For students in Utrecht, the Central Student Council (CSG) grants and DUO loans supplement parental maintenance contributions but do not affect the legal obligation of parents. Discover how these systems operate in the context of studying at Utrecht University (UU) or HU University of Applied Sciences (HU).
CSG Grants in Utrecht
From the age of 18, you are entitled to a basic grant in Utrecht, as well as a supplementary grant if your parents' financial capacity is low. DUO calculates this based on parental income, taking into account the high cost of living in the city. Many UU and HU students living in student housing on Biltstraat or Kanaleneiland benefit from this support.
Impact on Maintenance for Utrecht Students
The CSG reduces the student's financial need, which may result in a lower parental contribution. Courts in Utrecht, such as the District Court of Midden-Nederland, do not consider loans as income but assess the actual financial capacity after deducting local rental costs, which range from €500 to €700 per month.
DUO Loans Specific to Utrecht
Tuition fee and public transport loans through DUO are supplementary to other forms of support. Even with debts from previous studies, this does not impact the parental obligation. In Utrecht, where expensive public transport subscriptions are common for commuters to De Uithof, these loans provide relief.
Practical Example in Utrecht: An HU student receiving €400 in CSG grants and a €300 loan may still claim €250 from parents due to high rent costs. Advice: Submit your DUO application before September at the Utrecht student service desk for maximum support and faster processing.