When must I repay my student debt, and which interest rate applies?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Your DUO scheme, repayment stage and personal fixed-rate period determine this. Check Mijn schulden in Mijn DUO. A newly announced national rate does not immediately apply to every borrower.
On this page
1. Identify your debt and scheme
This concerns Dutch student debt owed to DUO. For each debt, identify SF35, SF15, SF15-oud or lifelong learning credit. The ordinary repayment phase is 35 or 15 years. Under SF15-oud, excluding your partner’s income can extend it. Do not identify your scheme solely by the year you studied.
2. Check the starting date
When student finance stops, a two-year preliminary phase normally starts on the following 1 January; compulsory repayment then starts on 1 January. Interest also accrues during the preliminary phase. Returning to study may interrupt it under conditions. Lifelong learning credit differs: its repayment period begins the following January, with payments from May.
3. Check your personal interest rate
From the preliminary phase, interest is fixed for five years at a time. Each debt may have a separate fixed-rate period. Check the rate and end date in Mijn DUO and your repayment notice. Interest is calculated monthly on the remaining debt including previous interest. A newly announced rate does not automatically change an ongoing fixed-rate period.
4. Understand the monthly amount
DUO first calculates the statutory monthly amount using debt, interest and remaining term. Your ability to pay is then considered under your scheme. With SF15-oud, you must request a reduction yourself. Simply dividing today’s balance by the number of months ignores future interest. Use the official calculator for an estimate; your DUO notice determines what is due.
5. Compare your options
Switching rules is possible only if DUO offers it and before the repayment phase. Compare using the official calculator. Extra repayments can reduce interest but use available reserves. If payment is difficult, first read our existing lower-monthly-payment guidance; payment-free months are a separate choice. Do not stop paying unilaterally.
6. Check payments and completion
Check payment method, account and debit date through DUO. Keep notices and payment evidence private. DUO writes off remaining debt after the applicable repayment phase, but not overdue monthly instalments. Check the end date and arrears. If a decision seems wrong, read its objection instructions and seek help promptly. Without Mijn DUO use Automatisch aflossen schuld bij DUO to report account/payment method. Keep contact details current. Renewed student finance can create a second debt with its own preliminary phase. Existing study debt and lifelong-learning credit are combined for repayment; monthly payments are recalculated from May. Use the official source's full annual debit calendar to plan.
Does January’s new rate apply to everyone?
No. Check when your own fixed-rate period ends. Different debts may have different rates and end dates.
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- Scheme for each debt
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Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
DUO · Zo werkt terugbetalen ↗DUO · Terugbetalingsregels ↗DUO · Persoonlijke rente ↗DUO · Berekening maandbedrag ↗DUO · Klaar met aflossen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.