No residence permit (yet).
The UAF not only supports status holders, but also asylum seekers who are in procedure. We do this because we believe that someone who registers with the UAF as an asylum seeker should not have less chance of support than someone who registers as a status holder. In addition, the UAF does not want to waste the valuable time of the refugee student or professional who is waiting for the IND's decision. Essential steps can be taken towards language and study while waiting.
UAF support for asylum seekers
The UAF sometimes supports asylum seekers with financial assistance. This allows them to take Dutch language lessons or study. Do you not have a residence permit? Then we will first support you with learning Dutch at language level B1 via the UAF AcademyIf you have completed B1 at UAF Academy, please contact UAF again so we can see if we can support you further.
Note: Would you like support from us for an English-language course? You must first obtain your Dutch at language level B1.
Asylum seekers and the right to education
You have applied for asylum, but you do not have a residence permit yet. Can you follow a study? What should you take into account? And what changes when you turn 18?
Are you younger than 18 and do you not have a residence permit yet? Then you are entitled to education in the Netherlands. This also applies to compulsory education and qualifications. That means you have to go to school to get a basic qualification. This is a diploma at least at havo level, vwo level or mbo level 2. With a basic qualification you can enroll at a school or educational institution.
Did you start a mbo- course before you were 18? Then you can finish this one. Even if you are still in the asylum procedure. And perhaps even if you have already exhausted all legal proceedings. This does not always apply to training courses hbo and wo.
It is important that you were lawfully residing in the Netherlands when you enrolled at the school. This means that you had a residence permit or a W document at the time.
Until you are 18, NIDOS or COA probably pay for your education. This usually changes after your 18th birthday.
For courses at the Vocational Training Pathway (BOL) from secondary vocational education and for VAVO courses you can do this via DUO the external collection for the tuition fee. You must have a valid w-document and be younger than 30 years.
Are you following an MBO (level 3 or 4) or higher education course? Then the UAF might support with the costs of your study materials and your travel costs.
A number of educational institutions offer (free) courses for asylum seekers and refugees. The courses are mainly intended for people who are waiting for a residence permit and therefore cannot follow a normal education.
- Inclusion (University of Utrecht)
- IncLUsion (University of Leiden)
- Radboud Welcomes Newcomers (Radboud University)
- TU/enable (Eindhoven University of Technology)
- Right2Education (University of Amsterdam and Right2Education)
- WURth-while (Wageningen University)
Note: Are you not yet a client of the UAF? Then we cannot reimburse any travel costs you incur for these courses.
When can the UAF help?
Whether the UAF can help you depends on your personal situation.
Preparing to study in the Netherlands
You can apply for support from the UAF if you meet these conditions:
- You have applied for asylum or you have a residence permit based on asylum.
- You want to study at MBO level 3 or 4, HBO or university.
- You have completed at least 10 years of education.
- You started with or you speak Dutch at B1 level.
Don't speak Dutch at B1 level yet and want to learn it online through self-study? Then register with the UAF AcademyTo use the UAF Academy, you need Dutch or English at least at A2 level.
Do you want to study in the Netherlands?
This is possible if you have a minimum command of Dutch at B1 level (also for English-language courses).
Have you already studied and do you want to start working right away?
Often it is necessary that you follow a training or course to practice your profession in the Netherlands. Contact the UAF to discuss what you need.
How can you register?
Please fill out the contact form below.
Get in touch
Do you have a question for us?
- Please fill out the contact form (in Dutch or English). We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
or
- Call 030 – 252 08 35 (available by telephone Monday to Thursday from 10.00:14.00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm).
Before we register you at the UAF, we will first contact you to discuss your request for help and how we can support you exactly.