Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Matters

• I need a form filled out or stamped for government funding/DUO. Where do I go?
• I have a new credit card number – who do I have to inform? 
• I have a new bank account number - who do I have to inform?
• I need to know UCU’s bank account number (Note: not to be used for tuition fees).
• I need a physical address connected to the UCU bank account for a special bank transfer. 
• Can you pay in cash in College Hall?
• Can I pay with credit card in College Hall?
• Where and how can I pay for storage?
• Can I apply for any benefits?
• Can I apply for Dutch finance system or tuition fee loan?
• What happens if I run into significant, unexpected problems with paying my bills?
• I have not yet received the document / transcript I requested via Document Request.
• When does the Finance office have office hours?
• How can I pay in Dining Hall?
• I have a question related to catering. Who should I contact?
• I cannot find my question/answer among these money-related FAQs.

I need a form filled out or stamped for government funding/DUO. Where do I go?

You can drop off your form at the Reception Desk. They will pass it on to the Finance office. You will receive an email notifying you when it is ready for collection from the Reception desk, which usually takes 2 days.

I have a new credit card number – who do I have to inform? 

Send an email to our own Finance office (ucu.finance@uu.nl).

I have a new bank account number - who do I have to inform?

Send an email to our own Finance office (ucu.finance@uu.nl) and one to the Central Student Administration (CSA – studentservices@uu.nl).

I need to know UCU’s bank account number (Note: not to be used for tuition fees).

I need a physical address connected to the UCU bank account for a special bank transfer. 

Can you pay in cash in College Hall?

Paying in cash is not possible. You can only pay via a link for certain services such as storage. Eligible storage users receive at least one email per semester from the UCU storage team, which includes the payment instructions.

Can I pay with credit card in College Hall?

This cannot be done at the Reception Desk, only at our Finance office. We only accept payments with Visa or MasterCard. Exchange students may also pay for campus fees by credit card  in our finance office.

Where and how can I pay for storage?

Eligible storage users receive at least one email per semester from the UCU storage team, which includes the payment instructions. If there are still urgent questions regarding the payment procedure, you can reach out to ucu.storage@uu.nl

Can I apply for any benefits?

Check the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration website or contact Student Services helpdesk at the Uithof: studentenservice@qdesk.uu.nl.

Can I apply for Dutch finance system or tuition fee loan?

Check this infographic by Study in Holland or contact the Student services helpdesk at the Uithof: studentenservice@qdesk.uu.nl. Note that EU nationals who work a minimum of 56 hours per month might be eligible for a loan.

What happens if I run into significant, unexpected problems with paying my bills?

It will depend on the problem. Send an email to the Finance office (ucu.finance@uu.nl) or make an appointment to discuss options with one of the Finance officers or with the Student Life Office, Mark Baldwin.

I have not yet received the document / transcript I requested via Document Request.

Perhaps there has been a delay due to financial issues? Contact ucu.finance@uu.nl.

When does the Finance office have office hours?  

There are no office hours. You can either make an appointment by email (ucu.finance@uu.nl) or come to the Reception desk in College Hall between 09:00-17:00. The Receptionist can check if someone from the Finance team is available.

How can I pay in Dining Hall?

You can pay with a debit or credit card. Cash is not accepted.

I have a question related to catering. Who should I contact?

Please address your question to: bedrijfsbureau.uu@compass-group.nl

I cannot find my question/answer among these money-related FAQs.

Send an email to ucu.finance@uu.nl.

• I need a statement saying that I have paid my campus fees.
• When can I expect the invoice and the specification of the campus fees?
• Will the campus fee invoice and specification be sent to me or one of my parents?
• By when do the campus fees have to be paid?
• I want to pay the campus fees in installments (2, 4 or 9) What do I have to do?
• How do I know you have received my deferred payment form?
• I need a copy of last year’s invoice. Who can I ask?
• When can I expect the last instalment to be withdrawn from my account?
• Who can I contact if the campus fee installment payment did not succeed?
• Can I pay the campus fees in installments with a non-SEPA account?
• I paid the deposit when I was accepted. How will it be used?
• Will campus fees increase next year?

