Here’s how you could get a free €1,000 to spend on a training course

As of March 1, some eligible citizens of the Netherlands and their partners can apply and receive up to €1,000 to splurge on a training course of their choosing. How neat! 🤩

Whether you’re currently employed or unemployed, anyone who fits the criteria can submit an application requesting the fund to spend on a training, course, or education.

€218 million were made available for this year’s STAP budget with the goal to stimulate the labour market position (hence the name) as a subsidy that replaces tax deduction for training costs.

The criteria

  • You’re an EU citizen or the partner of an EU citizen
  • You’re between the ages of 18 and 67
  • You’ve had Dutch income for at least 6 months since March 2020

It’s free money 💸

If you’re sceptical about the whole deal, then know that the government is offering this opportunity to workers and job seekers alike to support them in keeping their jobs or to provide the push needed for them to find a new job.

How can you apply? We’re glad you asked! The STAP application will be available through its official portal by the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) and the Dutch Education Executive Agency (DUO) as of March 1, 2022.

Meanwhile, both DUO and UWV provided more information regarding STAP for anyone who’s interested in reviewing the courses offered, preparing for their application, or would like to offer courses through the portal.

So fire up that keyboard and start eyeing courses! 👀⌨️

Will you be claiming the €1,000 to spend on your education this year? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: lisafx/Depositphotos
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article may have implied that all citizens of the Netherlands can apply. However, you must fulfil the above-mentioned criteria to apply.

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah believes she's been on many adventures during her millennial life, each for a different (sometimes invisible) purpose. The latest adventure whisked her away to Amsterdam for love, and what a magical surprise she found in this city. Armed with imaginary confetti in her pocket, and ready to celebrate all wins, big and small, Farah says "ahla w sahla" or “welcome” to her latest adventure in this wonderland.

15 COMMENTS

  1. Hi,
    I think you should change the title to “EU Citizens can get …” Because apparently residents are not eligible.

    • Hi Arash, residents, in this case, refer to residents with Dutch nationality in the Netherlands. We hope that clears things up 🙂

      • This should not be clarified in comments. It deserves headline change as Arash suggested. Otherwise its just missleading article.

      • I wonder how many residents with Dutch nationality need this article in English? Very misleading indeed. Got my hopes up for a second there!

      • Hi, yes now it’s clear but the title is still misleading. You should change it, as Arash already advised you.
        Most of the foreigners here are resident.

      • Definitely a misleading headline – you can reside in the Netherlands without a Dutch/EU nationality. Resident does not imply Dutch/EU nationality, which is required for STAP.

      • “Resident” has a specific meaning in immigration law. Using it to refer to citizens is wrong and confusing. I think you should edit this article to make it less misleading.

      • It includes Dutch citizens and EU nationals residents of the Netherlands. So it excludes residents of the Netherlands without EU citizenship

  2. Being unemployed for almost two years now and needing to change my profession direction, this would certainly help me to find a job again. It is not easy at my age (50) and with little education. I miss working, I miss the interaction with colleagues and just the clear difference between being at work and free time. It’s hard keeping your self busy and motivated all the time.

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