DUO provides help in the areas of finance, diplomas and exams for students and pupils in the Netherlands.
DUO stands for Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs. This organisation is part of the Dutch government. In the Netherlands, DUO provides money for studying (this is called student finance), checks diplomas and organises exams. DUO also helps people who come from other countries to study in the Netherlands.
Student finance is money you get or borrow from DUO so that you can study. You can use it to pay for school fees, books or travel. In some cases student finance is a gift, but in other cases you have to pay it back. MBO, HBO and university students can apply for student finance.
If you have a diploma from another country, DUO can check what the Dutch equivalent of that diploma is. This is called diploma recognition. You will get a certificate, which makes it easier to find work or continue studying in the Netherlands. Diploma recognition is usually free of charge.
DUO organises exams, such as for the State Exam for Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2). Passing this exam shows that your written and spoken Dutch is good enough. This is often necessary in order to study or work in the Netherlands.
That depends on your situation. Normally you have to live or work in the EU or have a residence permit. In some cases, you must live or work in the Netherlands for a number of years first. Visit duo.nl to find out which conditions apply to you.
You apply for student finance through the DUO website. To do this, you need to have a DigiD. Fill in the form and specify the month you want your student finance to start. Make sure you apply on time and at least three months before you start studying.
DUO provides information in simple language on its website at www.duo.nl. You can also call DUO. Some municipalities or language schools offer free help with filling in forms.
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