For the so-called ‘unlucky generation’ of students in the Netherlands, some reimbursement is on the cards with a new allowance scheme.
These students, who studied at a Dutch university between 2015 and 2023, missed out on around €13,000 while being ineligible for a grant, according to Erasmus Magazine.
Does this sound familiar? We’re sorry. And so is the government! So here’s how you can get some of that money back. 👇
Step one: find out if you’re eligible
If you were an HBO or university student between 2015 and 2023 and got your degree within ten years, you might be in luck.
Well, some call it luck; others might say it’s the compensation you deserve now that the existing student loan system is being abolished.
There are two allowances you could be eligible for: the allowance for lack of basic grant and/or the study voucher allowance.
To be get your reimbursement, you must fulfill the following requirements:
| Allowance for basic lack of grant | Study voucher allowance |
|---|---|
| You were entitled to student finance for at least 12 months under the loan system (2015-2023) | You first received student finance between September 2015 and August 2019 |
| You got your degree within 10 years | You got your degree within 10 years |
| You will receive €34.17 per month | You will receive a one-time payment of €2,097.08 |
We get it; the conditions are slight head-scratchers, so be sure to check the full Ts&Cs here.
Step two: get your money!
This step is actually pretty easy when DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) already has your data, as they will notify you directly if you meet the requirements.
READ MORE | Student loans, financing, and scholarships in the Netherlands in 2025
For students who did not rely on student finance (or the student travel product) even though they were entitled to it, you can apply for the allowance yourselves.
Still unsure whether you qualify and how much you are owed? Head to DUO’s Right to Compensation form to find out.
Hold on a sec, is that all?
With rising housing and tuition costs on top of the extra debt, some of the ‘unlucky generation’ are not impressed with this reimbursement.
They feel that €2,000 is a somewhat small drop in a sea of student expenses.
Nevertheless, with that extra pocket money, you could treat yourself to *several* coffees per month.
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