If you need a work permit, your employer must request it on your behalf from the UWV. They will need your residence permit and proof of student registration. This process takes about five weeks. 

If you require a work permit, you must choose between the following options for work hours: 

• Seasonal work: full-time in June, July and August 
• Other work: Part-time throughout the year, up to 16 hours per week. 

Residents of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland can work full-time without these limitations. 

If you are over 18 and living or working in the Netherlands, you must have basic healthcare insurance. This insurance covers standard costs such as GP visits, hospital stays and prescriptions. Ensure you are well-insured at all times. For more information, visit MyMaastricht. 

You are required to pay taxes on your total income, including any scholarships. In the Netherlands, you must file your income taxes annually. For more information on income tax, you can: 

• visit your employer's personnel department 
• call the Dutch Tax Administration for individuals at 0800 0543 (this number is not available from abroad) 

Your employer will deduct social security contributions from your gross salary. This deduction is mandatory and provides insurance against workplace accidents. 

Undeclared work, where no taxes or social security premiums are paid, is illegal. While it might seem advantageous due to higher earnings, it leaves you without employee rights or insurance coverage. Additionally, working without a valid work permit is illegal and can result in severe penalties for your employer. 

The UM Student Deans can help you if you have questions about your legal rights and responsibilities with regard to the following:  

• Financial support for study delays: get advice on obtaining financial support from the ‘UM Profileringsfonds’ (as of September 2025 known as 'Student Support Regulation') for study delays caused by personal circumstances, administrative roles or top-level sports. 
• Tuition fees & second study: get information on the applicable tuition fees for your enrolment, and the consequences for your tuition fees when enrolling in a second bachelor’s or master’s programme. 
• Dutch student financing (DUO): ask your questions about eligibility and requirements for Dutch student finance through DUO, including special provisions such as extending the performance grant or diploma period.
• Subsidies for student activities: find out your options for utilising the Promotion Fund for financial support for student activities and student organisations. 
• Private grants and loans: request a letter of support from the UM Student Deans when applying for financial support from a private fund. 
• Regulations and decisions of UM: inquire about regulations such as the Enrolment Provisions, the Student Charter, Codes of Conduct, and Education and Examination Regulations.  

• Objections, appeals or complaints: get help with legal questions about filing an objection, appeal, or complaint with the Complaints Service Point.  

   

• Compulsory health insurance: receive information on the legal requirements for health insurance in the Netherlands.
   

If you are looking for support for an issue that is not listed above, you can find more information on the page How can we support you? 

If you have a question related to any of the issues above, send us an email at  studentdeans@maastrichtuniversity.nl. Please send the email with your UM account and provide a short explanation on your study situation and circumstances, so we can understand what your question is.  

Prefer a personal meeting (online or on location at the Student Service Centre) about one of the subjects above? Please make an appointment using our online appointment tool. 

Please note, the UM Student Deans are unable to advise you on issues outside of your studies and education, such as your civil legal position, but you could address your civil legal issues with other organisations:

• Huurteam Zuid-Limburg for questions and problems related to your rental contract and landlord 
• Student Law Office Maastricht if you have questions about your legal position in tenancy law, employment law, consumer law and education law
• Juridisch Loket for questions about or problems with your housing, employment, family/relationship, police and criminal law, or debts / debt collection

If you cannot make your appointment or if you would like to reschedule, please notify us via the online appointment tool .   

Cancel your appointment if you are unable to attend your planned appointment or if you no longer wish to use the support of the UM Student Deans, even if it’s at the last minute. The earlier you cancel your appointment, the more likely we can help another student in your place. 

Your faculty has at least one dedicated study adviser to guide you. They know what opportunities exist in your programme, faculty and career field. This means they can provide tailored advice to help you maximise your success. They can even work with you to develop a personalised study plan.  

If personal circumstances are affecting your studies, your study advisor can provide a listening ear and connect you with other resources inside or outside your faculty for additional support such as a student dean, UM psychologist, Disability Support office or Career Services. Your conversations with your adviser are confidential, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Want go above and beyond in your studies and improve your career prospects? Ask your study advisor for ways to enhance your learning experience. 

Act quickly if you think you are at risk of experiencing a delay in your studies, especially if it’s due to illness or personal issues. Notify your study adviser or the student deans as soon as possible to get the support you need. They can often help you turn things around before it’s too late.  

If your study adviser thinks you could be struggling or at risk academically, they might reach out to you. This proactive support aims to ensure your well-being and academic progress. 

For tailored advice specific to your programme, schedule a meeting with your study adviser today.*