The additional income limit has been abolished for students who fall under the loan system. If you started studying after 1 September 2015, you can earn as much additional income alongside your student finance as you want. Are you still subject to the old system (you started your current study programme before 1 September 2015)? Then this regulation may be relevant to you.
Additional income
Many students have a part-time job to make ends meet. However, under the old student financing system, there is an additional income limit. If you earn too much on top of your student financing, you will no longer be eligible for student financing and a student travel product. It is your responsibility to cancel your student financing and public transport card before the month in which you exceed the additional income limit. Please note that this only applies to students who fall under the old student financing system.
How much can I earn?
The amount you are allowed to earn in addition to your student financing is determined annually. You can find out what DUO considers to be “income” here. It is important to note that this refers to your taxable income, not the money you have received in your bank account. Your taxable income is always higher than your net income. You can find the exact amount on your employer’s annual statement. Your payslip shows your monthly taxable income, so you can avoid unpleasant situations at the end of the year. The maximum amount you are allowed to earn in 2023 is €16,121.60.
What if I have earned too much?
If you have earned too much, you will have to repay everything above the limit. However, you will never have to repay more than you received in student finance and public transport subsidies in that year. Want to avoid this? Then you need to stop your student finance and public transport subsidies before you exceed the additional income limit.