Studiefinanciering en ov-kaart mbo-studenten.

As an mbo student your child may have the right to student finance and a ov student card. What are the conditions? What is your child entitled to? How do you apply? And how about paying back? In this article we explain.

What are you entitled to?

A student has the right to student finance for up to four years. Student finance includes a basic grant and an additional grant.

• Basic grant: The basic grant is for all students who meet the conditions above. The amount depends on your child’s living situation. Your child gets a higher amount if they no longer live at home.

• Additional grant: Whether your child is entitled to an additional grant depends on your and your partner’s income. The number of children both parents care for and any study debt also affect this.

Ov student card for mbo students

Not all mbo students can apply for an ov student card. Only students aged 16 or older who attend a full-time bol course have the right to the ov card. They can travel free or at a discount on public transport. Your child is entitled to it from the start of the course. The ov student card is formally called the student travel product.

Gift or loan?

Whether the student finance and ov student card are a gift or loan depends on the course your child follows:

• Entry course and mbo 2: the student finance and ov student card are always a gift. Your child does not have to pay back if the course is not finished.
• Mbo 3 and 4: the student finance and ov student card start as a loan. If your child finishes the study within 10 years with a diploma, the loan changes to a gift. Then your child does not have to pay back. If your child does not finish the course, they must repay the costs of the student finance and ov student card to DUO.

More information, applying and student finance amounts

The amount of student finance your child receives varies by year and situation. You can find information about the amount on the website of the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). There you also find payment dates, more information and application forms.

Take a look at Digidingen desk. Here you find clear explanations, step-by-step plans, instructional videos and tips about student finance, the student travel product and ov-chip card.

Younger than 18 years

If your child is younger than 18, there is no right to student finance. Your child then does not pay tuition or course fees. The government assumes you use child benefit for the costs you make for your child. It is also possible for some parents to get extra financial support. For example, through the child-related budget or the mbo student fund. Mbo schools must also buy back unused books.