If you are a student from a non-EU country, you are required by Dutch Immigration Law to have a tuberculosis (TB) test at a local GGD office (Dutch Health Service).
Undergoing the mandatory TB test benefits not only your own health, but also the health of those you come into contact with. It's also important to note that undergoing the TB test is a strict requirement to maintain your residence permit in the Netherlands. Tuberculosis is a severe, but curable disease and is found all over the world. It is much more common in the country where you are born than in the Netherlands, therefore you are tested for TB.
Do I need to take a tuberculosis test?
The IND provides a list of countries that are exempt from the TB test. Students whose nationality is not on this list, are required to undergo the TB-test. You are not excempt from the test if you are already residing in Europe and/or live in a country excempt from the TB test requirement. You can only be exempted from the test if you have a permanent European residence permit.
How will I be tested for tuberculosis?
Students aged 18 and over will be tested with a chest X-ray. Minors will undergo a Mantoux test: you will receive an injection which will be checked again a few days later, due to this you'll have to visit the health clinic twice.
I have already taken a tuberculosis test
You are always required to undergo the tuberculosis test in the Netherlands, undergoing the test abroad does not excempt you from this requirement.
Procedure
- Confirm that you need to take a tuberculosis test (see above).
- The University of Twente will arrange group appointment dates at the GGD for international students starting in September and February.
- For students starting in September, the appointments will take place in October, and for students starting in February the appointments will take place in March. About 2 weeks before the appointment, you will receive an email with instructions on how to attend your TB test
- Optional: after six months, the GGD might contact you at the e-mail address provided and invite you to a follow-up appointment (selected nationalities only).