There is no universal national number of study points required for a Bindend Studieadvies (BSA) in the Netherlands. The required number of ECTS differs by programme and institution. 45 ECTS is a common BSA threshold, but some programmes require fewer or more. Always check your programme’s Onderwijs- en Examenregeling (OER) for the exact requirement that applies to you.
How Many EC Do You Need for a Positive BSA?
A full academic year in Dutch higher education normally represents 60 EC (European Credits). These 60 EC represent the standard workload of one full-time academic year.
However, you do not necessarily need all 60 EC to receive a positive BSA. The required number is determined by the institution or programme. A 45 EC threshold is common, although other requirements are possible. Nuffic notes that many HBO and WO programmes use a minimum of 30 or 45 ECTS, while a smaller number require 60 ECTS.
For example, the BSA requirement could look like this:
| BSA Requirement | What It Means |
| 36 EC | A positive BSA may be possible from 36 EC |
| 42 EC | Programme-specific requirement |
| 45 EC | Common BSA threshold |
| 48 EC | Used by some programmes |
| 52+ EC | Higher programme-specific requirement |
| 60 EC | Some programmes require the complete first-year programme |
These figures are examples of institutional variation, not a national BSA scale. Dutch universities and hogescholen can determine whether they use a BSA and, if so, which study progress requirement applies. The exact rules are included in the OER of your programme.
Is 45 ECTS Always Enough for a BSA?
No. Although 45 ECTS is a common BSA requirement, it is not a universal Dutch rule. Your programme may require a different number of ECTS, so having 45 ECTS does not automatically mean that every student will receive a positive BSA.
For example, the University of Groningen states that students in its Bachelor of Law programme must obtain 45 of the 60 ECTS in the first year to continue.
Some programmes can also have additional requirements for specific courses. This means that simply reaching the required number of ECTS may not always be the only condition for a positive BSA.
For this reason, the important question is not only “Is 45 ECTS enough for BSA?” but also “What BSA requirement applies to my programme?”
Why Does the BSA Requirement Differ by Programme?
There is no single BSA number because universities and hogescholen have the authority to establish their own BSA policies. The government confirms that institutions can determine whether their study advice is binding and which requirements apply.
Different programmes also have different curricula, course structures and academic requirements. As a result, the study progress expected from a first-year student can vary. HBO and WO programmes do not necessarily use the same BSA threshold. Even two programmes at the same university can have different requirements.
This is why you may see different numbers when searching for information about BSA study points. Numbers such as 30, 36, 42, 45, 48 or 60 ECTS can occur depending on the institution and programme.
Nuffic confirms that 30 and 45 ECTS are used by many HBO and WO programmes, while some programmes use 60 ECTS. Therefore, there is no fixed national answer such as “every student needs 45 ECTS.” The OER is the most reliable source for your specific programme.
What Happens If You Do Not Get Enough Study Points?
If you do not reach your programme’s BSA requirement, the outcome depends on the applicable rules and your individual circumstances.
1. Positive BSA
A positive BSA means that you have made sufficient academic progress according to your programme’s requirements. You can normally continue with the programme.
For example, if your programme requires 45 EC and you successfully obtain at least 45 EC while meeting any additional conditions, you may receive a positive BSA.
Remember that the exact requirements can include more than the total number of EC. Always check your programme’s OER before assuming that your results are sufficient.
2. Negative BSA
A negative BSA means that your study progress is considered insufficient. If the BSA is binding, you may be required to stop the programme.
The Dutch government states that a university or hogeschool can issue a negative BSA, and depending on the institution’s policy, the student may have to stop the programme. Students must receive adequate study guidance and a timely warning if a negative BSA is possible.
A negative BSA does not necessarily mean that you cannot study anywhere else. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to enrol in another programme or continue the same type of programme at another institution.
3. Deferred BSA
A BSA decision can sometimes be deferred, particularly when personal circumstances have significantly affected a student’s study progress.
The exact rules for a deferred BSA vary by programme. Some institutions have specific procedures for postponing the decision when there are valid circumstances. For example, Erasmus University Rotterdam describes an “uitgesteld” BSA procedure in cases involving relevant personal circumstances.
