Top-level athletes and other talent

More about Top Performance status

• Am I eligible for VU Top Performance status?

  Athletic Top Performance

  You are eligible for VU Athletic Top Performance status if:

  • You have an NOC*NSF status of A, B, High Potential, International Talent, National Talent or Promise.

  Do you not have an NOC*NSF status? Then the Top Performance Committee will review your application (typically with input from Topsport Amsterdam) and determine whether you meet one of these conditions:

  • You compete at the level of recognized finals of European Championships, World Championships or the Olympic Games, within a sport listed on the most recent NOC*NSF List of Top Sports and International Competitive Sports Disciplines (in Dutch).
  • You participate in an additional TeamNL program through a TeamNL center of Topsport Amsterdam.

  Cultural Top Performance

  You are eligible for VU Cultural Top Performance status if:

  • You practice an art within a (semi-)professional organization focused on one of the arts.
  • You can demonstrate that you perform at a top level by regularly performing or presenting work at (inter)nationally recognized venues, festivals, or cultural events with a strong reputation.
  • You may also be eligible for Cultural Top Performance status if you practice an individual art form at a high level.

  Every application for Cultural Top Performance status is assessed by the Top Performance Committee.

  Top Performance Committee

  The Top Performance Committee consists of five experts in the field of top performance and assesses whether you meet the conditions of the Top Performance Regulation. The committee meets monthly.

  Student Representation

  Student representatives are no longer covered by the ‘Student Top Performance Regulation’. You can still request the same provisions when appointed as a student representative.

• Intake Top Performance

  If you are applying for the Top Performance status for the first time, schedule an intake appointment with a Student Counselor.

  During the intake appointment, we will discuss:

  • What the VU Top Performance status entails;
  • How best to combine your studies with your top performance activities;
  • The possibilities and potential challenges.

  Together, we will look at your plans for both the short-term (your first year of study) as well as the longer term (possible future developments), so that you can align your studies with your top performance activities.

• Top Performance application process (annual)

  The Top Performance status applies for a maximum of one academic year (annual status) or for one or more periods (project status). You must reapply for the status every academic year.

  • Application form for Athletic Top Performance academic year 2026-2027
  • Application form for Cultural Top Performance academic year 2026-2027

  You will be informed via email whether you have been granted the VU Top Performance status. Please allow 30 days for processing.

  Are you a first time applicant? Then be sure to schedule an intake appointment with a Student Counselor.

• What facilities are available to me?

  Are you experiencing difficulties in combining your studies and your top performance activities? With the VU Top Performance status, you can make use of various facilities.

  The possibilities may vary by faculty and/or study program. Your first point of contact for study guidance is the Academic Advisor. It is important to stay in contact with your Academic Advisor throughout your studies. The Academic Advisor can advise you on your study plan to ensure optimal alignment between your studies and top performance activities.

  In consultation with your study program, you may, for example:

  • Be assigned to a work group that best aligns with your top performance activities
  • Request a deferral of your BSA
  • Request an exception to the attendance requirement or complete an alternative assignment
  • Follow an adapted study program
  • Make arrangements regarding exams and deadlines
  • Be eligible for financial compensation for study delays due to your top performance activities.

  Sportcentrum VU

  Students with a Top Performance status (annual status) are eligible for a discount on an annual membership at the Sportcentrum VU.

  Housing

  As a top athlete, do you have questions about housing in Amsterdam? Inquire about the possibilities at Topsport Amsterdam.

• Financial Compensation

  Are you experiencing study delay due to your top performance activities and have you been granted Top Performance status? If so, please discuss this with your Academic Advisor. You may be eligible for financial support.

  You can find more information, including the general terms and conditions, on the Student Support Regulation page.

• Next Steps

  Have you obtained your bachelor's or master’s degree or are you considering switching study programs or discontinuing your studies? Then schedule a Top Performance exit appointment.

  During an exit appointment, we would like to hear about your experience as a top performing student at the VU. In addition, we can help you think about possible next steps in your professional career. Options include taking a VU for Professionals course to prepare you for the job market as well as receiving career guidance from NOC*NSF.

  Elite Sport and Study Certificate

  Did you complete your studies at the VU and did you receive the Athletic Top Performance status for at least one year while holding NOC*NSF status? Then you are eligible to request an Elite Sport and Study Certificate, offered jointly by NOC*NSF and the VU.

  To request an an Elite Sport and Study Certificate fill in the contact form. 

• Contact

  Before the start of your studies

  Do you have questions about studying at the VU in combination with your top performance activities? Schedule an orientation appointment. You can opt for an appointment on the VU campus or online.

  During your studies

  • If you have VU Top Performance status and encounter difficulties during your studies, please contact your Academic Advisor.
  • Do you have general questions about combining your top performance activities with your studies? Please submit your question via the contact form. Also, if you are participating in the FISU World University Games, we can sign your forms.
  • Also, if you are participating in the FISU World University Games, we can sign your forms.

More information