Student counsellor - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2024)

You can schedule your own appointment in our online calendar. You can choose to make an appointment by phone or online or on campus.

We are aware that partly due to illness and holidays our waiting times are slightly longer than normal. New appointment options become available with some regularity, e.g. due to an appointment cancellation. So keep a close eye on the calendar. We will do our best to help you as soon as possible.

The student counsellors can help you with questions regarding:

• DUO regulations in the event of extended study delays due to disability,or special circ*mstances;
• DUO regulations in the event of an irreconcilable conflict with parent(s);
• specific questions or clarification about DUO student financing or the travel pass;
• If you cannot complete your degree within the diploma term from DUO (10 years) due to illness or other circ*mstances beyond your control;
• If you are deemed unsuitable for your degree programme while enrolled.

Requesting financial support/compensation form the Profile Fund

If you experience a delay in your studies due to special circ*mstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance. You can make an appointment with a student counsellor if you have questions about submitting your application, provided that you have timely reported your study delay to your programme’s academic advisor.

The general conditions can be found on the Profile Fund page [in Dutch].

Acute or long-term financial difficulties

Financial difficulties often have a bad impact on your concentration, which can be at the expense of your studies. If you are approaching the completion of your programme and you are experiencing financial difficulties that prevent you from finishing your studies, the student counsellor can help you apply for a loan or donation for your study costs from a private fund. The student counsellor can also refer you to organisations that help you get your finances back in order.

Are you facing acute financial distress due to circ*mstances beyond your control and are you unable to resolve the situation? Make an appointment with the student counsellor to discuss this. S/he can advise you and potentially mediate in a solution.

If you need a letter of recommendation for a private fund for your study or internship abroad, make an appointment with the student counsellor so we can assess whether we can write the letter. Keep in mind the points below.

• Make an appointment with one of the student counsellors not later than 4 months before you go abroad. This is in connection with the deadline set by the funds.
• We will write a maximum of three letters of recommendation.
• You make maximum use of DUO facilities.
• You also finances a part of the costs yourself.
• Please note a maximum of three weeks' processing time for writing a letter of recommendation.

The student counselors can advise you if you:

• temporarily want or have to deregister due to extenuating circ*mstances
• If you need an interim registration due to extenuating circ*mstances
• If you wish to discontinue your studies and/or you are considering a different programme

Make an appointment via the blue button at the top of this page.

You can make an appointment with a student counsellor for a confidential discussion about issues at the university or your own personal matters such as:

• a complaint or problem
• advice about the procedure for lodging a complaint or appeal with the Executive Board
• insecurity or discrimination

You can also contact the confidential counsellors for students if you are confronted with inappropriate conduct and wish to file a complaint or require support.

You can make an appointment with a student counsellor for a confidential discussion about issues at VU Amsterdam or your own personal matters such as:

• a complaint or a problem;
• the procedure for lodging a complaint or appeal with the Executive Board;
• insecurity or discrimination.

If you are confronted with inappropriate conduct and wish to file a complaint or require support, you can also contact the confidential counsellors for students. Are you confronted with (recurring) intimidating or aggressive behaviour by staff or fellow students? Are you discriminated against, or have you experienced sexual harassment, and do you wish to discuss this in confidence? You can turn to a confidential counsellor.

If you care for a loved one with a physical or psychological illness or you are worried or you do not receive enough care/attention yourself, you are a (young) informal caregiver.

More information for students who are informal carers