Disability and studying

Utrecht University aims to ensure that all students feel welcome and receive the support they need to make the most of their studies. If you have a disability, you can apply for adjustments or accommodations and support.

Utrecht University defines a disability as a chronic disorder (diagnosed by a certified professional) that may hinder a student鈥檚 ability to participate fully in (higher) education.

Examples include:

  • Dyslexia
  • AD(H)D
  • A chronic illness
  • A physical (visual, auditory, or motor) impairment
  • Autism (ASD)
  • Chronic mental health disorders.

Support

There are various adjustments or accommodations and support services available to students with a disability at Utrecht University:

  • Advice and counselling
    If you encounter a problem or are looking for personal advice during your studies, you can contact a study advisor, a student psychologist, a student counsellor or your tutor. More information about these forms of guidance and contact options can be obtained on  during your studies.
  • Classroom and examination arrangements or accommodations
    We strongly advise you to contact the study advisor of the programme to which you are applying, well in advance of the start of your course, to inquire about the possibilities. You can discuss whether you are eligible for certain arrangements with the study advisor. One example of a practical arrangement is extra time when sitting exams.
  • Financial support
    If your studies are delayed as a result of circumstances beyond your control (e.g. disability), you may be eligible for various forms of . Many of these depend on whether you are eligible for a Dutch student grant (from DUO).

Procedure

Please contact your study advisor well before you start your degree programme to discuss your situation and determine which support options are available to you during your studies. These may differ from the services you had access to at a previous university or school. Agreements about these special services will be formalised in a contract. It is important to seek contact as soon as possible, to ensure that there is enough time to make the necessary arrangements. 

You can contact the study advisor for your degree programme via your . Please note that the counselling system at University College Utrecht is different: there is a dedicated , who you can contact about studying with a disability.

Student psychologists

The student psychologists at 乐鱼后台 offer short-term help and treatment for study-related or personal problems.

Other support services

  • Career Services
  • Skills Lab Writing Centre
  • Educational Consultancy and Professional Development (smart study techniques, individual coaching)
  • Academic Support Advisor (study choice, master's selection)

You can find more information on our  page. 

Accessibility

The  provides information on accessibility for each building, including wheelchair entrances, lifts, and quiet rooms.

If you encounter problems yourself (e.g. key cabinets for lifts that are too high, thresholds that are too high, etc.), you can report this by contacting the .

More information and contact

  •  your study advisor, a student psychologist or student counsellor
  •  is a peer to peer group for students with a disability. The members of this platform are experts by experience, and are happy to share their knowledge with you.
  • Looking for information on housing? See www.uu.nl/housing (general information for international students) and the SSH web page (Adapted Living)
     (information about housing for various target groups with either a disability, a specific background or a special housing need).