academic and one professional reference letter; CV in DAAD format; motivation letter covering development relevance.

Need help with your DAAD Scholarships 2027 application?

Travel Expore helps African applicants — from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, Cairo, Yaoundé, Dakar, Addis Ababa and beyond — build EPOS-ready motivation letters, prepare references and submit on programme-specific portals. Start your free eligibility check at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Why it matters for African applicants

DAAD Scholarships 2027 are among the most generous funded Master’s options globally for African applicants. Beyond the €992/month stipend, the package includes health insurance, return travel, settlement allowance, study allowance and family allowance for those bringing partners or children. Compared to Chevening (UK), Mastercard Foundation Scholars, or Erasmus Mundus, DAAD-EPOS adds the structural benefit of leading directly into Germany’s job market: post-Master’s, scholars can stay 18 months on a Job Seeker Permit, then convert to the EU Blue Card. Many African DAAD alumni transition into German doctoral funding, post-doc positions, or skilled employment in development-finance institutions like KfW, GIZ and DEval.

For broader scholarship context, our Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 guide covers the UK alternative, and our Commonwealth Scholarships 2026/2027 piece covers the Commonwealth track for African applicants.

Frequently asked questions about DAAD Scholarships 2027

What does the DAAD Scholarships 2027 stipend include?

€992/month base stipend, health insurance, return travel from country of residence, settlement allowance, study/research allowance, and family allowance for spouse and children for the duration of the funded programme.

Which African applicants are most competitive for DAAD-EPOS?

Applicants with a strong Bachelor’s (typically Second Class Upper or higher), two-plus years of professional experience in a development-relevant field, clear motivation linking their Master’s to a return contribution to their home country, and language proficiency at IELTS 6.0+ or DSH 2 for German-medium programmes.

When are DAAD Scholarships 2027 deadlines?

Most EPOS programmes close between 31 August 2026 and 31 October 2026. The Helmut-Schmidt Programme has earlier deadlines (typically 31 July 2026). Check each individual programme’s call on the DAAD portal.

Can I apply for DAAD without German language?

Yes. Many EPOS Master’s are taught in English at universities like Bonn, TU Berlin, Hannover, Oldenburg and Göttingen. German is often required at A1 or A2 by the start of the programme to support daily life, but not for academic study.

Does DAAD allow me to bring my family to Germany?

Yes. Family allowance is paid for spouses and dependent children for the duration of the funded programme. The full DAAD spouse-plus-child supplement is roughly €276/month plus €165/month per child in 2026-2027 awards.

Key takeaways

  • DAAD Scholarships 2027 monthly stipend is €992 plus travel, health insurance, settlement and family allowances.
  • Most EPOS deadlines fall between 31 August 2026 and 31 October 2026.
  • African applicants need a Bachelor’s plus two years of professional experience for EPOS programmes.
  • EPOS Master’s at Bonn, TU Berlin, Hannover, Oldenburg, Göttingen are taught in English.
  • Post-Master’s transition: 18-month Job Seeker Permit then EU Blue Card — structural advantage over UK or US scholarship routes.

Get expert help with your DAAD Scholarships 2027 application

Travel Explore helps African applicants from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, Cairo, Yaoundé, Dakar, Addis Ababa and beyond navigate this process end-to-end — programme selection, motivation letter strategy, reference orchestration, portal submission. Talk to a consultant at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Related reads on Travel Explore

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  • The €992/month German scholarship African Master’s hopefuls should target in 2027.
  • DAAD vs Chevening vs Commonwealth: the African scholarship calculus most candidates miss.
  • From Lagos to Bonn: how DAAD-EPOS still funds two years of fully-paid Master’s for Africans.

Netherlands Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) 2026: One-Year Search Permit for African Graduates of Top Universities

The Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 (locally Zoekjaar Hoogopgeleiden) is one of Europe’s most generous post-graduation routes. African graduates from a Dutch institution — or from any university listed in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education, QS or Shanghai Jiao Tong rankings — can apply for a 12-month permit to look for work, start a business, or convert directly to the Highly Skilled Migrant route once they receive a job offer above the threshold. With no minimum salary at the Zoekjaar stage and the right to take any kind of work during the year, this is the easiest soft-landing African graduates can get into the EU labour market in 2026.

What changed in the Netherlands Orientation Year 2026?

The IND made two updates this spring. First, the eligible-universities list (the global top 200 across QS, THE and Shanghai rankings) was refreshed in March 2026, adding three additional African universities: University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University retained their positions, while Witwatersrand and Pretoria climbed back into the QS top 200. Egyptian American University in Cairo retained inclusion via the THE methodology. Nigerian, Kenyan, Ghanaian and Cameroonian universities did not make the 2026 cut, but graduates of those institutions who completed a Master’s at a Dutch university qualify automatically. Second, the conversion to Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) is now seamless: applicants can switch in-country without leaving the Netherlands, with a salary requirement of €3,602/month gross for under-30s and €5,008/month for 30+ in 2026.

The IND Orientation Year for highly educated persons page remains the canonical reference for eligibility lists and salary thresholds.

