Extension of diploma period
You can apply for an extended diploma period if:
- you are able to obtain a diploma, but not before the ‘diploma period’ (10 years) is due to expire, and
- you have fallen behind with your studies as a direct result of special medical or non-medical circumstances.
You must also have started your studies on time. In other words, when you started, the diploma period was long enough to enable you to complete the study programme within that period. So, if you are doing a 4-year programme, you must have started not less than 4 years before the end of the diploma period. We determine this on the basis of the official duration of the study programme.
If you were unable to start your studies on time due to exceptional circumstances, you should contact the student counsellor to see whether you can submit an application nevertheless.
No possibility of extension
You cannot apply for an extended diploma period if:
- you cannot graduate within 10 years because you started working in the meantime, or
- you have already obtained a final diploma, or
- you were not allocated a place on your chosen programme and incurred a delay in your studies as a result.
Apply through student counsellor or study advisor
Notify your study programme as soon as possible if you fall behind with your studies. If you are studying at university or HBO (higher vocational education), contact the student counsellor (‘studentendecaan’). MBO (secondary vocational education) students should contact their study advisor. The counsellor or advisor can help you to limit or catch up on any study delay. If you satisfy the criteria, your student counsellor or study advisor can also apply for an extended degree period on your behalf.
Consequences for your student finance
If your application is approved, you will be given more time to obtain your diploma.
You are following an MBO programme
If you obtain your diploma within the new diploma period, your performance grant for the programme will be converted into a gift.
You are studying at university or HBO
'If you obtain your diploma within the new diploma period, your performance grant for the programme will be converted into a gift.