Immigration advice for a prospective PhD student with wife and kids

Hi All!,

I'm 39, married and with two kids (7 and 9). Right now I'm in the application process for a PhD Scholarship in the University of Groningen (I have been already accepted in a research group), and I'm really excited for this opportunity.

I am confused about immigration rules in Netherlands. My plans are to bring my family with me, and to live with the scholarship stipend (1700EUR), probably a loan (from my home country) and part of my savings to support my wife and kids needs.

However, I'm not sure how would be the immigration process and requirements for my case. According to IND's website, my wife requires a 'sufficient independent long-term income' in order to get a residence permit with me. If I am her sponsor, could my $1700 scholarship be considered also as her long-term income? what about the kids? there are no income rules when it comes to children?

I have perfectly clear that 1700EUR won't be enough for a family to live, but as I mentioned before, my plan is to supplement the scholarship with my own savings.

Any clarification or advice is really welcome!

Héctor