Elite sports

Do you combine elite sport with your studies? At Utrecht University, you can count on special provisions based on your specific situation. This page explains whether you are eligible and what these provisions entail. Also, read the elite sports policy for a detailed explanation.

Do I qualify?

If you are an international student, the Elite Sport Student Counsellor will compare your status from your country of origin with the Dutch statuses listed below. Please ensure that you enclose an official declaration from your sports association or national sports committee. You can only qualify for the provisions at Utrecht University if you have an by NOC*NSF officially recognised elite sports status.

To make use of the provisions, your status must first be officially registered with Utrecht University. Make sure you register well before the start of your programme - preferably even before you enrol. In addition, remember that you have to renew your top-level sports status each academic year via the Student Counsellor Elite Sports.

Note: Are you only registering for provisions for the first time in August or September of your first academic year? Then keep in mind that you may not be able to receive (full) assistance.

What provisions are available?

  • Faculty provisions; such as schedule adjustments and dispensation for the binding study advice at Utrecht University
  • Financial provisions; such as (partial) reimbursement of costs for training periods or competitions abroad, compensation for study delays (see Compensation Scheme for Elite Athletes), and a free sports card (Olympas) at Sports Centre Olympos)
  • In-kind provisions; such as an extension on the time limit for completing your degree programme for A status athletes, and a special top-class athlete certificate on graduation

For a detailed overview, conditions and application procedure, read the Elite Sports Policy.  

How do I register as an elite athlete?

First view this video. To be eligible for facilities at Utrecht University, you must first make an appointment with the student deans for top athletes: Eva Beeftink and Anne Oonk. You can do this via Student Services.

The student counsellor:

  • checks your top-level sports status and determines whether you are eligible for facilities;
  • informs you about the possibilities and impossibilities of the top-level sports policy;
  • informs your study programme of your status so that you can arrange faculty facilities there;
  • acts as your point of contact if you have any difficulties in this regard with the degree programme management or to arrange financial support, a study extension or your special graduation certificate.

Important: Don't wait until the last minute to make an appointment. Are you a prospective student? Then contact us preferably several months before the start of education, so that you can be sure that your studies and sport can be combined.

There are special consultation hours for top athletes. Don't these fit into your schedule? Then you can always request another time.

Student services

Annual renewal of registration elite sports status

Elite sports provisions are in principle granted for the duration of one academic year. Thereafter, you must apply - possibly with additional supporting documents - for an extension. This can be done directly by email to Eva Beeftink and Anne Oonk at: elitesports@uu.nl. No appointment is needed for the extension.