Today, the Netherlands count a large number of patients that have been diagnosed with the coronavirus. The Dutch government has responded to this pandemic by taking various precautionary measures to avoid further spread of the virus. Understandably, international Students have many questions regarding the measures taken in an attempt to combat the Coronavirus. Unfortunately, changes occur at a fast rate and many questions as well as unclarities remain. On this page, we aim to keep you informed about the latest developments and measures that are taken regarding the coronavirus.
The Ministry of Education continues to list and answer as many of the frequently asked questions as possible on this webpage. We advise you to monitor this webpage closely in order to get the most up-to-date information and answers. A lot of work is being put in keeping this page up-to-date and providing as many people as possible with answers to their questions. Additionally, the Ministry of Education published a document online, which contains all information regarding the current strategy and associated measures.
Questions concerning education programmes, exams, courses
For all questions that specifically concern your own education, we advise you to reach out to your institution and pay regular visits to their website.
Questions regarding national measures and arrangements
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science drew up this FAQ, which contains answers to frequently asked questions. Additionally, on March 19th, a letter was published in which the Ministry informs the House of Representatives as well as the institutions about the arrangements. This letter and the enclosed service document contain instructions for the institutions on how to provide education in the upcoming time. It also contains a lot of information for students, such as the registration dates for new education programmes and selection processes. Both the umbrella organisations of universities (VSNU) and those of universities of applied sciences (VH) have provided their signature to the document. If you notice that your institution deviates from the agreements in the service document, make sure to point your instructor, dean or study advisor to this document.
Questions regarding your financial situation:
Are you employed under a zero-hour contract and do you have questions regarding your income, please visit the website of ‘Nietmijnschuld’.
On this website, you will find information regarding your rights and a form that allows us to help you enquire your employer about future payments.
Additionally, International students from within the EU/EER may apply for student loans (Dutch: studielening) and public transport benefits (Dutch: studentenreisproduct) provided they can prove that they work 56 hours a month in the Netherlands. Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus and the following decrease in economic activity nationwide, working 56 hours has become very difficult to impossible for many international students. The minister of Education, Ingrid van Engelshoven had indicated that DUO will be lenient with students who are unable to prove that they have worked 56 hours. If this applies to you, please read this page and contact DUO directly to explain your situation to them.
Questions regarding housing and rent:
Nobody should be cast out of their homes because of the coronacrisis. This sentiment is expressed by minister for the Environment and Housing van Veldhoven and the organizations of landlords and sector associations (Aedes, IVBN, Kences, Vastgoed Belang). They have therefore agreed to halt house evictions for now. On top of that the minister will introduce urgent legislation to extend temporal rental agreements. This is supported by the Woonbond and the Dutch Student Union (LSVb). Adding to this statement vacancy administrators have in a separate statement expressed how they will relate to their residents during this time of crisis.
The cabinet has taken measures to ensure the least possible amount of people will have financial troubles in the short term. For tenants, who despite these measures aren’t able to afford the monthly rent, landlords are committing to delivering custom solutions. On top of that there will be no house evictions during the coronacrisis. Unless there are clear reasons, like criminal activity or extreme nuisance. See our webpage ‘International Students and Rent ‘ and read the full article here.
But what happens if you can’t make rent? For example, because the Covid-19 virus has limited your possibilities for work. See our webpage ‘International Students and Rent ‘
Did you not find what you were looking for? Do you have other concerns? We are in continuous consultation with the ministry and educational institutions and gladly welcome your input for these consultations. Please share your questions or comments with us by sending an email to corona@lsvb.nl
Overview of important websites:
- CORONA: WHAT ABOUT MY JOB?
- Frequently Asked Questions by The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
- Service Service document Higher Education – Coronavirus approach COVID-19
- International Students and Rent
- Get in touch with DUO