Eligibility

Dutch student finance is primarily intended for Dutch students. However, you may also be eligible for a grant or tuition fee loan if you meet other specific criteria. Check the eligibility requirements.

Types of Dutch student finance

• Student grants and travel product
  In most cases, these are only available to Dutch nationals, holders of residence permits that grant the same status as Dutch nationality, and (in certain circumstances) EEA/Swiss long-term Dutch residents. Read more about the basic grant, the supplementary grant, and the student travel product. Note that these are performance related grants. 
   

• Tuition fee loans
  These are available to EEA and Swiss nationals, subject to certain conditions. Read more about tuition fee loans.  

Also see: 

• How much should I borrow? A look at the budgets of four students (article in Dutch - see translation instructions)

• Healthcare benefit is a financial contribution towards your health insurance premiums. If you must take out Dutch public health insurance, you may be eligible for healthcare benefit. Learn more on the health insurance page for new international students.
   
• Rent benefit is a contribution towards your rental payments. If you live in independent accommodation, you may be eligible. For assistance requesting rent benefit contact the Leidse Rechtswinkel (Leiden free legal aid centre) or the JIP (The Hague youth information point).

Communicate changes to your situation on time 

If you are receiving benefits and your situation changes, communicate any changes as soon as possible. That way you can avoid having to pay back any benefits.

There are a number of ways to finance your stay: 

• Scholarships: Find out if you can obtain a scholarship for your stay abroad via the university or another provider.
• Dutch student finance (primarily for Dutch students): In certain circumstances, you may be able to continue receiving student finance and travel subsidy whilst abroad. 

Also see: 

• Studying abroad - financial matters