Starting a degree programme in the Netherlands involves more than attending classes and passing exams. First-year students should understand the bindend studieadvies (BSA), or binding study advice, which determines whether they can continue based on their study progress. BSA requirements, including the required EC (European Credits), can differ by university, hogeschool, faculty, and programme. The exact rules are usually explained in the programme’s Onderwijs- en Examenregeling (OER).

If students do not meet the requirements, they may receive a negative BSA, which can mean they must stop the programme. Institutions should provide guidance and a timely warning, while relevant personal circumstances may also be considered. As BSA policies continue to develop in 2026, students should always check their programme’s latest official rules rather than relying on general BSA requirements.

What Is a Bindend Studieadvies (BSA)?

A bindend studieadvies (BSA) is a formal decision made by a university or hogeschool about whether a first-year student can continue their degree programme. The term literally means binding study advice. Unlike ordinary study advice, a BSA can have consequences for your enrolment if you do not meet the programme’s requirements.

The word “binding” is important. A normal study adviser may tell you that your results suggest you are struggling or that you should reconsider your programme. That advice is generally guidance. A negative BSA, on the other hand, can mean that you are not allowed to continue the programme, depending on the institution’s rules.

In higher education, students normally receive study advice at the end of their first academic year. The university or hogeschool determines whether the advice is binding and what requirements apply. The Dutch government confirms that the specific BSA rules are set out in the Onderwijs- en Examenregeling (OER) of the programme.

A BSA can be:

• Positive: You meet the applicable requirements and can normally continue your programme.
• Negative: You do not meet the requirements and may have to stop the programme.
• Postponed or adjusted: In specific situations, the institution may make alternative arrangements, particularly where relevant personal circumstances have affected your study progress.

The BSA is generally focused on your first year because this period helps the institution determine whether you are making sufficient progress in the programme. The process can include monitoring your credits, progress meetings, warnings, support and a final assessment.

It is important to remember that a BSA is not simply a national pass-or-fail rule. The BSA norm can differ between programmes. One programme may use a particular EC threshold, while another may combine an EC requirement with additional conditions. Always check the current rules for your own programme before assuming that a specific number of credits is enough.

How Does a Bindend Studieadvies Work?

The BSA process usually starts with monitoring your study progress, followed by interim advice and support if needed. At the end of the first year, your institution reviews your results and makes the final BSA decision.

1. Starting Your First Year

When you begin a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university or hogeschool, your first academic year normally consists of courses, examinations, assignments and other learning activities. These components carry a certain number of EC, which represent the workload of your programme. A standard full-time academic year represents 60 EC.

Your programme will explain which courses you need to complete and which requirements apply to your BSA. Because BSA rules differ, you should not assume that completing a particular number of credits automatically guarantees a positive decision.

2. Monitoring Study Progress

During the year, your institution monitors your academic progress. This can include completed courses, earned EC, examination results and other programme-specific requirements.

The purpose is not simply to wait until the end of the year and announce a result. Institutions are expected to provide study guidance and warn students in time if their progress may result in a negative BSA.

3. Interim Study Advice

Many programmes provide feedback or an interim indication of your progress before the final BSA decision. You may be told that your current results are below the required level or that you need to improve your performance.

This stage is important because it allows you to understand where you stand and make a plan. You may still have examinations or resits available, depending on your programme’s academic calendar. If you are concerned about your results, speak to your study adviser rather than waiting for the final decision.

4. Final BSA Decision

At the end of the first year, the institution assesses your progress against the applicable BSA rules. A positive BSA means you have met the requirements and can normally continue.

A negative BSA means you have not met the requirements. Depending on the programme’s rules, this can result in the termination of your enrolment in that programme.

In certain circumstances, an institution may postpone or adjust the decision. Personal circumstances that have affected study progress can be relevant, and institutions must take such circumstances into account when making a BSA decision.

How Many Study Credits Do You Need for a Positive BSA?

One of the most common questions students ask is: how many study points do I need for BSA? There is no single answer for every student in the Netherlands.

How Many EC Can You Earn in One Academic Year?

EC stands for European Credit, and study programmes in the Netherlands use EC to measure study workload.

A full-time academic year normally represents 60 EC. One EC represents approximately 28 hours of study workload, including activities such as classes, preparation, assignments and independent study.

That means:

• 1 EC = approximately 28 hours
• 30 EC = approximately 840 hours
• 45 EC = approximately 1,260 hours
• 60 EC = approximately 1,680 hours

These figures describe study workload, not a universal BSA requirement.

