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).
Participating in TB testing is important for your health, but most importantly it is necessary for obtaining your (temporary) residence permit. 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?
Depending on your nationality, you might be required to undergo a Tuberculosis test screening. The IND provides a list of countries that are exempt from the TB test. Students from countries not on this list, are required to undergo the TB-test.
How will I be tested for tuberculosis?
You will be tested for tuberculosis by a chest X-ray. Students under 18 will have an injection on their hands instead.
I have already taken a tuberculosis test
If you are currently studying in an EU country and have already taken a Tuberculosis test, you are still required to take a TB test when you arrive in the Netherlands.
Procedure
- Confirm that you need to take a tuberculosis test (see above).
- Fill in a Tuberculosis Declaration Form. You will receive this form when Student Services is sending you information regarding the appointments for formalities (this will be about one month before the start of your study).
- The University of Twente will make a group appointment at the GGD for international students starting in September and February.
- Hand in your Tuberculosis Declaration Form during the examination at the GGD.
- After six months, the GGD will contact you directly at the address provided and invite you to a follow-up appointment (selected nationalities only).