If you are struggling financially, there are various financial support options that you may be eligible for. We have listed a number of these below. You will also find more information about our student food bank below.
Educational institutions
Many universities offer scholarships or allowances from the Student Support Fund (SToF, formerly the profiling fund). You can apply for these if, for example, you need more time to complete your studies due to circumstances beyond your control. Board scholarships also come from this fund. These are scholarships intended for board members of student associations and organizations, but often also for members of student councils or program committees. Sometimes, tuition-free board membership is an option. This allows you to remain enrolled in your program without having to pay tuition fees. ROCs also offer something similar, namely the MBO student fund.
At the UvA, the SToF also offers a one-time allowance to students who are enrolled in dual master’s programs within the Faculty of Humanities AND who have recently received a supplementary scholarship.
The Amsterdam University Fund (AUF) offers opportunities specifically for UvA students. In the event of acute, incidental emergencies that cause financial problems, the Emergency Fund is available. In specific cases, they also provide scholarships to students, for example to refugee students. UvA students who go abroad for their studies can apply for an individual travel grant.
If in doubt, always make an appointment with your study advisor to discuss your options. Check the conditions and procedures for financial support on the website of your educational institution.
DUO
In consultation with your study advisor, you may sometimes be eligible for an extra year of student finance from DUO, for example in cases of force majeure. In addition to the basic grant and supplementary grant, DUO also offers other lesser-known grants. For example, qualified teachers who want to pursue a degree can receive the so-called Teacher Grant. Visit the DUO website for all allowances: https://duo.nl/particulier/geld-voor-school-en-studie/
Private funds
Private funds are also available for various specific purposes. Check the website of your educational institution or search online for funds that suit your situation. Some websites, such as Fondsen In Nederland, provide information about various funds. These are often funds for students who are unable or find it difficult to pay their tuition fees. Some of the major funds for this purpose are:
- Bekker-La-Bastide
- Dr. Hendrik Muller Fund
- Vrijvrouwe van Renswoude
- Schuurman Schimmel van Outeren Fund
There are also many scholarships and funds available for studying abroad, for both university and college students. Some examples are:
- Erasmus+: for participants in the Erasmus+ program
- NL Scholarship: for international students from outside the EEA who come to the Netherlands
- Het Cultuurfonds: for cultural studies abroad
- Het Vreedefonds: offers loans to students who are short of money for their studies abroad
- Many countries and educational institutions also offer various scholarships or so-called cultural agreements for which you may be eligible. Once you have found a suitable fund, you can always ask your student counselor for more information or help with the application.
Student food bank
At ASVA, we have also started a pilot for a student food bank. Are you just short for money at the end of the month? Keep an eye on our social media for further details and updates.
