Study voucher allowance

Since 1 September 2023, the study voucher scheme has changed. The first group of students who studied under to the student loan system will receive a financial compensation rather than the study voucher: the study voucher allowance. It does not matter if you are starting a new study programme or not.

Conditions

• You received your first month of student finance for a Bachelor programme in the period September 2015 up to and including August 2019.
• Within the applicable diploma period you obtained an HBO diploma (Bachelor) or full university diploma (Bachelor + Master), calculated from your first month of student finance for HBO or university.
• You have not yet used a study voucher or you have used your study voucher for less than the maximum amount.

If you obtained your diploma outside of the Netherlands, you will need to send a certified copy of your diploma to DUO.

Amount and payment

The one-off amount is determined each year. In 2025 the amount is € 2,097.08. The amount will first be offset against your debt, which will reduce the debt you incurred under the loan system. If you do not have a student debt, the allowance will be paid to you. If you obtained your diploma in or before 2024, the allowance will be granted in January of 2025.

If you obtain your diploma in 2025 or after, you will get a notice after DUO has been informed about your diploma by the educational institution.

No need to apply

You do not need to apply for the compensation. You will automatically receive a notice from DUO.

Old study voucher

If you have not yet (fully) used a study voucher, the new scheme automatically applies to you. Did you use part of your study voucher for a new study programme? Then your allowance amounts to the remaining value of your voucher.

Impact on income or assets

The allowance does not count as income, but it may still affect your assets. This could influence the amount of tax you owe or impact eligibility for schemes where assets are a determining factor.