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.

Nour Abdul Hadi

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. 

Read more about receive and repay financial contributions.

What are the application conditions for UAF?

You must at least meet these conditions:

  • You have a Dutch residence permit on the basis of asylum*.
  • You received your residence permit no longer than 5 years ago (date of decision).
  • You have started a Dutch language course at B1 level. Haven't you started yet with language level B1? Then read our page language advice what you can do yourself.
  • You have followed a previous education in your country of origin. This one is similar
    to Dutch HAVO 5 level or 12 years of pre-education. Are you interested in a training or work-study program at MBO level? Then 10 or 11 years of pre-school education or HAVO 3 level may also be sufficient. 
 

Additional conditions

Depending on the support you receive from us, there are additional conditions. Do you want to know exactly how we can support you and what conditions apply? Go to the page how can we help you? . 

For only financial support from the UAF, you must have proof of enrollment and proof of admission to a study programme. If you have already been a UAF client before, we will check whether you already have a loan from the UAF.

For asylum seekers in proceedings different conditions apply:

  • You have applied for asylum in the Netherlands and an asylum procedure is ongoing.
  • You are in your first asylum procedure.
  • You have had the second interview/further hearing with the IND and you are still waiting for a decision from the IND
    or
    After a negative decision from the IND, you received a positive decision from the court. (Your first procedure is again being processed by the IND.) If there is a repeat asylum application (HASA) or an appeal pending, you cannot register.
  • You have a valid W document
  • You speak English or Dutch at an advanced level.
  • You have followed a previous education in your country of origin comparable to the Dutch havo 5 level or 12 years of pre-education.
  • If there are developments in your asylum procedure during your registration at the UAF, this may have consequences for the support that the UAF can offer.

    Note: You cannot receive support from the UAF to start work immediately without a residence permit.

More information about support for asylum seekers in procedure.

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.

Sign up & advice

Do you have a question for us? Complete the contact form. We will then contact you as soon as possible.

Please note: complete the form in Dutch or English. 

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.

Prefer to talk to someone on the phone? Please call: 030 – 252 08 35.