Who is affected?

The Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 directly serves two African graduate cohorts. First, African Master’s and PhD students currently in the Netherlands who are about to graduate — from Delft (Engineering), Erasmus Rotterdam (Business), Wageningen (Agriculture), Leiden (Law), Maastricht (Economics) and Utrecht (Sciences). These students can apply for the Zoekjaar within three years of graduation. Second, African graduates of globally-ranked universities — UCT or Stellenbosch graduates from South Africa, Cairo’s American University Master’s holders from Egypt, anyone with a Master’s from Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, ETH or comparable institutions if they’re African nationals.

African undergraduate-only candidates from non-listed universities don’t qualify directly, but can pivot to the Netherlands HSM route via a Dutch employer recognised as a “sponsor” by IND.

Key requirements and conversion paths

Every Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 application must satisfy four gates. The first is qualification: a Master’s, PhD, or post-bachelor specialisation completed within three years before the application date. The second is institution: a Dutch institution OR a globally-ranked top-200 university (QS, THE or Shanghai). The third is sufficient means: typically €1,541/month for the year, evidenced by bank statements or sponsor’s declaration. The fourth is health insurance: Dutch basic health insurance must be arranged within four months of arrival.

  • Master’s, PhD or post-bachelor specialisation within the last three years.
  • Institution on the Dutch eligible list or in QS/THE/Shanghai top 200.
  • Proof of sufficient means (around €1,541/month) for the year.
  • Dutch basic health insurance arranged within four months.
  • No labour-market test — you can take any kind of work during the year.

For African graduates aiming to convert to the Highly Skilled Migrant route, our Netherlands MVV and Highly Skilled Migrant April 2026 update covers the latest salary thresholds and recognised sponsor requirements.

Need help with your Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 application?

Travel Expore helps African graduates — from Cape Town, Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, Accra and beyond — verify university eligibility, prepare IND documentation, and plan the HSM conversion strategy. Start your free eligibility check at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Why it matters for African graduates

The Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 is the only major EU post-graduation route with no salary requirement at the search-permit stage. Compare this to Germany’s 18-month job seeker permit (no minimum at this stage but proof-of-funds is higher), France’s APS (12 months with mandatory employment contract by month 12), and the UK Graduate Route (now cut to 18 months from January 2027, no salary at search but conversion needs Skilled Worker level pay). For African graduates with global mobility plans — particularly those from UCT, Stellenbosch, Cairo’s AUC, or Master’s holders from Dutch universities — the Zoekjaar offers the cleanest exploration window in Europe.

For broader context, our UK Graduate Route guide compares the equivalent UK pathway, while our Germany Opportunity Card 2026 covers the Continental EU alternative.

Frequently asked questions about Netherlands Orientation Year 2026

Which African universities qualify for the Netherlands Orientation Year 2026?

University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Witwatersrand and University of Pretoria from South Africa via QS top 200; American University in Cairo via THE methodology; the University of Cairo via specific subject-area rankings. Other African graduates qualify if they completed a Master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution.

Is there a salary requirement during the Orientation Year?

No. During the 12-month Zoekjaar you can take any kind of work without a minimum salary. The salary requirement only applies if you convert to Highly Skilled Migrant: €3,602/month for under-30s, €5,008/month for 30+ in 2026.

Can I apply for the Netherlands Orientation Year from outside the Netherlands?

Yes, if you’re applying within three years of completing a degree at a globally-ranked top-200 university. Apply via the Dutch consulate (Lagos, Pretoria, Nairobi, Cairo) for an MVV plus residence permit. Dutch graduates can apply from inside the Netherlands without leaving.

Can I start a business during the Netherlands Orientation Year?

Yes. The Zoekjaar permits self-employment as well as employed work. Many African graduates use the year to bootstrap a startup, then convert to the Self-Employed Person Residence Permit or HSM once revenue or employment is in place.

Can I bring my family on the Netherlands Orientation Year?

Yes. Spouse and children can apply for family reunification visas. Spouses can work without restriction during the Zoekjaar. Both must move to dependant status under HSM if the principal applicant converts.

Key takeaways

  • Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 gives 12 months in the Netherlands with no salary requirement during search.
  • Eligible: graduates of Dutch institutions OR QS/THE/Shanghai top-200 universities globally.
  • UCT, Stellenbosch, Wits, Pretoria and AUC Cairo are the African universities currently eligible directly.
  • Conversion to Highly Skilled Migrant is seamless once you have a recognised-sponsor job offer above €3,602/month (under-30) or €5,008/month (30+).
  • Family members can join and work without restriction during the year.

Get expert help with your Netherlands Orientation Year 2026 application

Travel Explore helps African graduates from Cape Town, Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Yaoundé, Dakar and beyond navigate this process end-to-end — eligibility verification, IND submission, HSM conversion strategy. Talk to a consultant at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • The 12-month Dutch permit African graduates of UCT and AUC can use to launch their EU career.
  • No salary needed: how the Netherlands Orientation Year stacks up against UK and German alternatives.
  • From Cape Town to Amsterdam: the soft-landing route African Master’s holders should consider in 2026.