Is There a National BSA Requirement?

No, there is not one universal BSA threshold that applies identically to every programme. This is important when searching for information about BSA studiepunten, hoeveel studiepunten BSA, or BSA norm. A number such as 30 EC or 45 EC may apply to particular programmes, but it should not automatically be treated as the national BSA requirement.

Dutch institutions have room to determine their BSA policy and the applicable norm for individual programmes. Government information states that institutions themselves determine whether a BSA is binding, while the detailed rules are included in the programme’s OER.

For example, one programme may have a 30 EC BSA requirement, another may use a 45 EC BSA norm, and another may require a different number of credits or combine an EC threshold with additional requirements.

This applies to searches such as:

• BSA norm hbo
• BSA norm universiteit
• hoeveel punten BSA
• 30 EC BSA
• 45 EC BSA
• 60 EC BSA

Where Can You Find Your BSA Requirement?

The safest way to find your exact BSA norm is to check your own programme’s official information. Look at:

1. Onderwijs- en Examenregeling (OER)
2. Study guide
3. Programme website
4. Student portal
5. Study adviser

Do not rely on a BSA number from another university or another programme. The requirement that applies to one course may not apply to yours.

What Is a Positive BSA?

A positive BSA means that you have met the requirements established by your programme for continuing your studies.
Usually, this means you have earned enough EC and satisfied any additional requirements specified in the programme’s regulations. Once the BSA process is completed, you can normally continue into the next academic year.

However, a positive BSA does not necessarily mean that you have passed every first-year course. Some programmes may allow students to continue with outstanding coursework, provided they have met the BSA requirements. Other programmes may have additional progression rules.

For this reason, students should distinguish between passing the BSA requirement and completing all first-year coursework. If you are unsure whether your current results are sufficient, check your programme’s OER and speak with your study adviser.

What Is a Negative Bindend Studieadvies?

A negative bindend studieadvies means that you have not met the requirements set by your programme for continuing your studies.

Insufficient EC is one possible reason. For example, if a programme has a minimum BSA norm and you earn fewer credits than required, you may be at risk of receiving a negative BSA. However, the exact rules can also include additional requirements, so the EC total is not always the only factor.

A negative BSA can have serious consequences. Depending on the institution and programme, you may have to stop your current programme and may not be allowed to continue enrolling in that programme under the applicable rules.

Before making a final decision, the institution must follow the applicable BSA procedure. Students should receive study guidance and a timely warning about the possibility of a negative BSA. Relevant personal circumstances must also be considered.

If you receive a negative BSA, do not ignore the decision. Read the official decision carefully, check the OER, and find out whether you have a right to object or appeal.

What Can You Do If You Receive a Negative BSA?

Receiving a negative BSA can be stressful, but there are practical steps you can take.

Speak to Your Study Adviser

Contact your study adviser as soon as possible. They can explain how your programme calculates the BSA and whether there are any remaining opportunities that could affect your study progress.

You can also contact a student counsellor or student adviser if your situation involves circumstances that affected your ability to study.

Ask specific questions such as:

• How many EC have I currently earned?
• What is my exact BSA norm?
• Which courses count toward the BSA?
• Are there remaining resits?
• Are there additional requirements?
• What happens if I receive a negative decision?

Check Whether Personal Circumstances Apply

If circumstances outside your normal studies affected your academic progress, tell the relevant university staff as early as possible. Dutch government guidance states that institutions must take relevant personal circumstances into account when issuing a BSA.

The exact procedure and evidence requirements vary, so do not assume that an institution will automatically know about your circumstances.

Check Your Resit Opportunities

Review your examination schedule and find out whether you still have resit opportunities. Check:

• Resit dates
• Remaining EC
• Courses that count toward the BSA
• Minimum grades or additional conditions
• The final date by which results must be available

A few remaining credits can sometimes make an important difference, but only if the programme’s rules allow those credits to count.

Check Your OER

Your Onderwijs- en Examenregeling (OER) is one of the most important documents to check. It contains the rules that apply to your programme, including the BSA requirements and relevant procedures.

Do not depend on advice from students on social media or information from another university when making an important decision about your enrolment.

Can You Appeal a Negative BSA?

Yes, students can generally challenge a BSA decision through the applicable institutional procedure. The exact process, deadline, and body responsible for handling the case depend on the institution.

The Dutch government confirms that students can object to a BSA and should check their institution’s student regulations for the applicable procedure.

