Dutch financial student support: 4 parts

The Dutch student finance system consists of four parts.

  1. Loan (Basislening): You repay the loan after you graduated, the interest rate is fairly low. You yourself decide how much money you take: You can increase or lower your loan monthly. This gives you financial control! A maximum amount is fixed. Here you can find the current maximum amount for loans.

  2. Supplementary grant (aanvullende beurs): depending on parental income. If you graduate in 10 years’ time it is converted into a gift. Otherwise you have to pay it back. Here you can find the current maximum amount for loans.

  3. Tuition fee loan (Collegegeldkrediet): You can borrow the tuition fees. This means you pay back your tuition fees in rates based on your income once you have finished your studies. This credit is not related to your or your parents’ income. The interest rate is fairly low. Even if you don’t meet the requirements for student finance, you can ask for the tuition fee loan. Here you can find the current amount for the tuition fee loan

  4. Free public transport (OV-Chipkaart) all over the Netherlands. It is converted into a gift if you graduate in 10 years’ time. Otherwise you have to pay it back.

How much money will you get?

How much money you could receive depends on several conditions. Especially your nationality and your parents’ income are decisive. Thus you have to check that out individually. But you want to know the maximum you can receive? Please note: These amounts are adjusted every year.

current maximum amount per month

Are you eligible for Dutch student finance?

If you are eligible for support depends on your age, the programme you follow and your nationality. You might be eligible for Dutch student finance if you fulfill following conditions.

  • you are younger than 30 years at the day the student finance starts
  • you follow a full-time or dual study programme; it must be officially recognized; students in part-time programmes are not eligible.
  • you have a EU/EEA or Swiss nationality or a residence permit type II, III, IV or V. If you have a residence permit type I, use the nationality chart to find out if you qualify.

Are you eligible for tuition fee loan?

Even in case you are not eligible for the basic loan and for the supplementary grant, you might nevertheless be eligible for the tuition fee loan!

Where and how to apply for Dutch student financial support?

DUO (Dienst Uitvoreing Onderwijs) is the Dutch authority where you have to apply for "studiefinanciering". You have to apply online here: DUO/ Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs

Application form for Dutch study financial support

Here you can find the application form "Studiefinanciering hoger onderwijs". It is all in Dutch.

When to apply for Dutch student finance?

It is suggested to apply three months before you start studying. This way it is most likely you get support in time. But this will not work out in most cases, because you have to settle some things before.

  • First you enroll at a university.
  • Second is finding accommodation.
  • Third: Register with the municipality to get your ‘BSN’ (burgerservicenummer); you will need this number for your student finance application. More about registration with the municipality
  • Fourth: Apply for Dutch student finance

Will the Dutch financial student support cover your expenses? Read more about how much money you will need.