I need a statement saying that I have paid my campus fees.

Send a request to ucu.finance@uu.nl and make sure to indicate whether you need a digital copy or hard copy. Please indicate which period: academic - or calendar year?

When can I expect the invoice and the specification of the campus fees?

For 2^nd and 3^rd years they will be sent to your student email address around the beginning of July. For 1^st years they will be sent to your home email address around mid-June. The invoice and the specification of the campus fees will not be sent to your parents. Make sure to forward the email yourself, if necessary.

Will the campus fee invoice and specification be sent to me or one of my parents?

The campus fee invoice will be sent to students only. It is your responsibility to forward the correct information to parent(s) in time.

By when do the campus fees have to be paid?

For deadlines and dates, check the specification sent by email.

I want to pay the campus fees in installments (2, 4 or 9). What do I have to do?

It is possible to pay in 2, 4 or 9 installments.

If you would like to pay in 4 or 9 installments, each year you will receive a new direct debit form, sent along with the specifications. Please check the specification for the number of installments that apply to you. This option is also available for exchange students.

Incoming exchange students starting in spring 2025 will not receive a direct debit form to pay in installments. For information about paying in installments please check your invoice and specification for further instructions.

As of 2024-25 the authorisation form needs to be filled out once for the entire duration of your stay on campus (previously, you had to complete a new authorisation form for every year). Make sure to fill out this form for 2024-25 until the end of your studies and return it by the given date mentioned on the form. Paying in installments can only be done with a bank account from a SEPA country. 

For paying in 2 installments, make sure to proceed with the dates given on the specification.

How do I know you have received my deferred payment form?

If we have not received the form, we will contact you early October.

I need a copy of last year’s invoice. Who can I ask?

Check your own mailbox first. It has been sent each year. If necessary, send an email to ucu.finance@uu.nl.

When can I expect the last instalment to be withdrawn from my account?

The 4 or 9 installments are spread out over the year. The instalments are due either in December or in May. Note that you may be billed towards your credit card even later in Spring or Summer.

Who can I contact if the campus fee installment payment did not succeed?

We need to check this for you, so send an email to ucu.finance@uu.nl.

Can I pay the campus fees in installments with a non-SEPA account?

No, this is only possible from a Dutch account or a bank account from a SEPA country (click for a list of SEPA countries). 

I paid the deposit when I was accepted. How will it be used?

The non refundable deposit will be used towards your housing deposit. For more information please see the housing deposit page.

Will campus fees increase next year?

The cost of campus fees is dependent on a number of factors, including the general level of inflation in the Netherlands and energy prices. We are subject to purchasing agreements for energy that have been put in place for the whole of UU, and increases in these costs are highly dependent on geopolitical factors, and therefore out of our control. We are expecting to have to have to increase campus fees in the coming year. For more information about the expected increase of campus fees please click here.

• Which tuition fees will I have to pay for the academic year?
• I need a statement that I have paid my tuition fees.
• Who can I contact if the tuition fees instalment did not succeed?
• I have dual nationality, will my tuition fees be lower?
• UCU will be my second bachelor – what does this mean for my tuition fees?
• My Solis account does not work.
• Do I pay the statutory tuition fees ('wettelijk collegegeld')?
• Do I pay the institutional tuition fees (which is higher than the statutory tuition fees)?
• Can I pay tuition fees in installments with a non-SEPA account?
• I need to send in my statement 'Payment of the tuition fees' (for students receiving a partial or full waiver (scholarship students only). Who do I send it to?
• I need a statement or a 1098-T form for US Taxes that I have paid my tuition fees.

Which tuition fees will I have to pay for the academic year?

Check our website for details.

I need a statement that I have paid my tuition fees.

Send an email to CSA (Central Student Administration): studentservices@uu.nl. Your request will be handled within ten days.

Who can I contact if the tuition fees instalment did not succeed?

Send an email to CSA: studentservices@uu.nl

I have dual nationality, will my tuition fees be lower?

