Study for refugee students and professionals

You want to continue studying in the Netherlands. We will help you with our years of experience during and just before your studies. Because the education system in the Netherlands is different from what you are used to in your country of origin.

How can the UAF support me during my study?

At the UAF you will have a supervisor to who you can ask questions during your study. For example, about improving your Dutch, taking extra lessons or the educational culture in the Netherlands. The supervisor also gives you advice about your educational institution. For example, where should you go if you have questions and where can you arrange different things?

We can also help you with arranging financial matters for your study (Student grants of Lifelong Learning Credit). We regularly organize (online) consultation hours or meetings in your area. You can ask your questions.

During your study, we advise you about what is best for you. Even if you cannot find a solution with your education or with the municipality, we will support and advise you.

Work during studies

Working may be a compulsory part of your studies. This could be an internship of a BBL workplace or a part-time job. Are you having trouble finding the workplace you need for your studies? Please contact us. Hand UAF you can find herein guiding.

What are the fees?

We help you to apply for money from the government, for example student grants of lifelong learning credit. Sometimes we offer financial support for costs you incur for your studies. For example, in the form of a loan for tuition fees, books, computers and travel expenses. You will partly or completely repay the costs that UAF pays for you. Whether you repay all or part of the amount depends on your personal situation.

Can the UAF help me?

Whether the UAF can help you depends on your personal situation.

In any case, you must meet the following conditions:

You have an asylum background*

You want to study at MBO level 3 or 4, HBO or university

You have completed at least 11 years of education
You speak English or Dutch at an intermediate level (B1 or higher)

* You have a Dutch residence permit based on asylum or you have applied for asylum and this procedure is still ongoing.

Do you meet these requirements? Then contact us. When asking what the UAF can do for you, your level of Dutch is important.

To be able to study and work in the Netherlands, you need at least language level B1.

Do you not yet have a B1 Dutch language level?

If you integrate via the Education Route or the B1 route, you will receive Dutch language lessons via your municipality. Discuss the possibilities with your municipality. Are you unable to find a solution? Then the UAF can help you advise you.

Are you not yet integrating? Then we will first support you in learning the language. This is necessary to be able to study and work. We will support you in learning the Dutch language up to B1 level via our UAF Academy, an online learning platform (e-learning).

When can you register for the UAF Academy?

For the UAF Academy you must meet the following conditions:

You have completed at least 11 years of education
You speak English or Dutch at an average level, so that you can easily follow the e-learning courses at the UAF Academy

You have applied for asylum and

- Your asylum procedure is still ongoing
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- You have been granted an asylum residence permit but you do not yet have your own home

Are you a Ukrainian refugee under the Temporary Protection Directive and do you have an O-document or sticker? You can also register for the UAF Academy.

How can I register?

Do you meet these conditions? And do you want to request support from the UAF? Then fill in the form below contact form. .

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.

Bashar's story

Bashar (22 years old) from Syria has been in the Netherlands for almost four years. He obtained his MBO 4 diploma ICT in just two years. He has since moved on to HBO.

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