From applied sciences bachelor to university master: no entitlement to basic student grant

A bachelor’s student in forensic science wanted to pursue a master’s degree at Maastricht University, but was denied a performance-based grant. She found this unfair: why are bachelor’s graduates eligible for a grant for a bachelor’s master’s program, but not for a master’s program?

She is not the only one who thinks this is strange. Former Minister of Education Robbert Dijkgraaf could not explain why the system was set up this way. He thought the next cabinet could do something about it. He himself was already outgoing. But his successor, Eppo Bruins, said he did not have the money to change this.

The student took her case to court, which ruled in her favor: the student must receive a performance-based scholarship, otherwise it would constitute “unequal treatment of equal cases”.

Labor market

However, the Ministry of Education sought a ruling from the Central Appeals Tribunal, which overturned the decision this week. The law distinguishes between “initial education” (programs that prepare you for the labor market) and “post-initial education.” In the case of a higher professional education program, you are ready for the labor market after completing your bachelor’s degree, while in the case of a university education program, you are only ready after completing your master’s degree.

A master’s degree from a university of applied sciences is considered an extension of the applied sciences program, but a master’s degree from a research university is not. Therefore, the student is not entitled to a performance-based grant. According to the Council, the fact that the system is “not entirely watertight” does not mean that it is “unlawful.” It is up to the legislator, and not the court, to change this situation if necessary.

The student will therefore not receive a performance-related grant. However, she is still entitled to student finance in the form of a loan and a public transport pass.

HOP, Naomi Bergshoeff