Top #1 Guide on Student Finance in the Netherlands: What DUO Doesn't Tell You

• Eligible courses include MBO (school-based learning pathway – BOL), HBO, and university (bachelor, master, or associate degrees).
• Enrollment must be in a full-time or dual course; part-time and work-based learning programs, external students, and exam candidates don’t qualify.
• You must be enrolled from the first day of the month for immediate eligibility.
• Courses should be at least one year long and officially recognized in the Netherlands.

Your journey to student finance starts at 18 and goes on until you’re 30. If you’re already receiving student finance as you turn 30, don’t worry – your funding continues uninterrupted, as long as you keep up with your studies.

• Dutch nationals or those with a residence permit types II, III, IV, or V qualify.
• EU/EEA, Swiss, or UK nationals (or their parents/partners) may also qualify if they are migrant workers in the Netherlands.
• Living in the Netherlands for 5 consecutive years eliminates the work requirement.

Are you an EU student in the Netherlands grappling with the complexities of student finance? Here’s something DUO might not have told you: You don’t necessarily need to work 32 hours a month to qualify!

Breaking Down the Myths:
– The 32-Hour Misconception: Contrary to DUO’s strict interpretation, EU law doesn’t specify a minimum hourly work requirement for student finance eligibility. This means even if you work less than 32 hours, you could still be eligible!
– Real-Life Success Stories: Numerous court cases have set precedents where students working fewer hours successfully claimed their finance. These cases highlight that what matters is the nature of your work, not just the hours.

Why This Matters:
– Financial Savings: Knowing this can save you from undue stress and help manage your study-work balance better.
– DUO’s Tight-Lipped Policy: Understanding these nuances gives you an edge, as DUO tends to be conservative in its approach, primarily to control expenses.

Takeaway:
Stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek advice if your work hours don’t meet the 32-hour mark. Your eligibility for student finance might still be intact!

Self-employed EU students in the Netherlands face unique criteria when applying for student finance. Unlike traditional employment, self-employment for student finance involves specific requirements:

• Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce: Your business must be officially recognized.
• Earnings Criteria: You should earn at least half the amount of what you would receive in social assistance for your age group.
• Proof of Genuine Self-Employment: Be prepared to show evidence of your work, including an itinerary and financial records.

Students with internship agreements often face challenges when applying for DUO student finance. Despite these hurdles, EU law provides a pathway:

• Internship Agreements vs. Labor Agreements: DUO typically requires a labor agreement, often rejecting internship contracts. However, under EU law, the nature of your agreement (internship or labor) doesn’t disqualify you from being considered a worker.
• Criteria for Internships: The key factors are performing effective activities under supervision and receiving monetary compensation.
• Exceptions: Unpaid internships, observational internships, or extremely short-term internships might not qualify.

EU students with internships should not be discouraged from applying for student finance. If rejected, seeking legal assistance or advice is advisable.