International Student Helpdesk (ISH)
Need assistance navigating Dutch administrative letters, understanding health insurance requirements or claiming social benefits in the Netherlands? The International Student Helpdesk (ISH) is your go-to resource! Our team of Dutch professionals is dedicated to supporting international students at Maastricht University with any administrative challenges you may face.
We can help you by translating and explaining official documents, calling institutions or the government on your behalf, or in any other way you need. Your conversations with us are fully confidential.
If you need assistance beyond administrative matters, we can also refer you to other useful resources, such as those below.
Mymaastricht.nl: the information platform for international students
Discover everything you need to know as an international student on our partner website mymaastricht.nl. This comprehensive website covers health, transport, housing, finance, sports, events and community life in Maastricht. You can find information such as:
- what to do when you receive a health insurance letter (CAK)
- how to apply for a waiver (kwijtschelding) for the Councils and Water Boards Tax Collaboration (BsGW) invoice
- how to apply for a DigiD, the Dutch digital identification number
- how to apply for a health insurance subsidy (zorgtoeslag) or rental subsidy (huurtoeslag), if you qualify
- and much more!
Huurteam Zuid-Limburg: for rental issues
If you need help resolving a problem with your landlord or any other legal issue regarding your housing, Huurteam Zuid-Limburg is at your service.
Need to see a doctor? Or not?
If you are not feeling well and you want to know if it’s advisable to visit a physician, you can consult the website Do I need to see a doctor? (Moet ik naar de dokter?). This website asks you a number of questions and helps you determine, based on your age, gender and symptoms, whether you need to see a doctor. And, if so, how soon.