House of Representatives wants basic grant for university master's after HBO

HBO students only receive a basic grant if they choose to do a master's degree at a university of applied sciences. But those who obtain their bachelor's degrees from research universities are always eligible for a basic grant while pursuing a master's degree, regardless of whether they do so at a university of applied sciences or a research university.

In a recent lawsuit, a judge described the rules as “not entirely conclusive”, but left it to politicians to amend them. The former Minister of Education Robbert Dijkgraaf was also unable to explain the difference, but he had already resigned at that point. His successor, Eppo Bruins, said he did not have the funds to change things.

Now that a new cabinet has taken office, CDA is making another attempt to address the disparity in treatment. The Member of Parliament Jeltje Straatman considers the rules unfair and calls on the government to "explore a legislative amendment that would remove this inequality". Her motion received an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Only SGP and Mona Keijzer voted against it.

Last year, approximately 5,700 HBO students started a master's programme at the university level. If they were all entitled to a grant for students not living with their parents (3,894 euros per year), this could cost the government an additional 22 million euros annually. That's not counting the basic grant increase that the new cabinet has promised. If that becomes a reality, the cost would be even higher.