Studying abroad with special needs

The best place to start is to discuss your plans with your friends and family. But it may also be worth your while to consult with your practitioner (if applicable). Together you can discuss who to contact in case you need assistance while you are abroad. We recommend that you have safety net, even at a distance.

In order to be of assistance we recommend that you contact the International Office and/or to disclose your special needs as part of the exchange application in Osiris. This is by no means obligatory but if you wish to apply for special assistance or adjustments abroad then we recommend that you discuss this with the UU International Office. If and how you choose to disclose to the partner university is your own choice. We will never share this information with the partner university without your consent.

Should you choose to disclose at the UU International Office before you apply for an exchange then we can advise you which university best suits your needs and wishes. Some universities have their own Disability or Inclusion office(r), which is generally a sign that there is a considerable amount of support for students with special needs.

Our experience is that for instance universities in Belgium, the UK and Scandinavia are well equipped in terms of support and facilities for students with special needs. But there are also options outside of Europe. Some of the most frequent facilities or adjustments are extra time for exams, assistance software, adapted student housing etc. To qualify for one of these you would need to prove that you are eligible for it and that you have already been awarded similar facilities in the Netherlands. Your UU study advisor or tutor may help you prove this, for instance by drawing up a letter or statement confirming your facilities here. The partner university can then be asked by the UU International to try and match the same level of support when you study with them.

Once you have applied for the exchange and you have received news that you have been accepted at the university abroad, the preparation starts. It is important to check whether your (health) insurance covers you sufficiently while abroad, which authorities you need to inform that you are going abroad (for instance when you use the personal budget supplied by the government) and check whether you have access to any specific medication that you might need.

Then in order to prepare financially we recommend that you to check whether you are eligible for an supplementary grant. This may be possible through the Erasmus+ programme, for links to this and other grants and scholarship providers see the Links section.

The following organizations and resources are available to help you prepare for your exchange:

• Studying with a disability - you can start nearby and read what is advised to students here at UU.
• Inclusive Mobility - here you can check our the accessibility of the buildings at the university you want to study at. This website is also an online platform for inclusive mobility for employees and students of European  higher education institutions.
• ECIO - step 10 Going abroad contains a step by step plan by ECIO. ECIO supports students with special needs.
• Studying without Limitations - the UU platform Studying without Limitations is a peer to peer group for students with a disability. If you would like advice or get in touch with fellow students.
• Erasmus+ grants including Top Up - it is possible to apply for a Top Up grant through the Erasmus+ programme for any additional costs you will encounter due to your special needs.
• Other grant programs - (only available in Dutch) using this search engine you can find a number of scholarship funds you can apply tot o finance your exchange, for instance through the KF Heinfonds.
• VSB fonds - (only available in Dutch) should you want to go abroad for a master degree or research after your graduation, you can apply for a scholarship at VSBfonds.