In November, people with student loan debt with DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, DUO) will be notified of the monthly repayment amount they will have to pay in 2027. It is important to read this notification carefully and check that the monthly amount is correct. Anyone who wants to find out more, or needs help, can visit the DUO service centres in the Caribbean in November.
Check the monthly amount
It is important that former students read the message from DUO carefully. If the monthly amount has been calculated without taking their income into account, they can declare their income themselves. Doing that will help them avoid possibly repaying more than is necessary. Depending on their income, the monthly amount for 2027 could even be zero. Former students can visit the service offices to obtain additional information and assistance. In order to calculate the monthly amount, it is helpful if they take income statements for 2024 and 2025 with them.
Help with questions about student debt
Repaying a student debt is not always a straightforward matter. Payment arrears can sometimes occur, or it may be unclear how much someone has to pay. Former students can contact the service office with any questions they may have. DUO staff will take time to listen to the circumstances of their situation, explain things and work with them to explore the available options. They are also happy to help with repayments in local currency and any problems logging in to ‘My DUO’. The aim is to provide former students with greater clarity about their student debt and the steps they can take.
DUO staff will be visiting Bonaire from 2 to 6 November. This will be followed by visits to Aruba (9 to 20 November) and St. Maarten (23 to 27 November). DUO staff will then be visiting Saba on 30 November and 1 December, and St. Eustatius on 2 and 3 December. A longer-term service centre has been open on Curaçao since April 2025.
Information for prospective students and parents
DUO is also organising information sessions for young people who wish to study in the Netherlands and their parents. These sessions are going to take place on Bonaire, Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten in collaboration with Dutch universities of applied sciences. During the sessions, prospective students will be provided with information about studying in the Netherlands and the preparations they would need to make. Caribbean students who are already studying in the Netherlands will also talk about their experiences.
More information
The latest visit dates, venues, opening hours and information about the information sessions can be found at duo.nl/bezoekcariben. Former students can also find out more on the DUO website about calculating their monthly amount and how to submit information about their income.
