You can always pursue a second degree, but it is important to be aware of the tuition fees involved. There are two exceptions where you do not have to pay institutional tuition fees for a second bachelor’s programme. In both cases, you pay the statutory tuition fees. This can save you a lot of money.
The following applies to both bachelor’s and master’s programmes, but for the sake of readability, we will use the bachelor’s programme as an example.
Not yet completed a bachelor’s programme
If you have not yet obtained a bachelor’s degree, you can start a second bachelor’s programme at the statutory tuition fee rate. If you are enrolled in two bachelor’s programmes, you only have to pay the statutory tuition fee for one of them. For the other programme, you will need to submit proof of payment of tuition fees.
If you obtain your bachelor’s degree for the first programme during the second bachelor’s programme, you can still complete the second bachelor’s programme at the statutory tuition fee rate.
Are you already at the end of your first bachelor’s programme and about to graduate and obtain a bachelor’s degree? Then you have two options:
- you can postpone your graduation by leaving a course open or not yet submitting your bachelor’s thesis, so that you have to do an extra academic year of this bachelor’s programme;
- you can request the Examination Board to postpone your graduation date, so that you have not yet obtained a bachelor’s degree at the start of the next academic year (granting this request is a favour, not a right).
Programmes in the field of education or healthcare
If, after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, you enrol in a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time, you will pay the statutory tuition fees. This is laid down by law. If you wish to enrol in a second programme, we advise students to always contact the study advisor. Curious to know whether the programme you want to follow falls under this regulation? Check here to find your programme in the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (CROHO). If it states that the “component” (under “details”) of the programme in question is “Education” or “Healthcare”, then the programme meets the requirement.
Tip! Some educational institutions have additional leniency schemes, so that you can still pursue a second degree at a favourable institutional tuition fee. Ask about this at the student desk or study advisor of the programme in question.
Do you have legal questions about your second degree or are you unable to resolve the issue with your educational institution?
Contact the Student Line