The Dutch government has launched a brand new scheme designed to financially support those in the Netherlands who are looking to further their careers through training. As of March 1, 2022, everyone, regardless of their employment status, will be eligible to apply for funding under the brand new STAP budget scheme.

What is the STAP budget?

Under the Stimulering Arbeidsmarkt Positie budget - or STAP budget for short - job seekers and employees alike will be able to submit an application for a 1.000-euro subsidy to cover the costs of a course or training programme.

STAP will replace the previous system whereby employed and unemployed people were able to deduct any training costs from their income tax return. 

Who is eligible to apply for STAP funding?

While applications are open to those both in and out of work, there are a number of conditions that apply. For example, all applicants must be over the age of 18, must be of working age (i.e. they cannot be retired), and must be an EU citizen or the partner of an EU citizen.

Furthermore, the desired course or training programme must be recognised by the government in the STAP-scholingsregister (“STAP training register”). 

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment estimates that around 300.000 people will be able to benefit from the scheme. 

How much money is available under the scheme?

Each applicant will be eligible to receive a maximum of 1.000 euros a year to cover their education costs. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment says 218 million euros will be made available every year to cover the costs.

The amount of money each applicant receives is dependent on their individual circumstances and their salary.

How to submit a STAP budget application

Applications will open at 10am on March 1, 2022. Those looking to apply will be able to do so online, with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment announcing that a new site has been launched specifically for this purpose.

Why has the Dutch government launched STAP?

The government says it hopes STAP will “offer workers and job seekers the opportunity to take more control of their own development during their career,” giving them the chance to either improve the quality of their work in their current position or help them to retrain or find a new job. 

“Work changes quickly. More and more work is digital,” the government says, pointing out that some industries are facing severe staff shortages, while other positions no longer exist as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

For more information or to apply for the STAP budget, visit stapuwv.nl.