Student Rights & Responsibilities

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Student

Being a student means more than attending classes and earning credits, it also comes with a set of rights that protect your academic journey, and responsibilities that help maintain a respectful, safe, and productive learning environment. Whether you're new to higher education or continuing your studies, it's important to understand what you're entitled to and what is expected of you within your institution.

This webpage provides a clear overview of your rights and responsibilities across five key areas of student life: academic, administrative, financial and legal, health and insurance, and participation and representation. Each section outlines the standards, support systems, and obligations that shape your experience as a student, helping you make informed decisions and advocate for yourself when needed.

Knowing your rights can empower you to seek fair treatment, access resources, and engage confidently with staff and fellow students. At the same time, understanding your responsibilities ensures that you contribute positively to the academic community and uphold the values of integrity, respect, and cooperation.

Academic Rights & Responsibilities

Your academic journey at Wittenborg begins with commitment. Meeting academic standards and following programme regulations ensures your success and supports the integrity of your degree.

Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your programme.
Respect the Education and Examination Guide (EEG) regulations.

Administrative Rights & Responsibilities

Staying organised and keeping your personal records up to date helps both you and Wittenborg operate smoothly. Timely updates and communication are essential for compliance and support.

Register with the municipality (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP) if you haven’t already. This is done through the Personal Records Database of the municipality where you live. Upon registration, you will receive a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer – BSN), which is essential for accessing public services in the Netherlands. For more information about the BSN and registering foreign documents, visit www.government.nl or call 1400.
Keep your personal details in Osiris up to date, including your current address and contact information.
Inform Wittenborg of any changes that may affect your studies, such as financial difficulties, health issues, or personal circumstances that may prevent you from continuing your education.

Financial and Legal Rights & Responsibilities

Understanding your financial and legal obligations is key to maintaining your student status and ensuring a stable study experience. These responsibilities apply to all students, with additional requirements for non-EU students.

Pay Wittenborg tuition fees and other required costs on time.
Understand your rights and obligations under Dutch law (e.g. WHW – Higher Education and Research Act (wetten.nl - Regeling - Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek - BWBR0005682 ).
For non-EU students: comply with residence permit conditions (e.g. financial means, insurance, study progress). Also see the webpage on Residence Permit for Study (TEV/MVV).
For non-EU students: Understand Wittenborg's obligations as stated in the Code of Conduct: Code of Conduct and Regulations – I nternational S tudy.

Health and Insurance Rights & Responsibilities

Your well-being matters. Maintaining proper health insurance and seeking support when needed helps you stay healthy and focused on your studies. Wittenborg is here to assist you when challenges arise.

Maintain valid health insurance appropriate to your situation, whether Dutch basic insurance or international student insurance. Practical information can on insurance can be found on the Nuffic website: Healthcare insurance | Study in NL .
Seek help when facing health or mental well-being challenges. Our Front Desk can provide contact details for our in-house Student Counsellor or assist you in making a GP (general practitioner) appointment if necessary.
Keep Wittenborg informed: Always update Wittenborg about your insurance or any health or other mitigating circumstances that may affect your studies.

Participation and Representation Rights & Responsibilities

At Wittenborg, student feedback is not just welcomed, it is essential. Your insights and experiences as a student directly contribute to the continuous improvement of our academic programmes, support services, and overall campus life. By sharing your perspective, you help shape policies, refine modules, and enhance the learning environment for current and future students.

We believe that a strong academic community is built on open dialogue and mutual respect. Your active involvement ensures that Wittenborg remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of its diverse student body. Whether it's through formal channels or informal conversations, your voice matters.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Engage with the Student Representatives whenever possible. They serve as a bridge between students and staff, and your input helps them advocate effectively on your behalf.
Provide feedback through module evaluation forms at the end of each academic block. These evaluations are a key tool for improving course content and teaching quality.
Respect institutional governance and actively contribute to the academic community. Participation in meetings, events and discussions strengthens the shared responsibility for quality and progress.