Can I still get STAP budget subsidy?
NO! unfortunately the STAP budget has been cancelled for everyone. However there are still a few smaller initiatives where you might get funding. Also, there will be a successor to the STAP budget subsidy called the SLIM budget (to be expected later in 2024 or 2025). If you work for a Dutch company also check if you have a budget as part of your working conditions. Most Companies have such an arrangement for personal education
What is the STAP budget?
The STAP budget was a financial initiative provided by the Dutch government to support lifelong learning and career development. STAP stands for 'STtimulans Arbeidsmarkt Positie', which translates into English as 'stimulus labour-market position'. The STAP budget is a government support package that aims to stimulate people to acquire new skills, update their knowledge, or switch careers. It does this by providing funding for courses, trainings, or certifications. Everyone of working age who has a right to work in the Netherlands is eligible to receive this funding, including non Dutch and non Dutch-speaking people. Full details about the STAP Budget scheme can be found - in Dutch - here. For a full overview of how the STAP Budget works and how you can make use of it, in English, stay on this site!
Who can get the the STAP budget?
(EDIT: no one can get the STAP budget anymore)
To be eligible for the STAP budget:
What courses or programs qualify for the STAP budget?
The STAP budget covers a wide range of courses, training programs, and certifications, including: vocational education programs; higher professional education programs; University courses; short-term courses or training in various fields. Usually the provider of the course will indicate if the course is in the STAP budget program or not. So ask the provider of your course if you are unsure.
How do I apply for the STAP budget?
To apply for the STAP budget, you need to follow these steps:
You actually don't get any money yourself but a budget to follow a course. The exact amount you can receive through the STAP budget depends on the cost of the course or program you choose. The maximum amount available per person per year is €1,000. This amount covers tuition fees, examination fees, and any mandatory study materials. Be aware that the budget is provided on the condition that you complete at least 80% of your course or study. If a course costs more than €1,000. you may have to add some money from yourself to pay for the course.
Can I apply for the STAP budget more than once?
You can apply for the STAP budget multiple times throughout your lifetime. However, you can only receive STAP funding once per calendar year.
Can I use the STAP budget in combination with other financial aid programs?
No, you cannot use the STAP budget in conjunction with other government educational financial aid programs. If you are currently receiving financial aid from another source, you will not be eligible for the STAP budget.
What is DigiD and why do I need it to access the STAP budget and information from the UWV?
DigiD stands for Digital Identity and is a personal identification code that you can use to log in to websites of the Dutch government, such as those related to the STAP budget.
Applying for a DigiD ican be done online on the DigiD website: @ www.digid.nl. Be aware that you will need your DigiD in order to access information about the STAP budget, such as which courses have been approved to participate, and to apply for your STAP subsidy.
What is the most recent official information on the status of the STAP Budget?
The following is translated from the official Netherlands Government STAP website.
Update: the next date for the STAP round is July 3th. Make sure you sign up for a course before this date at a qualified provider.
NO! unfortunately the STAP budget has been cancelled for everyone. However there are still a few smaller initiatives where you might get funding. Also, there will be a successor to the STAP budget subsidy called the SLIM budget (to be expected later in 2024 or 2025). If you work for a Dutch company also check if you have a budget as part of your working conditions. Most Companies have such an arrangement for personal education
What is the STAP budget?
The STAP budget was a financial initiative provided by the Dutch government to support lifelong learning and career development. STAP stands for 'STtimulans Arbeidsmarkt Positie', which translates into English as 'stimulus labour-market position'. The STAP budget is a government support package that aims to stimulate people to acquire new skills, update their knowledge, or switch careers. It does this by providing funding for courses, trainings, or certifications. Everyone of working age who has a right to work in the Netherlands is eligible to receive this funding, including non Dutch and non Dutch-speaking people. Full details about the STAP Budget scheme can be found - in Dutch - here. For a full overview of how the STAP Budget works and how you can make use of it, in English, stay on this site!
Who can get the the STAP budget?
(EDIT: no one can get the STAP budget anymore)
To be eligible for the STAP budget:
- You must have a legal right to work in the Netherlands.
- You may have not followed any training with the STAP budget during the year in which you apply.
- You must 18 years or older.
- You may not be receiving a Dutch state pension.
- You must have lived, worked or received benefits in the Netherlands for at least six months in the past 24 months. The period of six months is counted from three months before the month in which you request the STAP budget.
What courses or programs qualify for the STAP budget?
The STAP budget covers a wide range of courses, training programs, and certifications, including: vocational education programs; higher professional education programs; University courses; short-term courses or training in various fields. Usually the provider of the course will indicate if the course is in the STAP budget program or not. So ask the provider of your course if you are unsure.
How do I apply for the STAP budget?
To apply for the STAP budget, you need to follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility based on the criteria listed here.
- Choose a qualifying course or program from the official STAP portal or elsewhere online. Many organizations offer STAP eligible courses and these can be found quite easily by searching online. For example using a search term such as "STAP budget English language courses".
- Register for your chosen course on the website of the educational institution first and obtain a registration code in advance of applying for the STAP budget on the UWV website
- Make sure you have and know how to use your Digital Identity, or DigiD. For details on DigiD see the answer at the bottom of this page.
- Apply for the STAP budget through the official STAP portal. You can do this only 6 times per year on specific dates. Check those dates in advance.
You actually don't get any money yourself but a budget to follow a course. The exact amount you can receive through the STAP budget depends on the cost of the course or program you choose. The maximum amount available per person per year is €1,000. This amount covers tuition fees, examination fees, and any mandatory study materials. Be aware that the budget is provided on the condition that you complete at least 80% of your course or study. If a course costs more than €1,000. you may have to add some money from yourself to pay for the course.
Can I apply for the STAP budget more than once?
You can apply for the STAP budget multiple times throughout your lifetime. However, you can only receive STAP funding once per calendar year.
Can I use the STAP budget in combination with other financial aid programs?
No, you cannot use the STAP budget in conjunction with other government educational financial aid programs. If you are currently receiving financial aid from another source, you will not be eligible for the STAP budget.
What is DigiD and why do I need it to access the STAP budget and information from the UWV?
DigiD stands for Digital Identity and is a personal identification code that you can use to log in to websites of the Dutch government, such as those related to the STAP budget.
Applying for a DigiD ican be done online on the DigiD website: @ www.digid.nl. Be aware that you will need your DigiD in order to access information about the STAP budget, such as which courses have been approved to participate, and to apply for your STAP subsidy.
What is the most recent official information on the status of the STAP Budget?
The following is translated from the official Netherlands Government STAP website.
Update: the next date for the STAP round is July 3th. Make sure you sign up for a course before this date at a qualified provider.
Disclaimer: This site is created for your convenience, and while we strive to provide accurate information, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or outdated details. Our information is based on the way UWV organized the process during the most recent funding round, and for the exact rules or more detailed information, we recommend contacting the UWV or other official sources directly. If you require information about a specific course, please contact the course provider directly for the most up-to-date and accurate details.