If one of your nationalities is EU and you have or can obtain an EU passport, you should be able to pay the lower tuition fees. Make sure to send proof (= copy of EU passport) to CSA so they can confirm: studentservices@uu.nl

UCU will be my second bachelor – what does this mean for my tuition fees?

Only if you have a Dutch nationality, you will have to pay institutional tuition fees (which are higher than statutory tuition fees). For more info, send an email to studentservices@uu.nl

My Solis account does not work.

Solis accounts can be blocked by Central Student Administration if there a problems with your tuition fee payments. Contact CSA a.s.a.p.: studentservices@uu.nl

Do I pay the statutory tuition fees ('wettelijk collegegeld')?

You pay statutory tuition fees when you are a Dutch national who has not yet obtained their Bachelor or when you are an EU citizen.

Do I pay the institutional tuition fees (which is higher than the statutory tuition fees)?

Non-EEA students and Dutch students who have already obtained a degree before UCU pay the institutional (=higher) tuition fees.

Can I pay tuition fees in installments with a non-SEPA account?

No, this is only possible from a Dutch account or a bank account from a SEPA country (click for a list of SEPA countries).

I need to send in my statement 'Payment of the tuition fees' (for students receiving a partial or full waiver (scholarship students only). Who do I send it to?

Send the completed form with your signature to CSA: studentservices@uu.nl

I need a statement or a 1098-T form for US Taxes that I have paid my tuition fees.

Please contact our Student Services at UU for tuition fees matters: studentservices@uu.nl. Do note that only a statement can be made confirming the amount of tuition fees that were paid. The actual T-form cannot be issued because we are not an American university.

• How much will I need to budget for monthly living costs?
• What are the travel costs like in the Netherlands?
• What are the average costs for study materials and books per academic year at UCU?
• How can I pay in most shops and supermarkets?
• Where can I find the nearest ATM machine to campus?
• Where can I find the nearest bank to campus?
• Do I need a Dutch bank account as an Exchange student for one semester only?
• Are there any ways to get discounts at e.g. museums?
• Is it possible to get rent allowance?

How much will I need to budget for monthly living costs?

Have a look at the Cost of living page prepared by Utrecht University.

What are the travel costs like in the Netherlands?

Check out these sites to get an idea:

• Guide to public transport in the Netherlands
• Use the website 9292 to plan your trip and to calculate travel costs. There is also an app for Android and Apple. 
• NS (Dutch Railways): Dal Voordeel
• Study In Holland: Getting Around

What are the average costs for study materials and books per academic year at UCU?

It is hard to give an estimate as it depends on the type of courses you take and whether you can find used books. Costs may vary from €100 - €500 per year.   

How can I pay in most shops and supermarkets?

It's easiest to pay with a debit card. Credit cards are not commonly accepted in the Netherlands. Click here for more credit card info and other money matters.

Where can I find the nearest ATM machine to campus?

The nearest ATM is right outside the Albert Heijn supermarket across the Wilhelminapark, about 5 minutes by bike or 15 minutes walk from campus.

Where can I find the nearest bank to campus?

The nearest bank branch is either SNS on Nachtegaalstraat 15 (6 minutes by bike, 23 minutes on foot), or Rabobank on Maliebaan 15 (7 minutes by bike, 26 minutes on foot).

Do I need a Dutch bank account as an Exchange student for one semester only?

If you are staying in the Netherlands for less than one year, you may have to pay fees to open a bank account. If you are only here for a short period of time, we recommend that you use your bank account from back home if at all possible. Click here for money matters for new students. If you are an exchange student coming for Fall semester only and you need to open a bank account, please contact the UCU International Office for further information (ucu.internationaloffice@uu.nl).

Are there any ways to get discounts at e.g. museums?

You can get certain discounts with an International Student Identity Card. Check this site for details or you can consider buying a Museum discount card. Check with fellow senior students for advice.

Is it possible to get rent benefits?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get rent benefits, as you do not have your own front door but share your unit with others. It is also not possible because you pay rent to UCU, and not directly to Lekstede.

• How can I get a refund for my double/ shared room?
• When can I expect the refund for shared room?
• How can I get a refund for my housing deposit?
• When can I expect the refund for housing deposit?
• Can I get a refund for the campus fee if I withdraw from UCU?

