Through the tool on rijksoverheid.nl/caribischestudenten, Caribbean students receive a personal overview with information about their rights, what needs to be arranged, and where they can get help. In addition to the Dutch version, there is also an English version available at government.nl/caribbeanstudents.

Eppo Bruins, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, is pleased with the arrival of the tool: “Students from the Caribbean part of our Kingdom must have the same opportunities and chances as their fellow students here in the Netherlands. We want to prevent students from getting stuck on various administrative issues and ensure a good start. With this new tool, Caribbean students can better prepare for their studies in the Netherlands. Everything they need to arrange is now in one clear overview. This way, incoming students can prepare well and focus on their studies upon arrival in the Netherlands.”

In recent years, partly based on advice from the National Ombudsman, efforts have also been made on other fronts to improve the provision of information, guidance, and preparation for students from the Caribbean. Since last year, Caribbean students automatically receive a citizen service number (BSN) when they apply for student finance. This allows them to apply for a DigiD and arrange several matters before departing for the Netherlands. Furthermore, there are initiatives such as the Caribbean Academic Foundation Year in Aruba, Curaçao, and starting August 2025 also in Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius to better prepare students for studies elsewhere. Through the ‘Collaboration HBO Student Success Caribbean Students’, an integrated program is being developed to support and guide students in making study choices, improving language and study skills, and providing preparation for a smooth transition with attention to studying in the Netherlands and Dutch culture.

The tool has been developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Education Executive Agency (DUO), the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), SGKZ, Strategic Education Alliance, and the Public and Communication Service.