studieleningen

Studieleningen in the Netherlands are government-backed loans intended to help students finance higher education. They are part of the broader system of studiefinanciering, administered by the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). The loans are provided to cover education-related costs and are designed to be repaid after graduation or when study ceases.

The studielening can be used to cover tuition fees and certain living costs incurred during study. The amount a student may borrow depends on factors such as the length and type of the program, the student’s living situation, and policy rules. The loan is part of a larger package of student financial support, which may also include other forms of assistance; the exact composition can vary over time and by individual circumstances.

Repayment typically begins after the student finishes or leaves the program, with terms set by the government and administered by DUO. Repayment is linked to income; there is usually a minimum income threshold and a maximum repayment term. Interest accrues on the outstanding loan, with the rate determined by government policy and subject to change. The specific repayment schedule and any adjustments depend on policy at the time and the borrower’s personal situation.

Eligibility and administration require enrollment in an approved program and meeting residence or nationality criteria, as well as age and income-related rules used to determine aid. Applicants apply through DUO, which assesses eligibility, tracks borrowing, and manages repayments.

Policy changes in recent years have affected the balance between loans and grants within studiefinanciering. As a result, the availability and terms of studieleningen are subject to ongoing reform and updates by the Dutch government.