Student counsellor

When should you contact the Student Counsellor?

• Student finance and DUO regulations

  The Student Counsellor can help you with questions concerning:

  • A DUO request for a performance grant provision in case of study delay due to special circumstances.
  • A DUO request to leave the parental income out of consideration.
  • DUO student finance including the student travel product.
  • Situations in which, due to circumstances, you are unable to graduate by the end of your DUO student finance diploma period.
  • Situations in which you become unfit for the study programme you are currently enrolled in.
  • Interrupting your studies mid-year and the (possible) consequences for your DUO provisions

  For questions about enrolment or tuition fees, please contact the Student Desk.
  The Student Counsellor  can also advise on procedures involving complaints, appeals and objections.

• Financial Support

  Student Support Regulation (SSR)

  If you experience study delay due to exceptional circumstances, discuss this first with your Academic Advisor. You may be eligible for financial compensation. For further information, see the Student Support Regulation.

  Make an appointment with a Student Counsellor to discuss your study progress, special circumstances and registered study delay if:

  • Your basic grant period or SSR registration period is ending
  • You are starting a new (second) study programme or switching study programmes
  • You are no longer enrolled as a full-time VU student (for example, after graduation or if you have withdrawn without completing your degree).

  Private Funds

  Are you in the later stages of your degree, no longer receiving student finance, and unable to cover your expenses? The Student Counsellor can support you in applying for a loan or grant from a private fund.

  Emergency Fund

  If you are in an acute and unforeseen financial emergency outside your control and no other solution is possible, make an appointment with the Student Counsellor. See the Emergency Fund for details on what qualifies as an emergency.

  The Student Counsellor can also refer you to external organizations that can help you regain financial stability.

• Funding for study or internship abroad

  Are you going abroad for study or an internship and have a budget deficit? You may be eligible for a contribution from a private fund. The Student Counsellor can prepare a letter of recommendation in support of your request.

  Please note the following requirements:

  • You have a demonstratable budget deficit
  • If eligible for DUO student finance, you make full use of DUO provisions
  • You finance part of the costs yourself
  • The deadline for most private funds is at least three months prior to departure
  • Schedule your appointment early enough to allow for three weeks processing time for the Student Counsellor to write your letter of recommendation
  • We issue a maximum of three letters of recommendation

  See also: Studying abroad.

• Urgent housing issues

  If you urgently require student housing due to personal or special circumstances, make an appointment with the Student Counsellor. In exceptional cases, we may be able to find a solution for you. Ensure that you are registered with Room.nl and that you can demonstrate active efforts to find (student) accommodation.

  Requests based solely on ‘long travel distance’ are not considered urgent.

  It is not permitted to live with children in student housing.

• Support for studying under special circumstances

  Sometimes your situation requires additional attention or support. For example, perhaps alongside your studies you do a sport at a top-level, care for a family member or need specific guidance. The VU offers support for:

  • Top-level athletes and other talent
  • Studying as an informal caregiver
  • Studying with children
  • Autism support

• Making an appointment

  If you have questions related to the content of your study programme or if personal circumstances affect your studies, please contact your Academic Advisor.

  To meet with a Student Counsellor , you can schedule an appointment in our online calendar. Appointments can be by phone, online or on campus. A meeting with the Student Counsellor is free of charge and usually lasts about 30 minutes.

  If you cannot find a suitable time slot, keep checking the calendar. New appointments regularly become available, for example due to cancellations.

Would you like to know more?