International students misinformed
Are international students in the Netherlands not entitled to rent subsidy? International Office at Tilburg University has been giving incorrect information.
In the article published in previous Univers edition Roos Hogenkamp, a Director of the International Office, said that “foreign students are not eligible for rent subsidy [in the Netherlands]”. This information was proved inaccurate.
Hogenkamp explains: “What I mean is that non-EU students are not eligible for the rent subsidy. As far as I understood, EU students are entitled to it only if they work part-time.”
A Tax Office employee (Belastingdienst) clarifies: “Everyone who has a BSN (burgerservicenummer), pays a rent, and has an income level indicated by the Tax Office is eligible for rent subsidy. Regardless of being a citizen from within or outside the European Union.”
Non-EU students receive their BSN upon registration in the City Hall, just as Dutch and EU citizens do. They can therefore also apply for rent subsidy. The requirement of working part-time mentioned by Hogenkamp does not apply to receiving a rent subsidy, but to be granted study finance and loan from DUO.
The International Office is the first and main contact of international students with the Netherlands, since it organizes Welcome Week and assists with the visa and immigration procedures. However, it has been giving inaccurate information about the rent subsidy for years. “I am really surprised that this is the case, as I was informed otherwise” says Hogenkamp. She nonetheless thinks that it is good news for international students.
Our sincere apologies for any confusion caused by publishing this information in the article A Palace for Foreigners (Univers no. 7, January 19, 2012).
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