University of Applied Sciences student loses court case over basic grant for a university master’s degree

Once again, a graduate of a university of applied sciences (hbo) has lost a court case regarding the basic grant (and supplementary grant) for a university master’s degree. ‘Those are simply the rules,’ the judge ruled, adding that only politicians can change them.

It remains a curious situation: after a bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences, you do receive a basic grant for a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences, but not for a master’s degree at a university. Conversely, university bachelor’s students actually receive an extra year of basic grant if they opt for a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences. This is a consequence of how the rules for student finance are structured.

Earlier this year, it emerged that an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives wants to amend the system. Education Minister Rianne Letschert is set to discuss the matter with the House of Representatives.

Last September, 5,700 students with a higher professional education (HBO) background began a university master’s degree. That is 10 per cent of all new master’s students at university. A further 1,200 hbo students will join them later in the year.

In 2023, the Ministry estimated that the changes would cost 60 million euros per year in basic grants, supplementary grants and student travel passes.

Hbo students perform well in university master’s programmes. They often graduate faster than fellow students who have completed a university bachelor’s degree.

HOP, BB