Being a student with a disability or chronic illness is often harder and costs more money and energy than studying without that disability, but it does not have to stop you from getting your diploma. Examples are students with visual, auditive or motorial disabilities, dyslexia, AD(H)D or depression. Many organisations concern themselves with providing facilities and services for these people. It is important to be aware of these services and to request these prior to your start at your chosen university or school.
Individual student grant
Is it impossible for you to work next to following a full time study and is this because of a chronic illness or a physical or psychological disability? Then there is a chance you qualify for an individual student grant, provided by your own municipality. You can achieve a lot more with some extra help. Don’t let the money be wasted! The individual student grant is given to students who can’t (fully) work next to their study and is meant as a helping hand for such students to obtain their diploma. The grant is a gift and does not need to be paid back. As of January 17 2019, the student grant in Utrecht is set on 200 euros a month.
Requirements
- You are (over) 18 years old
- You’re enrolled at a school or university (ROC, University of Applied Sciences or University)
- You have a physical or psychological disability or a chronic illness, which makes it impossible for you to work as much as to earn the monthly minimum wage.
- You’re entitled to student financial aid (studiefianciering) or a student allowance (tegemoetkoming scholieren).
- Your own capital is smaller than € 6.120 if you’re unmarried, or smaller than 12.240 if you’re married or if you have a child. The capitol of your parents does not count.
- You do not have a Wajong-alimony.
You have to meet all above-listed requirements.
Application
You can apply for the student grant by filling in the form at Utrecht.nl/studietoeslag. You only have to fill it in once during your time at your university/school.
You will need to send a copy of your ID or passport and a copy of your bank accounts to your municipality. If you have a declaration letter from a doctor about your situation, it would be wise to send that as well, it will speed up the process! However, it is not mandatory, since your municipality could ask for medical advice if you send the letter along.
Further information
Check out this website for more information and fill in the application form right away!
The student grant is something each municipality provides for their students, but the exact amount can differ per city. Fill in the form for your own municipality. Do you live outside of Utrecht? Take a look at your city’s website.
Services provided by your own school or University
Did you know that students with disabilities or chronic illnesses can get extra services and help, like extra time during an exam? Students who qualify for this are for example people with AD(H)D, depression, asthma and visual, auditive or motorial disabilities. Contact your study advisor (UU) or your student dean (HU) and together you can discuss your situation and see if there’s anything that can help you. It’s in your best interest to have everything worked out as soon as possible, so that the extra services can be arranged in advance.
Want to know more about studying at the UU or HU with a disability? Click on the links below.
Supported Study Platform (Platform Onbeperkt Studeren)
Supported study platform was brought into life by students with a disability who want to help out students with disabilities and other impairments. The organisation provides information and has a say in the UU policy around students with a disability. Next to that, students with for example dyslexia, AD(H)D or autism can come to them and ask for support and guidance. Do you want to know more about the subject or do you need extra help in dealing with things like university or your social life? Then applying for a buddy might be something for you! Click here for more information on Platform Unrestricted Student.