If your study progress has been affected by circumstances outside your control, contact your study adviser as early as possible rather than waiting for the final BSA decision.
Do All Study Points Count Toward the BSA?
Not necessarily. The way first-year courses, resits, exemptions and previously completed courses are treated can depend on the rules of your programme.
For example, an exemption may not automatically be treated in the same way at every institution. Similarly, credits earned previously or transferred from another programme may be subject to specific conditions.
Resits can also matter because the timing of when a course is successfully completed may affect which academic year or BSA period it belongs to under the programme’s rules.
Therefore, do not assume that every EC you have ever earned automatically counts toward your BSA. Check the relevant OER and BSA regulations for your programme. The OER contains the official rules governing the BSA and other examination and study requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Interim Study Advice and a BSA?
An interim study advice and a final BSA are related but have different purposes.
Interim Study Advice
Interim study advice is normally provided during the first year to give you an indication of your academic progress.
If your results are below the expected level, the advice can act as a warning. This allows you to improve your results before the final BSA is issued.
The Dutch government requires institutions to warn students in time if a negative BSA may be possible, giving them a reasonable opportunity to improve their study results.
2. Final BSA
The final BSA is issued according to the programme’s BSA procedure. It determines whether your study progress is sufficient to continue.
A positive BSA allows you to continue, while a binding negative BSA can mean that you must stop the programme. The exact procedure, including your rights and possible appeal options, is set out in the applicable institutional rules.
What Happens If Personal Circumstances Affect Your Study Progress?
Personal circumstances can sometimes affect your BSA assessment. Examples may include illness or disability, serious family circumstances and other circumstances that significantly affect your study progress. Dutch higher education institutions are required to take relevant personal circumstances into account when applying BSA rules.
Students should also receive appropriate study guidance. If something is affecting your ability to study, contact your study adviser (studieadviseur) as early as possible. Explain the situation and ask what documentation or procedure is required.
Do not wait until you receive a negative BSA. Early contact gives your programme a better opportunity to provide support and assess whether your circumstances should be considered.
Where Can You Find Your Exact BSA Requirement?
If you want to know exactly how many EC you need, follow these three steps.
Step 1: Check the OER
Start with your programme’s Onderwijs- en Examenregeling (OER). Look for terms such as:
- Bindend studieadvies
- BSA
- Studievoortgang
- BSA-norm
- Studievoortgangsnorm
The OER contains the official rules for your programme’s BSA.
Step 2: Check the Official BSA Page
Visit the official website of your university or hogeschool and look for its BSA information. The official page may explain the required EC, deadlines, warnings, resit rules, personal circumstances, and procedures for a negative BSA.
Use your own institution’s information rather than relying only on general websites because BSA requirements can differ between programmes.
Step 3: Contact Your Study Adviser
If the requirement is unclear, contact your studieadviseur. This is especially important if you have exemptions, previously completed courses, resits or personal circumstances that have affected your study progress.
Your study adviser can explain which rules apply to your situation and where to find the relevant information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a binding negative BSA can affect whether you are allowed to remain enrolled in the same programme. The specific enrolment consequences depend on the rules of your university or higher school. Check the programme regulations before registering for the next academic year.
Yes, students may have the right to object or appeal against a negative BSA decision. The applicable procedure and deadline depend on the institution and its regulations. Follow the official instructions carefully if you want to challenge the decision.
A BSA is generally issued toward the end of the first academic year after the programme has assessed your study progress. The exact date varies between universities, hogescholen, and programmes. Your institution should communicate the relevant deadline and decision procedure.
A negative BSA usually concerns the specific programme for which the advice was issued. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to apply for another programme, but that programme can have its own admission and enrolment requirements. Check the new programme’s rules before making the switch.
Yes, international students enrolled in Dutch higher education can also be subject to a BSA. The same programme-specific study progress requirements generally apply to students within that programme. International students should also check whether a negative BSA has additional consequences for their residence or study status.