Studying as an informal caregiver

Support during your studies

• What is an informal caregiver?

  An informal caregiver is someone who helps a loved one (such as a family member, partner, friend or other acquaintance) with an illness, disability or other care need. This can be medical in nature, but can also be practical, such as cooking, cleaning, managing paperwork or making appointments. Worrying about a loved one who is ill also falls under this definition.

  Many students in this role don't recognize themselves as informal caregivers. However, caring for or being worried about a loved one who is ill can lead to your own stress, health problems and possibly study delay. It's important to share your concerns and ask for help.

• Support within VU Amsterdam

  At VU Amsterdam, you don't have to do it all on your own. There are several people and places you can turn to as a student with caring responsibilities.

  Student Counsellor

  The Student Counsellor is the first point of contact for students who are informal carers, for example for questions about (financial) regulations, DUO provisions, (temporary) deregistration and organizations outside the VU that can help you.

  Academic Advisor

  Get in touch with your Academic Advisor for any study-related issues that arise due to your caring responsibilities. They can help you create a realistic study plan and offer advice on combining your studies with your caring responsibilities.

  Student Wellbeing Point

  Do you just want a listening ear or tips on support available at VU Amsterdam? Drop by the Student Wellbeing Point to chat with a fellow student. No appointment needed.

  Student Psychological Counsellor

  Caring for someone close to you can be very demanding. Are you feeling overwhelmed? The Student Psychological Counsellor can support you if stress or psychological issues are affecting your studies.

  The Student Psychological Counsellors also offer courses to optimize studying.

• (Financial) regulations

  Student Support Regulation (SSR)

  If your caregiving responsibilities cause you to fall behind in your studies, you may be eligible for financial support from the Student Support Regulation. Check to see if you meet the conditions for the Student Support Regulation.

  Diploma Period

  For students who receive student finance from DUO, if you earn your diploma(s) within your ten year diploma period, your performance grant will be converted into a gift. If you exceed the ten year diploma term due to your caring responsibilities, you may be eligible for an extension of the diploma period. Make an appointment with a Student Counsellor to discuss this possibility.

  Financial compensation

  In addition to support through the VU Amsterdam, there are also national and regional supports. For example, certain costs, such as travel expenses or part of the care, can be reimbursed through a personal budget (PGB). For advice on this, you can contact MantelzorgNL (website in Dutch) or the neighborhood team for your area.

• External organizations

  In addition to support within VU Amsterdam, there are also organizations outside the university that can help.

  MantelzorgNL

  MantelzorgNL (website in Dutch) is the national association for informal caregivers. Here you'll find information about care, rights and reimbursements, and you can attend workshops and information sessions.

  Markant

  Markant (website in Dutch) is a regional organization for informal caregivers. They offer the "En nu jij" support program for young caregivers, where you can choose support through one-on-one coaching (online or in person) or group training. They also provide an overview of external organizations for young informal caregivers in Amsterdam.

  City of Amsterdam

  Do you live in Amsterdam? Then you can find information and organizations on the City of Amsterdam website that offer practical support regarding care and finances. However, much of the information regarding informal caregiving (mantelzorg) can only be found on the Dutch language pages of the Gemeente Amsterdam.

  If you live elsewhere, you can contact your own municipality (gemeente).

  Villa Buitenlust

  Need some peace and quiet or some time for yourself? At Villa Buitenlust in Amsterdam, you can take advantage of free overnight care and respite care for up to 36 days per year. Registration is done through the Student Counsellor. You must live in the municipality of Amsterdam to be eligible.

• Week of the Young Informal Carer

  The Week of the Young Informal Carer (website in Dutch) takes place every year in June. During this week, young carers are the focus, with special attention paid to awareness, recognition and understanding.