Study Progress Monitoring

Apply for dispensation

One of the criteria to retain a residence permit for study, is that you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient study progress. This means that you must obtain at least 50% of the required ECTS credits in each academic year. If you start your academic year in September, you’ll need to obtain at least 30 ECTS before 31 August, as each year has a total study load of 60 ECTS. And if you start your programme in February, you must obtain at least 15 ECTS by 31 August. More information on uva.nl/visaExternal link.

It is possible that you experience some delay in your studies due to external events that influence your studies. If you feel that you have a valid reason for not reaching the minimum amount of ECTS credits, you can submit a request for dispensation from Study Progress Monitoring (SPM).

The reason must be in the order of severe personal circumstances, like:

• (Chronic) illness
• (Physical or sensory) disability
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Exceptional family circumstances (such as the loss or illness of a relative)
• Educational circumstances beyond your control

These are called 'excusable reasons'. Each circumstance listed above may only be cited once as a reason for insufficient academic progress during your studies at the UvA.

The deadline to submit a request for dispensation is 13 August 2023, at the latest, via the link below:

Submit your request for dispensationExternal link

Documents

General:

• The statement(s) may only be submitted in English, Dutch, French or German. If not, it must be translated (in English, French or German) by a certified translator, provided with a signature etc.
• It must be clear in the document in which period the (medical) circumstance took place.
• The document must always have a date on it.
• If your doctor, specialist or therapist declines to provide a declaration, the student counsellor can prepare a letter for you that explains why you are requesting the declaration. This will help your doctor, specialist or therapist understand why you need a declaration.

What happens next?

• The study progress committee will decide whether you have a valid reason for not obtaining sufficient ECTS.
• You will receive feedback on your request for dispensation from SPM before 1 September.
• If your dispensation request is granted, the IND will not be informed. Read more on uva.nl/visaExternal link.
• If you do not receive a dispensation, you will be deregistered from the IND and you no longer have a valid residence permit. Read more on uva.nl/visaExternal link.

If you disagree with the decision

If you have not been granted dispensation from SPM and you do not agree, 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.