Student finance in the Netherlands

Applying for student financial assistance in the Netherlands works a little differently for you as a student from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Martin or the Caribbean Netherlands than it does for Dutch students.

DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) is the office that’s responsible for financial assistance (“student finance”) in the Netherlands. They have a website especially for students from the Caribbean region.

Is your nationality Dutch and are you planning to pursue a full-time course programme in Dutch higher education? Then you can apply for student finance. There are several components to it, such as the basic grant, supplementary grant, student travel product, interest-bearing loan and tuition fees loan. Read more about student finance on DUO’s website.

Make sure you apply for student finance at least 3 months in advance. That way, you can be sure you receive the money and your student travel product in time. Apply for student finance on DUO’s website. Navigate to the Studiefinanciering/Aanvragen page and find the application form, plus a checklist to follow when you’re applying for student finance.

Kingdom Scholarship

Are you studying at an educational institution in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the Netherlands, or St. Maarten, at SBO (special education)/MBO (secondary vocational education) level 3/4, HBO (higher vocational education) level, of university education level and would you like to participate in an internship or study exchange somewhere else within the Kingdom of the Netherlands for a period of two to six months as part of a recognised study programme? Then you can apply for a Kingdom Scholarship for this period. The allocation of Kingdom Scholarships is based on a draw. Read more about it on the website of Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland