DUO (Dutch education service) loan for inburgering (civic integration): who can borrow?

Your status decides whether you can borrow

DUO decides loan eligibility and amount for your situation. It pays eligible course or exam costs directly; you do not receive cash. Asylum-status holders under the 2021 law use municipal funding instead. Check the current rules and your DUO letter.

Check your law and status before arranging payment

Loan eligibility depends on your status and the integration law that applies to you. Under the 2021 law, asylum status holders receive municipal funding instead of a DUO loan; some family members in this group are also excluded from borrowing. Other categories may be able to borrow under different limits and conditions. Use your DUO decision and municipal plan to confirm which rules apply rather than relying on a general estimate.

Know which costs qualify

A loan may cover approved language or literacy courses, specified learning materials and eligible exam fees. It does not act as cash for general living costs, and items such as a laptop or administration charge may be excluded. Ask the school to separate eligible course charges from personal equipment or other non-eligible costs before sending an invoice.

Check the amount, duration and repayment terms

For some applicants, DUO calculates the amount using earlier income data, including a partner’s income. If your income has since fallen, check whether DUO accepts a request based on more recent income and what documents are required. The exact limit and end date depend on your case; use the decision letter and official calculator, and track any participation or integration deadlines that continue while you borrow.

Before signing with a school, verify that it is approved for the relevant funding route, ask for a written cost breakdown, and confirm how invoices are submitted. Keep the loan decision, invoices and payment records together. If a loan is refused or an amount seems wrong, ask DUO which income period, status or course cost led to the decision and follow the objection instructions in the letter.