Extra assistance
SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS--Young people from Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba who are going to study in the European Netherlands during the upcoming school year can count on a start-up allowance and free guidance in the first year of their studies.
The start-up allowance consists of a one-time performance allowance of US $2,761.72 and a loan of up to $5,523.44, and is intended to help pay for, for example, airfare to the Netherlands, room furnishings, winter clothing and a bicycle.
Students can receive free guidance in the first year through the Study Financing Department of the National Department Caribbean Netherlands RCN. This guidance consists of arranging a group flight to the Netherlands, reception at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and an additional insurance package, among other things.
In addition, students from the Caribbean Netherlands receive guidance from a mentor throughout the first year. A mentor not only offers an open ear and keeps an eye on things, but can also assist with registering with a municipality in the Netherlands, with the application for a Citizen’s Service Number BSN and with opening a bank account.
First-time students in the Netherlands from Bonaire, Statia and Saba can also make use of the housing service, which makes every effort to find suitable accommodation for students in the Netherlands, where housing is currently very scarce.
The start-up allowance applies to first-time students who are going to follow a full-time course at MBO level 3 or 4, HBO colleges or at universities in the European Netherlands. A student can apply for the allowance when he or she is eligible for study financing.
Applications for the start-up allowance must be made before the student starts the course and must be submitted before April 1, 2021. Application forms can be found online on RCN’s study financing page
www.rijksdienstcn.com/opstarttoelage.
