ORANJESTAD (AAN): New information available to DIARIO indicates that Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) will be visiting the Caribbean region from March 9th to 27th as part of their efforts to help with Caribbean Students Study in Netherlands Preparation.
During the visit, DUO will open temporary service offices and organize information sessions about study financing. These sessions will also provide guidance on the new government services that help students prepare for their journey to the Netherlands.
Each year, over 1,500 young people from the Caribbean region begin their studies in the Netherlands. To ensure a smoother transition, DUO, in collaboration with other organizations (including government agencies), developed a special online service in 2025. Through this website, students can access a summary of information regarding their rights, necessary preparations, and where they can get help. The website can be found at:
www.bit.ly/studiened
The service has received positive feedback. “We see that Caribbean students and their parents find the service extremely valuable, and this is why they are better prepared for their journey to the Netherlands,” said Monique Hoogerwerf, Caribbean coordinator at DUO. “This contributes to a good start to their studies.”
Information Sessions: DIARIO confirmed that in March, DUO will hold information sessions in Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. During these sessions, future students and their parents will receive information on study financing, the ‘burgerservicenummer’ (BSN), and other practical matters they need to address when studying in the Netherlands.
Temporary Service Offices: DUO will also open temporary service offices in Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, and Aruba. In Curaçao, a permanent service office will open in April 2025.
Not only current students but also former students can visit these offices with any questions they have. They can receive further information on repaying study debts, such as local currency payments versus additional fees or monthly payment reductions. The service offices are available for those who have payment issues or delays, providing personalized help and finding suitable solutions in collaboration with partners.
More information about the information sessions and service offices can be found on the following website:
duo.nl/bezoekcariben
Students are advised to take note of this information.
