Basic Grant to be Reintroduced for Higher Education: Senate Passes Bill Unanimously

It is now certain that the basic grant will return to higher education. After the House of Representatives, the Senate has also agreed that the grant will be reintroduced with effect from the coming academic year.

The grant replaces the student loan system, which has been in effect since 2015. The idea behind that system was that students with well-off parents no longer received a grant and that the money saved would improve the quality of education.

But over time, more and more parties criticized the loan system: many students built up large debts, which led to stress among large groups. The quality impulse also fell short of expectations.

In the last formation, VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie agreed that there would be a basic grant for all students again, with an income-related supplementary grant.

In February, the House of Representatives unanimously approved Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf’s bill to reintroduce the stock exchange, and no one in the Senate voted against either.

The new basic grant is 275 euros per month for students living away from home, and 110 euros for students living at home.

In the academic year 2023-2024, there will be a one-off addition of 164 euros per month due to the sharply increased costs of groceries and energy for students living away from home.

People who have studied during the student loan system will receive an allowance of 1,436 euros as a gesture.

Today is the last day of the old Senate. This afternoon the senate will say goodbye to the departing members. The new members will be sworn in next week.