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What is your study programme?
What is your study programme?

Requesting dispensation from study progress monitoring

Last modified on 24-07-2025 08:19
Students from outside the EU must complete at least 50% of the study load each year. If you have a valid reason for not doing so, you can request dispensation from study progress monitoring.
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Criteria for retaining your student residence permit

One of the criteria for retaining your student residence permit is study progress: you must obtain at least 50% of the required ECTS credits in each academic year. This means that:

  • If you started your academic year in September and were enrolled for the whole academic year, you’ll need to obtain at least 30 ECTS before 31 August, as each year has a total study load of 60 ECTS.
  • If you started your programme in February, you must obtain at least 15 ECTS by 31 August.
  • If you are enrolled in a preparatory programme, you must complete the programme within 1 academic year.
  • If you earn enough credits to graduate this academic year, you will fulfill the requirements and do not have to request dispensation.

The UvA is required to inform Dutch immigration service (IND) about the study progress of non-EU students.

Exceptional personal circumstances

If you did not complete at least 50% of your study load because of personal circumstances, you can submit a request for dispensation from study progress monitoring. To find out if you're eligible, view the information on study progress monitoring on uva.nlExternal link.

Apply for dispensation

Between 1 June and 31 July 2025 you can submit a request for dispensation from study progress monitoringExternal link if you haven’t been able to pass the required amount of credits.

What happens next?

  • The study progress committee will decide whether you have a valid reason for not obtaining sufficient ECTS and might invite you for a hearing to discuss your situation.
  • You will receive an official response before 1 September.
  • If your dispensation request is granted, the Dutch immigration service (IND) will not be informed about the study delay.
  • If your dispensation is refused, the IND will be informed, and you will lose your residence permit or will not be able to renew the permit.  The UvA Immigration office will send you an email notifying you when they will inform the IND.

If you disagree with the decision

If you haven't been granted dispensation from study progress monitoring, and you disagree with this decision, you can file an objection. How to file an objection is explained in the email you'll receive in response to your request for dispensation.

Visas and residence permits