How can I get a refund for my double/ shared room?

Previously, student living in a shared room had to pay the full campus fees first and only received compensation later. This has changed as of the 2024-25 academic year, and the discount will be processed in advance and deducted from the balance due on your campus fees.

How can I get a refund for my housing deposit?

Fill out the Housing Deposit Request Form.

When can I expect the refund for housing deposit?

Only if you have filled out the form in time will you be able to get a refund. This must be done within 1 year after leaving. Students leaving campus in June will get their deposit back by the end of September. Any remaining credit will be transferred to the UCU scholarship fund when the deposit has not been claimed after 1 year.

Can I get a refund for the campus fees if I withdraw from UCU?

Depending on when you terminate your enrolment or admission acceptance, you may be entitled to a partial refund of the campus fees.

• I have a question regarding payment for renewal of my residence permit.
• What are the costs for obtaining a visa?

I have a question regarding payment for renewal of my residence permit.

Please contact the UU International Office a.s.a.p.: visa@qdesk.uu.nl.

What are the costs for obtaining a visa?

This is subject to change each year. Please check the IND website. 

• How can I apply for a UCU scholarship?
• Can I apply for a Utrecht Excellence scholarship as well?
• Are there any other scholarships if UCU does not offer me one?
• Can I apply for Financial Aid when I’m in my second or third year?
• Can I get a scholarship in addition to a FASFA loan?
• I need to send in my tuition fee waiver (scholarship related) for the tuition fees. Who do I send it to?
• I am an Exchange student. Can I apply for a scholarship?
• Am I eligible for student finance from the Dutch government?

How can I apply for a UCU scholarship?

You can indicate your need in your application form and upload the necessary documents in your application form. Check the scholarship procedure for more information.

Can I apply for a Utrecht Excellence scholarship as well?

No, you cannot apply for both. Check the scholarship procedure.

Are there any other scholarships if UCU does not offer me one?

Look under External scholarships (such as Grantfinder) on this page.

Can I apply for Financial Aid when I’m in my second or third year?

No, you cannot. But if you need incidental financial support perhaps the Student Aid Fund can help.

Can I get a scholarship in addition to a FASFA loan?

No, this is not possible.

I need to send in my tuition fee waiver (scholarship related) for the tuition fees. Who do I send it to?

Send the signed and filled-out form to CSA: studentservices@uu.nl

I am an Exchange student. Can I apply for a scholarship?

You cannot apply for a UCU scholarship, this is for degree students only. You may contact your own university for Erasmus grant opportunities. This is for EU students only. Also check out the Study In Holland website.

Am I eligible for student finance from the Dutch government?

Whether you qualify for student finance depends on your age, course and nationality or residency status. For more info check the DUO website.

• Study In Holland: Healthcare Insurance and Benefits
• Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration): How do benefits work?

• If you have received a letter from the CAK  - Find more info here Letter from the CAK | Wlz | SVB  and contact Student services:

Email: studentservices@uu.nl
Telephone: +31 30 253 7000
Monday to Friday 11-12 am and 2-3 pm
Visiting address: Bestuursgebouw - Heidelberglaan 6 - Utrecht Science Park
Monday - Thursday 10 am -  1 pm

Please mention, or have your student number ready, when you contact them

• I received the email about students who lived on campus in 2023 possibly being eligible for financial compensation related to energy costs. What is the situation with this?

Due to high energy prices, the Dutch government has imposed a price ceiling for private individuals in 2023. Because homes with block heating such as UCU housing were not eligible for this, last November the government gave the opportunity to also apply for compensation for such buildings. We have taken advantage of this opportunity and made the necessary applications. We have received notification that these applications has been preliminarily approved for a small part of the student housing buildings. We are now waiting for this decision to become final and are also awaiting a decision from the government for the other buildings.

Unfortunately we are unable to be specific about the timeframe that these decisions will be released by the relevant authority or how the compensation will be transferred to the students. Much is still unclear on the topic and we will keep you informed in due course as we receive updates.