If you want to challenge a negative BSA, follow these steps:

1. Read the BSA decision carefully. Check the reason given for the decision and the date on the letter.
2. Check the institution’s appeal procedure. Find out whether you need to submit an objection, appeal, or another type of request.
3. Check the deadline. Do not assume you can appeal whenever you want. Some institutional procedures have strict deadlines.
4. Gather relevant evidence. Include documents that support your explanation where appropriate.
5. Submit the appeal through the correct channel. Follow the instructions provided by your institution.
6. Attend a hearing if applicable. Some procedures allow students to explain their case.
7. Wait for the decision. The relevant body will review the case according to the applicable rules.

For example, institutional appeal procedures can provide a specific period in which an appeal must be submitted. The exact deadline should always be checked in the decision you receive and the current regulations of your institution.

If you are considering an appeal, contact your study adviser or student support service quickly so you understand your options before the deadline expires.

Can Personal Circumstances Affect Your BSA?

Yes. Personal circumstances can sometimes affect the assessment of a student’s study progress. Dutch higher education institutions are required to take relevant personal circumstances into account when issuing a BSA. Government guidance gives examples such as a disability, exceptional family circumstances, and certain forms of participation in institutional representation.

The important point is that this does not mean that every difficult situation automatically cancels a BSA requirement. Instead, the institution assesses the circumstances and their effect on the student’s progress according to its applicable procedures.

If you experience circumstances that significantly affect your studies, report them as early as possible. Your institution may have procedures for registering and assessing them, and supporting documentation may be required.

A study adviser or student counsellor can explain:

• Whether your circumstances may be relevant to the BSA
• When you need to report them
• What evidence may be required
• Whether an adjusted study plan is possible
• Whether the BSA decision can be postponed or otherwise adjusted

Do not wait until you receive a negative BSA before mentioning circumstances that affected your progress. Early communication gives your institution more opportunity to provide appropriate support and assess your situation.

What Is the 1 February Rule for BSA?

The 1 February rule is an important issue for first-year students who are considering leaving their programme.
The general principle is that students who voluntarily withdraw before 1 February may avoid certain consequences associated with receiving a BSA, but the exact conditions depend on the institution and programme.

The Dutch government specifically refers to the 1 February rule in connection with BSA warnings and study progress.
It is therefore important not to interpret the rule as simply meaning that every student who leaves before 1 February automatically avoids every BSA consequence. You need to check your institution’s current conditions, including the exact withdrawal procedure and the date on which your enrolment must end.

If you are considering stopping your programme, speak with your study adviser and check the official withdrawal information before taking action. Searches such as BSA voor 1 februari, uitschrijven voor 1 februari BSA, and BSA stoppen voor 1 februari often refer to this issue, but the official rules should always be your primary source.

Does BSA Apply to HBO and WO?

BSA can apply to both HBO and WO, but students should not assume that the rules are identical.

Education Type	BSA
HBO	Can apply depending on the programme
WO	Can apply depending on the programme
MBO	Uses a separate study advice system

Does Bindend Studieadvies Apply to MBO?

MBO has its own study advice system, which is different from the BSA system used in higher education. Schools monitor students’ progress and can make study advice binding. A negative binding study advice may mean that a student has to stop the programme. Students should also receive a warning and an opportunity to improve before a negative decision is made.

The timing also differs from higher education. For MBO programmes lasting more than one year, binding advice is generally given between nine and twelve months after the programme starts, while one-year programmes follow different timing. Personal circumstances may also be considered. For BSA mbo or bindend studieadvies mbo, always check the rules of the specific MBO institution.

What Are the BSA Rules in 2026?

BSA remains relevant in Dutch education in 2026, but there is no single national BSA rule for every programme. Higher education institutions can set their own BSA requirements, which are usually explained in the programme’s OER. The BSA has also been part of ongoing political and institutional discussions, so students should be careful with outdated information.

Students should not assume that the BSA has been abolished or that every programme requires 30 EC. Instead, check the latest information from your university, high school, or programme. The current OER, study guide, student portal, and official BSA information are the best sources for the rules that apply to you.

What Should You Do If You Are at Risk of Failing Your BSA?

If your current results are below your programme’s BSA norm, act early rather than waiting for the final decision. Use this checklist:

1. Check your current EC.
2. Confirm your programme’s BSA requirement.
3. Check which courses and credits count toward the BSA.
4. Review upcoming examinations and resits.
5. Speak to your study adviser.
6. Report relevant personal circumstances.
7. Read your current OER.
8. Check BSA and resit deadlines.
9. Understand the consequences of a negative BSA.
10. Consider alternative study options if continuing is no longer possible.

Frequently Asked Questions