Study choice for refugee students and professionals

You want to continue studying in the Netherlands and show your knowledge. But which program suits your previous education and ambitions? How does studying in the Netherlands work? We support you with making a study choice with our years of experience.

What can the UAF do for me?

Help with you study choice

Choosing a study in the Netherlands may be different than you are used to in your country of origin. It is important that you choose a suitable study that is achievable for your personal situation. At UAF we can help you get started choosing a study. You think about your own wishes and ambitions and we provide you with information about the various sectors for professions and education. You will also receive information about how the Dutch education system works.

Study choice guidance

Do you need more personal guidance? Then we can help you with a short study choice process. We help with making a study plan and give advice on things such as visiting open days and admission requirements. The UAF can connect you with alumni who work in the field you wan to pursue.

Do you want to get started on making a study plan yourself? View our step-by-step plan 'How do I choose a study' to help you.

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.

Sign up & advice

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

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.