The Dutch government has decided to skip the STAP-budget application period in January 2023. The reason why this tuition aid cannot be obtained is because of the abuse in the market for the provision of services paid using the STAP-budget.
The abbreviation STAP (STimulering Arbeidsmarkt Position) stands for "stimulating position in the labor market." We are talking about the passage of training courses that help to get a new profession or increase the level of knowledge necessary for the performance of an existing job. This training helps the people of the Netherlands to find well-paid jobs, provide the labor market with qualified personnel and improve the living conditions of people who have improved their skills.
For the passage of training courses, the government allocates STAP-budget - financial assistance for training. The maximum amount of this assistance is 1000 euros per year. You can find out more about this program on the Dutch government website.
Practice has shown that not all training courses paid with STAP-budget are useful enough. At the same time, there is a court decision that prohibits the government from withholding payment for courses, even if the activities of the courses are being investigated by the Evaluation Chamber (Toetsingskamer) for compliance with the STAP program. Currently, such investigations are being carried out on more than 3500 courses with approximately 200 instructors. It will take time to complete the investigation and make a decision on the suitability of these courses for the program. After that, residents of the Netherlands will again be able to receive an allowance for paying for such education.
The amount of government funds allocated to the STAP program in 2023 will remain the same. These funds will be divided into 5 application periods, with the next application period starting on February 28th.
