DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) letter explained in English
Education executive agency. Handles student finance, student loan repayments and the civic integration exams (inburgering).
Letters you may get
- Beschikking studiefinanciering — how much student finance you get
- Aflossing studieschuld — your monthly student loan repayment
- Inburgeringsplicht — you must pass the civic integration exam by a set date
- Boete inburgering — a fine because you missed the integration deadline
What to do
- If your income is low, ask DUO to lower your monthly repayment.
- Check your integration deadline in your DUO account, and ask for more time before it ends if you need it.
- Find the deadline. Look for “termijn”, “uiterlijk”, “binnen”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“bezwaar”, “beroep”, “verzet”). See the template.
Words you may see
- beschikking
- Official decision by an office about you, for example about a benefit or a permit. Also called besluit.
Questions
What is the DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs)?
Education executive agency. Handles student finance, student loan repayments and the civic integration exams (inburgering).
How long do I have to answer a letter from the DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “termijn”, “uiterlijk”, “binnen” — they mark the deadline. In the Netherlands, the time to object usually starts the day after the date on the letter (dagtekening), not the day it arrives. So count from the date on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“bezwaar”, “beroep”, “verzet”).
Can I read a DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Dutch. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the Netherlands
Belastingdienst · Dienst Toeslagen (Belastingdienst/Toeslagen) · CJIB (Centraal Justitieel Incassobureau) · Gemeente · Waterschap / hoogheemraadschap · UWV · IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) · SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank)