Someone looking at a letter from DUO about an integration loan at a kitchen table with a cup of coffee.

Borrowing from DUO for your integration course: what is possible and what is not

You are sitting at the kitchen table with a stack of papers from the municipality and DUO. You want to learn Dutch, you have found a course, but the bill is high. The question that comes up: can you apply for a DUO integration loan to pay for that course? The short answer: that depends on the law that applies to you and on your route. In this article you will read exactly how that works, without made-up amounts or false promises.

In the Netherlands, many people pay for their integration course partly themselves. The government has set rules about who may borrow, what the money may be used for, and how you repay it later. Those rules sometimes change. That is why it is important that you do not rely on what a neighbour or a Facebook group says, but that you check the current information with DUO or with your municipality. A wrong expectation can lead to debts or delay in your integration.

In this guide we explain how the DUO integration loan works under the Wet inburgering 2013 and under the Wet inburgering 2021. You will learn which steps to take, which mistakes people make, and how to avoid surprises. We give no guarantees and mention no amounts that can change. But you do get a clear step-by-step plan and concrete example sentences you can use right away with DUO, the municipality or your course provider.

What exactly is a DUO integration loan?

DUO is the body that administers the integration exams in the Netherlands and manages the integration loans. If you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013, you may be eligible for a loan to pay for your integration course. You apply for that loan at DUO, not at the municipality. You borrow the money from the government and you must repay it later, usually in instalments. So it is not a gift and not a subsidy.

Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the municipality is in charge. The municipality decides which route you follow: the B1 route, the education route or the self-reliance route (Z route). The municipality can also make agreements about the financing of your course. Whether you can still take out a loan at DUO depends on your situation and on what the municipality has agreed with you. Always check this with your contact person at the municipality, because the rules are not the same for everyone.

Note: a DUO integration loan is intended for language lessons and exams. You cannot just use the money for something else, such as a laptop or travel costs. DUO checks what the money is used for. If you do not follow the rules, you can run into problems with repayment or with your integration obligation. So always read the conditions that come with your loan.

Who is the DUO integration loan intended for?

The DUO integration loan is mainly known under the Wet inburgering 2013. People who became subject to the integration obligation before 1 January 2022 fall under this law. They must pass their language exams at level A2 or higher within three years, plus the KNM exam. For them, DUO can provide a loan to pay for the course. The loan then covers, for example, the costs of a language school or an online course.

Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the system is different. The municipality is responsible for the offer and the guidance. In the B1 route you must pass language exams at level B1, plus the KNM exam. The municipality also arranges the participation declaration trajectory (PVT) and the Labour Market & Participation Module (MAP). Whether you can still take out a loan at DUO for the language lessons differs per municipality and per person. Sometimes the municipality pays for the course, sometimes you get a loan, sometimes a combination.

For the education route (especially for young people) and the Z route (self-reliance route, level A1), different agreements apply. In the Z route, the goal is to learn Dutch at A1 level, with a lot of practical guidance. Here too, the municipality can determine how the financing works. So always ask: do I fall under the Wet inburgering 2013 or under the Wet inburgering 2021? And which route do I follow? That determines whether a DUO integration loan is possible for you.

How do you apply for a DUO integration loan?

If you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013 and you want to apply for a loan, you do so via Mijn Inburgering from DUO. You need a DigiD to log in. In Mijn Inburgering you can also see your integration obligation, your exams and your possible loan. Before you apply for a loan, you often first have to choose a course that has been approved by DUO. Not every provider qualifies. So check whether your course provider is recognised.

The application itself consists of a few steps. You log in with DigiD, you fill in an application form and you indicate how much you want to borrow. DUO assesses your application. Sometimes you have to upload extra documents, such as proof of enrolment from the course. You will receive a message whether your application has been approved. If so, the money is transferred to your account or directly to the course provider, depending on the agreements. Keep in mind that it can take a while before everything is arranged.

Under the Wet inburgering 2021, you do not apply for a loan directly at DUO for your entire course. The municipality makes agreements with you about the learning trajectory and the costs. Sometimes you can get a loan for specific parts, but that often goes through the municipality. Your contact person at the municipality can tell you exactly what the possibilities are. Also ask whether there is a personal contribution and whether you get it back later if you obtain your diploma.

What does it cost and how do you repay?

The exact costs of an integration course differ per provider and per trajectory. An intensive course with many contact hours is more expensive than an online course. The exams themselves also cost money. The DUO integration loan covers part of these costs, but not always everything. So you may have to deal with a personal contribution. It is wise to make a budget in advance: what does the course cost, what does each exam cost, and how much can you borrow?

Repayment of a DUO integration loan usually starts after you have obtained your integration diploma, or after a certain period. You then pay back a monthly amount. If you do not obtain your diploma, you still have to repay the borrowed money. There are schemes for people who cannot afford it, such as a payment arrangement or remission in special cases. But those are exceptions. Do not assume that your debt will simply disappear.

Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the municipality can provide a loan or reimburse part of the costs. Sometimes you have to repay the money if you stop the course or do not keep to the agreements. Read the small print of the agreement you make with the municipality. Ask for an explanation if something is not clear. You have the right to understandable information.

Which rules apply for naturalisation and residence?

