As a student from the EU, pursuing your studies in the Netherlands, you have access to numerous advantageous opportunities and financial assistance programs.
Student finance
EU/EEA and Swiss students have access to Dutch student financing similar to local students. This includes components such as the basic grant, supplementary grant, interest-bearing loan, student travel product, and tuition fees loan. The amount of financial support provided depends on factors like living arrangements, with students living independently receiving more assistance.
Please note that not all Master programmes in the Netherlands are approved for DUO funding.
The application process for student finance can be done through the online portal or a designated form. It’s important to note that student finance may need to be repaid in some cases and is not always a gift.
We have a more detailed blog article about it here.
Healthcare allowance
Lower-income students can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to help cover the costs of Dutch healthcare insurance. The amount received depends on income, capital, and the presence of a fiscal partner.
The healthcare allowance or healthcare benefit, also known as ‘zorgtoeslag’ in Dutch is a special kind of financial help provided by the government to support folks with lower incomes in covering their healthcare insurance costs.
In the Netherlands, we don’t fund social security through taxes, so it’s mandatory for all residents and citizens to have healthcare insurance. In 2023, if you’re an individual, you can receive up to €154 for healthcare allowance, while partners can get up to €212.
To see if you qualify for this allowance based on certain conditions, head over to this page that has detailed information about healthcare allowance.
Your eligibility for the allowance is determined by factors like your income, savings, and if you have a partner. So, if you have any assets like company shares, personal savings, or even a holiday home, they’ll be taken into account. Check out the table below to find out the income and capital requirements for 2023 that you need to meet in order to apply for healthcare allowance.
Rent benefit
Students who are 18 years or older and living in the Netherlands can apply for a rent benefit (huurtoeslag), which is a government contribution towards monthly rent payments. You can apply here.
In order to apply for it, first you need to be registered with the government, have a BSN number and a DigiD.
If you are not sure what those are, we explain everything about them and how to get them in this blog post.
Student travel product
As a student studying at a higher vocational education (HBO) or academic education (WO) institution in the Netherlands, you can apply for a free or discounted student travel product on public transport. This is linked to your personal OV-chipkaart and grants you free or discounted travel based on check-in time. Eligibility for student finance determines eligibility for the student travel product. You can apply for it here, and read the further instructions.
It’s important to note that eligibility criteria, application procedures, and specific amounts of financial support may vary. To determine your eligibility and apply for these benefits, it is recommended to visit the official websites and contact the relevant authorities, such as the Dutch Student Grant and Loan System (DUO). You can read further about the specific eligibility requirements here.
Student Scholarships
If you are looking for scholarships and guides on how to apply, this website offers a list of some scholarships, a video on how to apply, and a guideline.
If you are an international student outside of the EU/EEA visit the following websites for scholarship information
Conclusion
Remember to carefully review the requirements, deadlines, and any repayment obligations associated with the benefits you apply for. Taking advantage of these financial support options can help ease the financial burden and enhance your study experience in the Netherlands.
And as always if you have any questions you can speak to our student advisors or staff, who will be happy to assist you. Contact us here.
