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STAP budget

Subsidy for professional development

From 1 March 2022, you can apply for a government subsidy of up to €1,000 for joining a study programme, training or course. This enables you to develop, increase your knowledge and give your career a boost. Maastricht University offers various programmes and courses, especially for professionals, which fall under this subsidy scheme.

This subsidy is called STAP, a Dutch abbreviation for STimulering Arbeidsmarkt Positie

Interest in professional development subsidy has been so overwhelming that the maximum number of applications in the first round of the subsidy scheme was reached after only three days. This means that 35,000 people have been awarded a government subsidy of up to €1,000 for joining a study programme, training or course.  The next application period starts on 2 May.

We live in an increasingly complex world in which we face challenges that demand a lot from us. Life-long development is an absolute must. This requires broadening and deepening of our knowledge. It also involves time for reflection and inspiration. All this is important for yourself, your organisation and for society as a whole.

Maastricht University continuously develops a varied, sustainable and flexible range of study programmes and courses designed especially for professionals. So, grab this opportunity and apply for a STAP budget to make the next step in your career!

How does it work?

Registration Register now for an eligible programme. Check the conditions with the programme coordinator.
Proof of registration Your trainer or institution will send you a confirmation message, which you will need when you apply for the STAP budget with UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).
Start your application You can apply for this subsidy on the UWV’s STAP-portal, open from 1 March 2022.

Go to the STAP-portal.

Application periods Application periods of two months are used.

If the budget for a period is used up, you can try again in a new period.

Please note that your course must start at least 4 weeks after your application and within 3 months after the closing date of the relevant application period. So if you submitted your application in March or April, your course must start in July at the latest.

Confirmation Within four weeks after the application, you will hear whether the subsidy will be granted.

You will then start within 3 months after the end of your application period.

Subsidy granted

The subsidy will not be granted until you have completed the programme in accordance with the conditions and you have received a certificate of participation, certificate or diploma.

Can I apply?

You are eligible for the STAP budget if you meet the following criteria:

  • Age
    You are between the age of 18 and the state pension age.
     
  • Work
    You are an employee, entrepreneur or job seeker.
     
  • Financing
    You do not receive any student grants, educational contribution allowances or other public education funding.
     
  • Budget
    You have not yet received a STAP budget this year and there is still a budget available from the government.
     
  • Insurances
    As an EU citizen, you have been insured for national insurance for at least 6 months in the period from 3 to 27 months prior to your application
     
  • StartYour programme starts at least 4 weeks after your grant application and no later than 3 months after the closing date of the respective 2-month application period.

No rights can be derived from the information on this page. If you want to know more about the exact conditions and procedures, please check the website of the Dutch government (in Dutch). 

Courses at UM

Here’s a list of courses offered by Maastricht University that qualify for the STAP budget. Register now!