A DUO integration loan also has to do with your residence status. For naturalisation (applying for Dutch citizenship) you must have an integration diploma at level A2 or higher, or a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma. Programme I (B1) and Programme II (B2) both count for the language part. A loan does not change that requirement. You still have to pass your exams. There is a proposal to raise the level for naturalisation to B1, but that has not yet been introduced. Always check the current rules with the IND.

For a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident permit, it usually also applies that you must meet the integration obligation. That means you need an integration diploma. If you have taken out a loan and you do not obtain your diploma, that can have consequences for your residence application. So make sure you make a realistic plan and that you get enough time and support.

DUO does not deal with residence permits. The IND decides on naturalisation and residence. The municipality guides you with integration under the Wet inburgering 2021. It is important to know who is responsible for what, so that you do not go to the wrong body. If in doubt, always check with your municipality or with the IND.

Practical example sentences and situations

I want to apply for a loan for my integration course. Can you tell me which steps I need to take?
My municipality says I fall under the Wet inburgering 2021. Can I still get a loan from DUO?
I have found a course, but I do not know whether it is recognised by DUO. How can I check that?
I received a letter from DUO about my loan. Can you help me understand the conditions?
I cannot pay the monthly repayment. Can I apply for a payment arrangement?
I want to use my loan for an online course. Is that allowed?
My contact person at the municipality mentioned a personal contribution. What exactly does that mean?
I am afraid I will not obtain my integration diploma. What happens to my loan then?

Step-by-step plan (what you do this week)

Step 1: Find out which law you fall under. Check Mijn Inburgering or ask your municipality. This determines whether you can apply for a loan at DUO.
Step 2: Gather information about courses. Ask different providers about the costs, the duration and whether they are recognised. Compare and choose a course that fits your level and schedule.
Step 3: Make a budget. Calculate how much the course costs, how much the exams cost and how much you may have to pay yourself. Take a personal contribution into account.
Step 4: Apply for the loan (if you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013) via Mijn Inburgering with your DigiD. Upload the required documents and wait for approval.
Step 5: Make clear agreements with your municipality (if you fall under the Wet inburgering 2021). Record who pays what and what happens if you fall behind.
Step 6: Plan your study and exams realistically. Make sure you have enough time to learn alongside work and family. Ask for help if you cannot manage alone.

Common mistakes (and what works)

Mistake: Thinking the loan is free money. Fix: Realise that you have to repay it. Read the conditions carefully.
Mistake: Choosing a course without checking whether it is recognised. Fix: Always check with DUO whether the provider is on the list before you enrol.
Mistake: Not making a budget. Fix: List all the costs, including exam fees and travel costs. That way you avoid surprises.
Mistake: Using your loan for something other than the course. Fix: Follow the rules. DUO checks what the money is used for.
Mistake: Not asking the municipality about the possibilities. Fix: Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the municipality can help you with financing. Ask about it.

Mini checklist

Check 1: I know which law I fall under (Wet inburgering 2013 or 2021).
Check 2: I have found a recognised course that fits my level and budget.
Check 3: I have made a budget with all the costs and the possible loan.
Check 4: I have read and understood the conditions of my loan or municipal scheme.
Check 5: I have a realistic study plan and I know when I want to take my exams.

How to practise this (Dutch Fluency + more)

Whether you have a loan or not, you ultimately have to pass the exams. Practising in exam style helps you get familiar with the question types and the time pressure. On Dutch Fluency NT2 you will find exercises for reading, listening, writing and speaking at A2 and B1. For example, you can practise with short texts about the doctor, doing groceries at Albert Heijn or a conversation at the municipality. That way you learn the words you really need.

The app gives you immediate feedback and you can work at your own pace. Start with the parts you find difficult and build from there. Remember: practising is no guarantee of passing, but it increases your chances. Try to practise for fifteen minutes every day, even if you are tired. Small steps make a big difference.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a DUO integration loan if I fall under the Wet inburgering 2021?

Under the Wet inburgering 2021, the financing usually goes through the municipality. Whether you can still take out a loan at DUO depends on your route and the agreements with your municipality. Check this with your contact person at the municipality. They can tell you exactly what the possibilities are.

How much money can I borrow from DUO for my integration course?

The loan amounts change and differ per situation. That is why we do not mention an exact amount here. You can find the current amount on Mijn Inburgering or by contacting DUO. Also ask about the conditions and the repayment term.

Do I have to repay the loan if I do not obtain my integration diploma?

Yes, in principle you must always repay a loan, even if you do not obtain your diploma. There are schemes for people who cannot afford it, such as a payment arrangement or remission in special cases. Contact DUO to discuss what your options are.

Can I use my loan for an online course?

That depends on DUO's rules and whether the online course is recognised. Not every online course qualifies for a loan. So check in advance whether the provider has been approved by DUO. If you are unsure, ask DUO.

What happens to my loan if I stop the course?

If you stop the course, you usually still have to repay the borrowed money. Sometimes the municipality or DUO can make an arrangement, but that is not automatic. It is wise to ask in advance what the consequences are if you stop early. That way you avoid financial problems.

Do I need a loan for the Staatsexamen NT2?

The Staatsexamen NT2 is a separate exam that you take at DUO. You can use a loan to prepare, for example for a course. Whether you can get a loan for the Staatsexamen itself depends on your situation. Check the website of DUO or Staatsexamens NT2 for the current information.

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