Studying in the Netherlands is an exciting experience but it’s not cheap. Between tuition fees, groceries, rent, travel costs, life of a student can be expensive. Luckily the Netherlands provides student financing called DUO to make the experience easier and smoother for those studying in the Netherlands. Whether you’re a Dutch student or an international student wondering “Can I get student finance in the Netherlands?”, we have written this guide to help you understand what DUO is, if you are eligible for it and how you can get it.

What is DUO?

DUO is student financing that is provided to you by the Dutch government to help students pay for tuition fees, rent and living expenses, and public transport and travel costs. Though this student financing is mainly designed to help Dutch students, many EU/EEA and Swiss students can also apply, depending on their work or residency status.

So, even if you are not a Dutch student it is still worth checking out DUO and seeing if you are eligible to receive it, trust us having DUO will definitely help with improving your student experience.

Types of Student Finance

DUO provides multiple types of student financing so are able to choose what financing you need or can apply for more than 1.

Here are the options:
Basic Grant (Basisbeurs):

This is a gift if you are in MBO (Upper Secondary education) level 1 or 2
If you have MBO level 3 or 4, HBO, and university programmes then the grant turns into a ‘performance grant’ which means it can turn into a gift.
It is a fixed monthly amount depending on your living situation.

EU/EEA students usually qualify if they work at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have Dutch residency rights.

The basic grant becomes a gift if you obtain your diploma within 10 years. If you do not get your diploma within 10 years then you will have to repay this grant.

Tuition Fee Loan (Collegegeldkrediet):

You can apply if you are studying HBO or university levels.
Covers your full tuition fee.
Available to EU/EEA and Swiss students.
Must be repaid after graduation

However you have to check if you are eligible for this Tuition Fee Loan, you can check on this government website to see if you are able to receive it: https://duo.nl/particulier/student-finance/tuition-fee-loan.jsp

Supplementary Grant (Aanvullende Beurs):

Whether you can or can’t get it is based on your parents income.
Can become a gift if you graduate within 10 years.

If you do not obtain a diploma before the 10 years you will have to return the full grant.

MBO levels 3 or 4, the first 12 months of the supplementary grant do not need to be repaid. For HBO or university students, this applies to the first 5 months. So this grant is highly recommended by the government. The amount you get depends on your living situation, if you live with your parents you are able to receive €438.08 but if you are living away from home the maximum amount you can receive is €466.40. Check out the duo.nl page to learn more about the amount of money you are eligible for.

Student Travel Product (Studentenreisproduct):

Free public transport on weekdays or weekends depending on what subscription you choose.
Available under the same conditions as the Basic Grant (if you are in MBO 1 or 2), Supplementary Grant (based on your parents income) or a Tuition Fee Loan (if you are studying HBO or university levels).
If you are studying MBO level 3 or 4, HBO, and university programmes it turns into a gift if you obtain your diploma within 10 years.

Just like the Basic Grant and Supplementary Grant, if you don’t receive your diploma within 10 years you must repay the full amount, plus interest!

Who Can Apply for DUO in the Netherlands?

You may qualify for DUO student finance if:

You are a Dutch national, or you are an EU/EEA or Swiss student and you:

Have a Dutch parent or partner.
Work at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands.
Have lived in the Netherlands for 5 years or more
You are over the age of 18.
You are under the age of 30 when your student financing starts.
You are enrolled in either an MBO, HBO or university course.
Your course lasts at least 1 year.

Non-EU students usually do not qualify, unless they have a special residence status.

Check if you are eligible, and how to apply.

How Much Can You Receive in 2026?

Amounts depend on your personal situation, but estimated 2026 figures include:

Tuition fee loan: up to €2,530 per year
Basic grant: approx. €110–€300 per month
Supplementary grant: up to €450 per month
Student travel product: unlimited public transport

Some students may receive over €800 per month in total to support their studies and living costs.

How to Apply for DUO

Applying for student financing in the Netherlands is done online:

Go to duo.nl
Log in with your DigiD
Enter your study and personal details
Select which components you want (loan, grant, travel product)
Submit your application!

Applications can be backdated to the start of the academic year, so don’t wait too long!!

How can this benefit you?

Student financing can:

Lower monthly living costs
Make rent more affordable
Reduce transport expenses
Help you focus on your studies instead of finances

For many students, DUO support is essential for studying in the Netherlands.

Tips for Students Applying for DUO

✔ Apply early

✔ Track your work hours if you’re an EU student

✔ Update DUO if your income changes

✔ Know which parts are loans vs. grants

✔ Graduate within 10 years to avoid repayment

DUO Checklist for First-Time Applicants:

Before applying for DUO student finance, make sure you have:

☐ A DigiD account

☐ A registered Dutch address (municipality registration)

☐ Proof of enrolment at a Dutch educational institution

☐ A Dutch bank account in your own name

☐ Your employment contract or payslips (if required)

☐ Your parents’ income details (for supplementary grant)

☐ Your choice for weekday or weekend travel product

Tip: Keep digital copies of all documents, DUO may request them later.

Helpful Links for Student Financing in the Netherlands

Final Thoughts

Getting a hold of student financing in the Netherlands can make a huge difference to your student experience. You want to enjoy yourself and make the most of your student life as stress free as possible and having DUO can really help with that. Whether you’re Dutch or an international student, DUO provides valuable support that can assist you with your tuition fees, rent, and daily expenses in 2026.

Once you have sorted out your finances, the next step is finding the right place to live.

Here at RentSwap we help students find verified housing and safely swap rental contracts in the Netherlands.

We aim to make your moving process easier and stress free!

RentSwap. Making student housing swaps easy.