Private funds might be a solution in the following situations:

• You want to study abroad (for an exchange, research, a work placement or a Master’s programme) but you don't have the means to fund the entire trip yourself. Find out what options are available on the page 'Financial support for your stay abroad'.
• You're no longer able to fund your study yourself. This could be because you've used up all your entitlement to student finance or a student loan. Or perhaps you've always paid for your study yourself but aren't able to do so anymore.

If you would like to apply for a grant from a private organisation, make sure you find out as much as possible in advance, to establish which would be most appropriate for you and which eligibility rules they have. A wealth of information about private grants is available online.

Criteria

Each organisation sets its own acceptance criteria. A private organisation's willingness to support you financially will depend on several factors:

• The objectives of the organisation or grant. The board is bound to its by-laws and the way in which these by-laws are interpreted.
• Application criteria. Bearing in mind the organisation's or fund's objectives, the board will need to consider which applications are eligible for assistance and which are not.
• The application deadline, your budget and your letter of motivation.

Your application

When applying for financial support in situations where you have incurred a study completion delay because of unforeseen circumstances, you must explain these circumstances. You must also give a prognosis of the situation for the remainder of your study and how long you expect to need financial support. Include the following in your application:

1. An application letter explaining your circumstances, a prognosis for the remainder of your study and the length of time you'll need financial support.
2. A curriculum vitae: include your personal details, information about your academic career and work experience and additional information about activities you do outside your study.
3. A budget showing your income and expenses:
   • Income: student finance in the form of the basic student grant or student loan, a supplementary grant, interest-bearing loan and the tuition fee loan. In the event of a stay abroad, an allowance for the student public transport pass. Also, the healthcare allowance, financial assistance provided by your parents and your own funds, such as income from work and savings.
   • Expenses: rent, living expenses, tuition fees, teaching materials, insurance and, in the event of a stay abroad, travel expenses. Also include any debts you have with DUO or your bank.
   • See the sample budget (pdf).
4. Information about your academic progress: grades and credits achieved.
5. An accompanying letter from a student counsellor.
6. An overview of funds that you're applied to and the response received from them.

Recommendation from a student counsellor

Some funds ask for an accompanying letter from a student counsellor. They'll be expected to have spoken to the applicant, and seen and assessed the entire application (the motivation letter and budget, etc.).

If you're applying to one of these funds, do not submit anything to the fund before speaking to your student counsellor. They'll assess your application and decide whether or not it can be supported.

You and your student counsellor can discuss whether or not your application has merit. If the student counsellor believes it does, make an appointment and bring along the required documents. If the student counsellor has any doubts, you can email your motivation letter and other documents to the student counsellor first.