Support for student parents

You can request adjustments in study timetables or exam locations to accommodate pregnancy or parenting needs. Contact Student Dean Judith Kraal for assistance. If you need a lactation room or help organising your studies, reach out to your study adviser.

Check out the map of facilities for lactation rooms, resting areas and baby changing facilities at UM. 

Connect with other UM students with caregiving responsibilities and learn about your rights, available financial support and resources for pregnancy and parenthood from UM Cares, our network for students and staff with caring responsibilities.    

You can receive up to four months of financial compensation for study delays due to pregnancy. Check the ‘Profileringsfonds’ Regulations for conditions. 

Allowances 

• General allowances: For information on rent allowance, childcare allowance and more, contact the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst).  
• Single parent allowance (eenoudertoeslag): If you are a single parent with a child under 18, you may qualify for a single parent allowance. Contact DUO (Dienst UitvoeringOnderwijs) for more details. 
• Childcare benefits (kinderopvangtoeslag): If you need childcare while studying, check your eligibility and apply for benefits at toeslagen.nl/kinderopvangtoeslag (in Dutch). 

The amount of allowance you are eligible for depends on factors like your childcare needs and whether you have a partner receiving an allowance. Report any changes immediately via Mijn toeslagen.nl (in Dutch) or the app Kinderopvangtoeslag (in Dutch).

UM has established PAC network for parents and carers to provide peer support. Interested in joining? Visit our  PAC network page for more information.  

You can also contact the student dean at studentendecanen@maastrichtuniversity.nl if you would like to be put in touch with other student parents to share experiences and tips.

Stichting Steunpunt Studerende Moeders offers useful information and resources for student mothers. Interested in the Smart Mama Coach programme? You can join at a discount. Contact studentendecanen@maastrichtuniversity.nl or visit  

Stichting Steunpunt Studerende Moeders (in Dutch).