Students sue state over study-delay penalty

The three Dutch student unions ISO, LSVb and  LKvV are sueing the Dutch state today over the penalty of three thousand euros that students get when they fall behind by more than one year in their bachelor’s or master’s programs.

As from the academic year 2012/2013, the government plans to penalize students who do not graduate in time. Students will have to pay 3000 euros when they fall behind by more than one year. The Dutch student unions strongly disagree with this rule. According to the students, the penalty sum will be indexed so it increases every year.  A tax reduction will not be possible either, the students say.

The student organizations say to face the trail with confidence. They hope to get more clarity for students soon.