Can I apply for a teacher grant, and what must I track?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Applications for 2026–2027 are closed: the window was 1 February 2026 18:00–15 March 2026 23:59. Existing applications can still be changed under the rules. Prepare for another year without assuming an unpublished opening date.
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1. Your situation
You hold teaching authorisation, or teach at hbo with a bachelor, or meet mbo competence rules. You work now or worked within twelve months at a publicly funded school/orthopedagogical centre in Netherlands/BES, not self-employed. At least 20% teaching including preparation/marking, except specified support roles. Temporary/substitute contracts can qualify.
2. Conditions
Recognised bachelor/master/post-initial master or premaster/bridging to university master, not post-hbo. Netherlands/EU/Caribbean Kingdom with suitable recognition. No basic/supplementary grant, travel or teacher allowance for the same study period; loan-only/tuition credit/lifelong-learning credit can coexist. Use the official scheme helper for overlap.
3. Preparation
Apply annually in Mijn DUO during the published window with signed Verklaring (laatste) werkgever of inlener, even without leave. If missing, upload PDF within two weeks; otherwise reapply only while window remains open. Two leave employers: both sign. Years 2/3 have priority. Duration: below 60 ECTS one year,60 two, above three; premaster one leaving at most two master years. Normally once, exceptions pre 2012 short course and bachelor followed by master.
4. Apply
2026–2027: actual tuition capped at €2,694 statutory/€7,000 institutional; materials and travel each 10% of tuition, max €350. Payment normally second August week or month before later start. Leave subsidy goes to employer: bachelor/premaster max 160 hours full-time; master primary/special/hbo 320, secondary/mbo 240, part-time proportional. No leave subsidy for flexible contracts or orthopedagogical centres. Renew yearly, at most three years.
5. Decision
Earn at least 15 ECTS per academic year even with late start/exemptions, except graduation year. Report insufficient points promptly in Mijn DUO: year used and grant repayable, employer leave subsidy not reclaimed. Illness/special circumstances: email lerarenbeurs@duo.nl. Keep credits/payment proof; assessment within 22 weeks after year end. For 60 ECTS second application within three academic years of first award; above 60 second/third within five.
6. Next steps
Stopping/not starting: withdraw in Mijn DUO within two months of course start for first application, or academic-year start for repeat, and repay everything to avoid using a year. Report different course before start; same course/different institution later permitted. Tuition increases/more leave deadline 15 October 2026 has passed. Tuition reductions all year; less leave/part-time change after 15 October by email with new employer declaration. Employers arrange remaining leave on transfer, not to unfunded schools/outside education.
Is the teacher grant unconditionally free?
No. Retention depends on credits and correct changes among other conditions. Keep evidence; DUO must assess illness or exceptional circumstances.
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View the current application processSources
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DUO · Voorwaarden ↗DUO · Aanvragen ↗DUO · Duur ↗DUO · Bedragen ↗DUO · Verlof ↗DUO · Gift/terugbetaling ↗DUO · Wijzigen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.