Applying
In Studielink, you can arrange your enrolment or re-enrolment at institutions of higher education in the Netherlands. More information about specific enrolment procedures and admission requirements can be found on the website of the educational institution in question. You have made your choice and will register with the research university or university of applied sciences via Studielink before 1 May. For programmes with a fixed quota, you must register before 15 January. A study choice check or decentralised selection will follow. You may have additional questions:
- How and when do I report that I have special needs?
- What do they do with that information, and why?
- Does it play a role in the admission process?
Introduction
Get to know your fellow students and the staff of the study programme and explore its possibilities and special facilities.
- If you have a support request, should you tell the programme department, and when should you do so?
- Which aids or special facilities can you use?
- And how should you arrange this?
Applying
Counsellors
- The student dean in higher education can support you in applying for the right guidance and/ or special facilities. They will usually have a good idea of the possibilities that are available at your study programme.
Study choice advisor
- Some study programmes have a study choice advisor. They can advise you on whether the programme of your choice matches your talents. They will talk to you about who you are, what you can do and what suits you.
Decision makers
- Faculty, domain or institute director: The director of the relevant faculty, domain or institute is responsible for confirming your application.
Supporters
- Your school counsellor knows where and how to apply. If you have additional questions about applying, discuss them with your counsellor.
- The care coordinator is familiar with your personal situation. Ask them to help you think about what special facilities you can use during your studies. Your care coordinator may also want to discuss your situation with the student dean at the research university or university of applied sciences.
What you can do
- Decide for yourself when you want to discuss your special needs, but do not wait too long. In many cases, programmes will ask you about this when you register in Studielink. You can also choose to do this in a personal meeting with the student dean or study choice advisor. If you register on time, special facilities can also be arranged on time.
- The above point is particularly important if you need adjustments for tests, because exceptions often cannot be made without an official medical statement from your medical doctor. Obtaining the statement can sometimes take a long time, so take this into account.
- Before the start of your studies, make an appointment with the student dean and discuss any study-related obstacles. Together, you will determine what possibilities there are for supporting you during your studies. Include your own experiences from secondary education. What helped you? What tools did you use? Ask how the information you provide will be used. The intake interview is confidential.
- Make sure to ask any questions you may have, to avoid surprises at a later time.
More information
- Through the website Studielink you can register with your digiD for the program of your choice. Here you can indicate that you have a support request.
- Right to equal treatment for students with a disability or chronic illness (https://www.mensenrechten.nl/nl/publicatie/18125) Can the educational institution refuse you because you have a disability? Is an elevator mandatory in educational institutions? This brochure from the Human Rights Board lists the rights of students with disabilities and the obligations of educational institutions.
Introduction
Counsellors
- The student dean knows everything there is to know about the aids and special facilities that the study programme can offer. During the intake interview, you will discuss any study-related obstacles. Together, you will determine which special facilities you will apply for and subsequently use during your studies.
- The study supervisor can advise you on the approach to your studies. They have knowledge of the content and form of your studies. The study supervisor can also help you plan your studies and assess any problems you may encounter with the content of your programme. In higher professional education (hbo), a study supervisor is usually called a study career counsellor. In a research university, this is the study advisor.
- Lecturers want to make their students enthusiastic about the courses they teach. They can tell you more about the content of courses and what is expected of you. It is useful to get to know a lecturer if you expect to experience difficulties with their course. Please bear in mind that lecturers can be very busy and often cannot offer individual guidance.
Supporters
- Fellow students and students from students with special needs platforms: do you want more information about studying with special needs? Or would you like to get to know students with special needs at the university of applied sciences? Some universities of applied sciences have a platform for students with a disability and/or chronic illness. They regularly organise fun, informative and educational activities.
What you can do
Choose your moment to discuss your extra support needs, but don't wait too long. In many cases, programs ask about it when registering in Studielink. You can also choose to do this in a personal conversation with the student dean or study advisor. If you register on time, facilities can also be arranged on time.
- Make an appointment with the student dean for an intake interview. Together, you can request the necessary special facilities or adjustments from the Examination Board.
- Ask any questions you may have, to avoid surprises at a later time.
- Tell lecturers what you need in order to study well. If you explain the obstacles you are experiencing, this can sometimes lead to greater understanding.
- Make active contact with fellow students. By telling them about your special needs and possible study obstacles, you will create understanding. If necessary, they can also support you in your studies.
- Find out if your university of applied sciences has a platform for students with special needs or runs a buddy project. This will make it easier for you to make contact with other students with special needs.
Who has which role?
The roles mentioned on this page are explained below:
Counsellors
- secondary education guidance counsellors or VET study career counsellors
- student deans in higher education
- study choice advisors
- study counsellors
- lecturers
- student psychologists
- internship supervisors
- thesis supervisors
- graduation supervisors.
Decision makers
- faculty, domain and institute directors
- members of the Examination Board.
Supporters
- school counsellors
- care coordinators
- fellow students and students from student with special needs platforms
- parents and carers
- study coaches
- job coaches
- staff members of the International office
- disability officers abroad
- student platforms abroad.