Frequently asked questions about top-level sport
We can well imagine that you have questions about studying in combination with top-level sport. On this page, you will find the most frequently asked questions. Can't find the answer to your question? Feel free to contact the top-level sport coordinator by email at [email protected] or contact Student Info.
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The Top-Level Sports Scheme helps students with recognised athlete status combine their studies with sport. Got top-level sports status at NHL Stenden? Then, within reason, you can count on a tailor-made study programme that fits your training and competitions.
You qualify if your sports federation has awarded you a talent or top level sports status recognised by NOC*NSF. This includes A status, Selection status or High Potential status, as well as International Talent, National Talent, Promise or Regional status.
Do you have a different status but compete and train at a similar level? Get in touch with the Top-Level Sports Coordinator. We’re happy to look at your options.
You always start with a chat with the Top-Level Sports Coordinator. Even if you’re already studying at NHL Stenden. Request a meeting through the form on our website. This gives us a good understanding of your achievements and helps us advise on what’s possible within your study programme.
Before you enrol, we’ll check if your study programme can offer the flexibility you need and whether it fits your sporting ambitions. Together with your programme and the Top-Level Sports Coordinator, you’ll look at what adjustments are needed.
Your personalised plan is reviewed at least twice a year so we can make changes if needed. We’ll also try to match you with a Top-Level Sports Study Coach - your go-to person throughout your studies.
If your studies are delayed because of your sports commitments, you may be eligible for financial support through the Student Support Fund — as long as you receive DUO student finance.
There’s also a Top-Level Sports Scholarship and the option for talent sponsorship if you represent NHL Stenden at (inter)national events. All applications go through the Top-Level Sports Coordinator.
You can apply via the Student Support Fund. Depending on your situation, you may also be eligible for a scholarship or talent sponsorship. Want to find out what’s possible for you? Contact the Top-Level Sports Coordinator via Student Info or email [email protected].
No, Dutch universities (of applied sciences) generally do not operate “college teams” as part of the academic system, and sports scholarships are very uncommon. In the Netherlands, sport and study are usually organized separately: students can participate in sports through local clubs or student sports associations, but this is not linked to admission or study programmes. For this reason, we do not offer scholarships or study places tied to participation in a college sports team. However, the school does support students who combine top-level sport (if they have received top-level sports status) with their studies, for example with a tailor-made study programme that fits your training and competitions.
Absolutely. Your study programme can support you, often through your Top-Level Sports Study Coach. There are also peer coaching options via the Student Empowerment Space (SEMS). The Top-Level Sports Coordinator is always happy to think along with you. You can reach the coordinator via Student Info or [email protected].
Sometimes. Together with your programme and the Top-Level Sports Coordinator, you’ll look at where flexibility is possible. Agreements are formalised in a “Top-Level Sports Customisation Agreement”, which needs approval from your programme or the exam board.
In some cases, yes. We’ll look at what’s possible and include it in your agreement. Depending on what you request, it will be submitted to the exam board for approval. They’ll assess whether your request is reasonable.
That’s possible too — if it fits with the arrangements you make with the Top-Level Sports Coordinator and your study programme. These agreements are formalised in your customisation agreement.
Let everyone know in good time — your fellow students, lecturers and Top-Level Sports Study Coach. Check what you can do, like watching recorded lectures or requesting a deadline extension.
Tip: create a yearly overview of training sessions, camps and competitions so you can plan ahead and make clear arrangements.
Not sure if you're on the team or in the squad? Keep communicating. Talk to the Top-Level Sports Coordinator and your Study Coach. Together, you'll look at whether you can still be recognised as a top level athlete and what that means for your studies.
Book a meeting with your Top-Level Sports Study Coach and the Top-Level Sports Coordinator. Together, we’ll decide what’s best for your situation. It might be a good time to catch up on coursework or adjust your study schedule.
Plan a meeting with the Top-Level Sports Coordinator before your degree starts. We’ll talk about what you can expect from us — and what we expect from you. We’ll also check if your sport can be combined with your study programme and agree on any custom arrangements.
Tip: make a yearly overview of your training, camps and competitions. It’ll help you spot potential scheduling issues early on.
We expect you to communicate clearly about your sporting commitments and actively take part in your classes where possible. We also expect you to meet with the Top-Level Sports Coordinator or student counsellor at least once a year — don’t worry, we’ll remind you.
Balancing two careers takes planning and cooperation from both sides.
We expect your sports federation to confirm the level at which you’re competing and to support you in combining your education and your sport. They should be willing to think along about your study schedule and help you maintain the balance between both careers.
Get in touch with your Top-Level Sports Study Coach or the Top-Level Sports Coordinator. You can email [email protected] or reach out via Student Info.