🤷 What is Tuition Fee Credit?
Tuition fee credit is a loan you can take out with the government to cover your study costs. It is separate from the performance grant, which includes the basic grant, student travel product, and supplementary grant.
Unlike the performance grant, which converts into a gift after you graduate within ten years, tuition fee credit remains a loan that must be repaid to the government. After finishing your studies, you are required to repay the borrowed amount, including any accrued interest.
Want to learn more about the performance grant and student finance? Our article on student finance explains exactly how it works and what is included.
Two Types of Tuition Fees ✌️
As a student, you are required to pay tuition fees, which are categorized into two types:
- Statutory Tuition Fees
- Institutional Tuition Fees
The amount of tuition fee credit you can receive depends on the type of tuition fees you pay.
1. Statutory Tuition Fees
Most students in the Netherlands pay statutory tuition fees, which are set annually by the government. All government-supported institutions charge the same rate. In the 2024/2025 academic year, the statutory tuition fee is €2,530, and in 2025/2026, it will increase to €2,601. Tuition fee credit is available for this amount.
2. Institutional Tuition Fees
Educational organizations that do not receive government support set their own tuition fees, which are often higher than statutory fees. These institutional tuition fees vary by institution and sometimes by program. Since the costs are higher than the statutory fees, you have the option to borrow an increased amount of tuition fee credit. The maximum amount available for institutional tuition fees is five times the statutory fee (for 2024/2025, this equates to €1,054 per month).
📄 Applying for Tuition Fee Credit
If you are studying at a university (of applied science), you can easily apply for tuition fee credit. If you are eligible for student finance, you can arrange this through “My DUO.” If you are not eligible, you can download a form on duo.nl to apply for the loan.
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MBO and Tuition Fee Credit
For MBO and adult education (VAVO) students, the system is slightly different, because you pay “lesson fees” instead of tuition fees. Students under 18 do not have to pay lesson fees. But you can still use the student travel product, which allows free or discounted travel on public transport, depending on the type of subscription. Once you turn 18, you can apply for student finance.
If you are over 18, you pay lesson fees. For the 2024/2025 academic year, this is €1,419, but tuition fee credit is not available for this. However, you may be eligible for an allowance for lesson fees under certain conditions. More information is available here.
Repaying More Than You Borrowed 🤔
Applying for a tuition fee credit can help cover study costs, especially if you’re studying at a private institution where monthly expenses may be high. However, it is important to consider this carefully. Eventually, the loan must be repaid and interest will accumulate which means that in the long run borrowing money will cost you more.
Use Grassfeld
Before borrowing money, consider reviewing your financial situation. How much income do you have each month? Where does your money go? Are there certain areas where you could save money? Grassfeld's free app helps you gain a financial overview. With categorized transactions, you can quickly see where your money goes. You can also track debts and loans. Grassfeld helps you stay in control of your finances.
