Studying with a disability

If you have a disability, you can apply for adjustments, accommodations or guidance and support.

What is a disability?

Utrecht University defines a disability as follows: a disability is a chronic disorder (diagnosed by a certified professional) that can hinder a student’s ability to participate fully in (higher) education.

Examples

  • Dyslexia
  • ADHD
  • A chronic illness (including Crohn's disease, diabetes, asthma, rheumatism, ME/CFS, RSI/CANS)
  • A physical (visual, auditory, or motor) impairment
  • Autism (ASD)
  • Chronic mental health disorders.

Applying for classroom and examination adjustments or accommodations

You can submit a request for classroom and examination adjustments or accommodations via Osiris Case (tab Cases > adjustments or accommodations). An example of an adjustment or accommodation is extra time when sitting exams.

Adjustments or accommodations may be different from those you had before or elsewhere. Adjustments or accommodations are recorded in OSIRIS. It is important to make contact as early as possible so that adjustments or accommodations can be arranged in time. If you have any questions, please contact your study advisor.  

Please note: adjustments or accommodations may need to be reapplied for when you start a master's programme.

Osiris

Financial provisions

There are several financial provisions you may be eligible for in case of study delay. It is important to discuss any study delay with your study advisor in a timely manner and to submit a FinSCO request after the end of each academic year in which you experience study delays due to circumstances beyond your control. Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria for FinSCO. 

If you want to discuss whether you might be eligible for a financial provision from DUO, you can make an appointment with the student counsellors. 

Other

Whom to contact for questions?

  • Study advisor For questions about studying with a disability or applying for adjustments or accommodations
  • Student counsellors For guidance and advice on financial arrangements, support and other questions about studying with a disability
  • Student psychologist For personal problems and groups for students with disabilities

Resources

Law and regulations

Everyone in the Netherlands is entitled to equal treatment. For more information see: www.government.nl/topics/discrimination/prohibition-of-discrimination. In the Wet gelijke behandeling op grond van handicap of chronische ziekte (Wgbh/cz), the Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (WHW) and the Wet op de Studiefinanciering (WSF 2000), reference is made to ‘handicap or chronic illness’. Where ‘handicap or chronic illness’ is used in various laws, UU uses the term ‘disability’.