This guide explores the meaning of a bursary for students
Published on 26 January 2026Cost8 min read
University life is an amazing adventure, but the bills can start adding up in no time. If youāve been studying in the Netherlands, youāve probably heard of DUO. The organization behind student finance in the Netherlands. One of their big deals is the basic and supplementary grant: basically a student handout that the government gives out. Unlike a standard loan, this funding can become a gift, saving you thousands of Euros while you focus on your degree.
This guide explores the meaning of a bursary for students, with a heavy focus on the supplementary grant from DUO. We explain the eligibility criteria, the application process, and how this student bursary in the Netherlands helps cover the cost of living. Learn the difference between a scholarship and a bursary, and discover tips on finding affordable housing through platforms like Renthunter.nl to make your funding go further.
When people ask āwhat is a student bursary,ā they are usually looking for non-repayable university support. In the Dutch system, the most common form of this is the basic or supplementary grant from DUO.
The best part? If you graduate within ten years, this bursary for students is converted into a gift. It is essentially āfree moneyā from the government to ensure that your financial background does not stop you from getting a top-tier education.
The student finance landscape shifts slightly every year. For 2026, the amounts have been indexed to keep up with the rising costs of groceries and rent. If you are planning your budget, it is vital to know exactly what is landing in your bank account each month.
The amount of your basic grant depends on whether you stay with your parents or move out. For 2026, the indicative monthly amounts are:
This is the āgiftā part of your student bursary in the Netherlands. If your parents earn below the threshold (roughly ā¬41,500 for HBO/WO or ā¬46,300 for MBO), you can receive the maximum amount:
Letās talk about the biggest drain on your wallet: student accommodation. The cost of living in Dutch cities is high, and your maintenance bursary is often your main tool for paying the bills. If you qualify for both the max basic and supplementary grant, you could be receiving over ā¬800 in āperformance grantsā (money that becomes a gift after graduation).
Since your student bursary is limited, you need to find affordable housing. This is where Renthunter.nl becomes your best friend. Instead of manually checking dozens of sites, Renthunter.nl aggregates all available rooms and studios into one overview. By finding a cheaper room, you can make your student finance stretch much further, leaving more money for books and social life.
In the Netherlands, every student is entitled to the basic grant, but the supplementary grant is specifically reserved for those whose parentsā income falls below a certain threshold. Not every student automatically gets the maximum amount. DUO looks at several factors to determine your eligibility for student bursaries and the exact amount you will receive.
How is it calculated?
Applying for your bursary for students is done entirely online through Mijn DUO. It is surprisingly simple, but you must be proactive.
Steps to apply:
š§ Did You Know? : You only need to apply for the supplementary grant once. After the first time, DUO will automatically recalculate your eligibility every year based on the latest tax data. This makes being a bursary student very low-maintenance once the initial paperwork is done!
Getting the money is step one, step two is making sure you donāt lose it.
ā ļøPrevention/Warning : While the student bursary can become a gift, the regular āloanā part of student finance always remains a debt. Be careful about borrowing the maximum amount if you donāt need it. Interest rates on student loans have risen recently, so only borrow what is necessary for your rent and cost of living.
What is a student bursary?
In the Netherlands, it is the basic and supplementary grant from DUO, which is a needs-based fund that becomes a gift if you graduate.
What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?
A bursary is based on financial need, while a scholarship is usually based on your grades or specific talents.
How do I apply for a student bursary?
You apply via Mijn DUO when you request your regular student finance.
What is the eligibility for student bursaries?
It depends on your parentsā income, your nationality, and whether you have siblings who are also students.
Is there a student bursary for international students?
Yes, if you are from the EU/EEA and work at least 32 hours a month, or if you meet other specific residency criteria.
Who is eligible for a bursary for low-income students?
Students whose parents earn less than a certain yearly threshold are usually eligible for the full or partial amount.
What is a maintenance bursary?
It is another term for the supplementary grant, meant to help you maintain your lifestyle and pay for essentials like food and housing.
How do bursaries help with living costs?
They provide a monthly cash injection that reduces the amount you need to borrow or work, helping you focus on your studies.
Can I get a housing bursary for students?
There isnāt a specific housing bursary, but you can apply for rent allowance(huurtoeslag) from the tax office if you meet the criteria.
What is a student financial support guide?
It is a resource that helps you navigate the complex world of grants, loans, and tuition fees.
Bursaries vs grants vs loans: what is the difference?
Bursaries and grants are gifts if you graduate within ten years, while loans must always be paid back with interest.
Hitting the student bursary in the Netherlands can seem like a minefield at first, but itās actually one of the most useful ways to fund your future. By getting your head around what the term ābursary for studentsā actually means and using the support that your uni gets from DUO to your advantage, you can make a real dent in your future debt. Just donāt forget to keep your wits about you and manage your costs carefully, use tools like Renthunter.nl to find a place to live thatās not going to break the bank, and keep a close eye on your āperformance grantā status.
With the right funding and a bit of savvy budgeting, you can free yourself up to focus on the one thing that really matters : getting that degree and getting your career off the ground. So start your application on Mijn DUO right now and make sure youāre getting every penny youāre entitled to!
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