An unexpected debt or uncertainty about tuition fees, can affect learners’ ability to continue their studies. MBO Amersfoort has recognised that many VET students are unfamiliar with the financial regulations available to support them. In addition, it may happen that parents seek financial support for their children's studies but do not know where to find it. When financial difficulties arise, these may also lead to dropout. In response, this VET school in the Dutch city of Amersfoort (7700 students) has recently established a Financial Consultation Desk, providing specialised support for students with financial questions.
Staff in the school’s student services department observe daily how financial concerns affect academic success. “Our goal is simple,” says one staff member, “to enable students to study without financial worries.” The Financial Consultation Desk aims to ensure this.
Accessible support
The Financial Consultation Desk provides support and advice for students' school-related financial questions and helps them apply for financial arrangements. "We consciously avoid words like 'poverty' or 'debt,’" says Susan. "Those words can be a barrier."
They have noticed that many students are hesitant to ask for help. "Shame plays a role. That is why we often work via WhatsApp and email. Sharing a screenshot is sometimes easier than a face-to-face contact." Parents also get in touch. "Sometimes they don't want to burden their child with financial worries, so we help them too."
The desk also helps students to find practical solutions. For example, it supports them in creating an overview of income and expenditure, or in completing grant applications. Some students lack financial awareness. Many VET students, for instance, are not aware that tuition fees increase significantly if they progress to a university of applied sciences higher professional education (EQF5) programme.
Key services
In short, the Financial Consultation Desk:
- provides information about the national VET student fund for learning materials, aimed at full-time vocational students up to 21 years old with parents/guardians who cannot cover these costs;
- draws up, together with students, payment arrangements for tuition or course fees in instalments;
- answers questions about DUO (the Education Executive Agency) and supports students in applying for performance grants, supplementary grants, student travel cards and loans;
- supports students in preparing an overview of income and expenditure;
- explains financial correspondence and clarifies required actions;
- refers students to specialised support services where necessary.
Impact that counts
The Financial Consultation Desk delivers tangible results. For example, one student had accumulated study debt without understanding the reason. The desk contacted DUO, which administers student finance. The debt was ultimately cancelled, as the student had not applied under the correct scheme.
Another student was experiencing financial stress, due to multiple payment arrears and on top that a traffic fine. By providing insight, developing an overview, and referring to a municipal debt counselling service, this student can fully focus on her studies again.
Ambitions for the future
The Financial Consultation Desk has become indispensable at MBO Amersfoort. The ambition is to teach students how to prevent financial problems. The newly developed Financial Consultation Desk’s ‘Financially Strong’ programme includes teaching materials for all new students.
If students know from day one where to seek support, the Desk is expected to be able to prevent many financial problems.
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| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Netherlands, & Cedefop (2026, April 7th). Netherlands: Financial guidance supports VET student retention. National news on VET |