The Netherlands offers robust financial support for students to make education accessible to all. This system, called student financing, includes various grants, loans, and other benefits. It is designed not only to assist students but also to encourage them to pursue their educational goals without financial barriers. Even if you believe you might not qualify for certain components, applying is highly recommended as the total financial benefits can be substantial. Below, we break down everything you need to know about student financing in 2025.
Eligibility for student financing
To qualify for student financing, you must meet general and specific requirements depending on your educational level.
For MBO students
- You must be 18 to 30 years old at the start of your program. Students under 18 qualify only for the travel product.
- Your program must fall under the BOL (Beroeps Opleidende Leerweg) system, which combines theoretical study and practical internships. Learn more about BOL.
- The program must last at least one year.
- You must be enrolled full-time or in two simultaneous programs.
For HBO and university students
- You must be under 30 years old when your program starts (there is no minimum age).
- Your program must be government-recognized and result in a bachelor’s, master’s, or associate degree.
- The program must last at least one year.
- You must be enrolled full-time or in two simultaneous programs.
Basic grant
The basic grant is a fixed amount provided to students based on their living situation—either with parents or independently. It is offered to all eligible students, and it does not depend on parental income. If you live independently, you receive a higher amount compared to living with your parents.
For MBO students:
For HBO and university students:
Supplementary grant
The supplementary grant is income-dependent and provides additional support for students from lower-income families. The grant amount is calculated based on parental income, the number of children in the family, and other factors.
For MBO students:
For HBO and university students:
Student loan
Students can take out loans to cover additional living expenses. These loans are optional and have flexible repayment options. Repayment starts two years after completing your studies.
For MBO students:
- Maximum monthly amount: €226.08.
For HBO and university students:
- Maximum monthly amount: €304.95.
Tuition fee loan
The tuition fee loan covers the statutory or institutional tuition fees. Students can borrow up to five times the statutory fee if attending private institutions.
- Statutory fee (January–August 2025): €210.83.
- Statutory fee (September–December 2025): €216.75.
- Institutional fee: Up to €1,083.75 per month for 2025–2026.
Repayment of loans and tuition fee credit
Student loans and tuition fee credits must be repaid with interest. The total amount borrowed forms your student debt, which must be repaid over an agreed period after completing your studies.
As of 2025, there are two repayment options:
- 35-year repayment period: The annual interest rate is 2.57%.
- 15-year repayment period: The annual interest rate is 2.21%.
Repayment begins two years after you stop receiving student finance. Monthly repayments are income-dependent and calculated as follows:
- 35-year plan: Payments are capped at 4% of your income above the minimum threshold.
- 15-year plan: Payments are capped at 12% of your income above the minimum threshold.
DUO calculates repayments based on your income from two years prior. This ensures that your financial situation is considered when determining your monthly installments.
Financial hardship provisions
If you face financial difficulties, you can:
- Request a temporary suspension of payments for up to 60 months.
- Apply for a reduction in your monthly repayment amount, depending on your circumstances.
It’s essential to inform DUO if you cannot meet your repayment obligations to avoid penalties or the involvement of collection agencies. For more detailed information, visit DUO’s repayment page.
How to apply
Applying for student financing is a straightforward process, but it’s important to gather all required information and documents in advance. Here’s how you can apply:
- Log in to Mijn DUO using your DigiD.
- If you don’t have your final school exam results or university acceptance confirmation yet, you can still submit your application for the chosen institution.
- Apply as early as possible to ensure timely approval. You can even request financing retroactively for the previous academic year (before August 1 for MBO and before September 1 for HBO/university).
If you are unsure about your eligibility or the type of financing you should request, consult DUO’s official resources or contact their customer service.
Additional notes
- If you have already received student financing for 48 months or more for programs at higher levels than your current one, you are no longer eligible for additional financing.
- Single parents who are studying may qualify for additional government support.
- If you’ve been working while studying, your employer has likely paid taxes on your behalf. In such cases, you may be eligible for a tax refund. Check your status here.
- Previously, MBO students were not eligible for financing if their annual income exceeded €16,121.60. However, as of January 1, 2024, this threshold has been abolished, allowing students to earn any amount while still qualifying for financial support.
- Dutch residents can apply for student financing even while studying abroad (e.g., internships or exchange programs). Specific rules apply, which will be covered in a separate article.
Final thoughts
Student financing in the Netherlands provides a crucial safety net for students pursuing their education. It ensures financial accessibility across all educational levels, making it easier for students to focus on their academic and career goals without undue financial stress. However, understanding the options available, eligibility criteria, and repayment obligations is essential for maximizing the benefits.
For students transitioning to adulthood, managing loans responsibly is a valuable life skill. Always evaluate your financial needs carefully before opting for loans or supplementary grants, and ensure timely repayments to avoid penalties.
To better plan your student financing journey, use DUO’s calculator to estimate your grants, loans, and repayment options. For more details, visit the official DUO website and keep track of updates to ensure you make the most of the opportunities available.