Stichting voor Vluchteling-Studenten UAF - UAF

What the UAF gives you

As a refugee, you will receive personalised support and financial assistance for your studies in the Netherlands, from vocational college (MBO) to university (WO). The UAF will assign you a personal adviser to support you throughout your studies. There is no fixed monthly grant. Instead, the foundation covers study-related costs that are not covered by government grants, such as books, a laptop or computer, travel costs and, in some cases, tuition fees. Depending on your situation, these costs are either covered directly or provided as a loan, which you repay in part or in full. The UAF also helps you apply for student finance from the Dutch government (DUO) and the ‘Lifelong Learning Credit’. It offers online Dutch language courses through the UAF Academy and supports you in finding an internship and a job after you graduate.

Who can apply

• Refugee status: You have applied for asylum in the Netherlands or hold a residence permit on the grounds of asylum or family reunification with a refugee.
• Study plan: You would like to undertake a course at MBO level 3 or 4 (Dutch vocational education) at an HBO (university of applied sciences) or a WO (university).
• Prior education: You have completed at least 10 years of schooling.
• Dutch language: You have started learning Dutch or already speak Dutch at level B1. This is also a prerequisite for English-taught degree programmes.
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Still in the asylum procedure: If your knowledge of Dutch or English is at the level of A2, you can already make use of the online UAF Academy. Full financial support will begin as soon as you have a residence permit.

How to apply

Please complete the contact form on the UAF website or send an email to the Foundation. The ‘Advice & Enrolment’ team will then get in touch with you and send you a link to an enrolment form. You can apply at any time of the year; there is no fixed deadline. Following an admissions interview to assess your suitability, you will be assigned a personal adviser. The entire process takes around four months.

How realistic are your chances?

This support is aimed at a specific target group: refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands who meet the educational and language requirements. If you belong to this group and can prove that you have started Dutch lessons at level B1, your prospects are good. The support is tailored to your individual situation and is not allocated to a fixed number of beneficiaries. If you are still going through the asylum process, start with the online courses, as a residence permit is required to receive full financial support.