# Support for students with a recognized refugee status or who have applied for asylum

**Source**: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/support/support-international-students/support-students-recognized-refugee-status-or-who
**Parent**: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

At Maastricht University (UM), we offer a variety of support services for our students who have applied for asylum in the Netherlands and for those who already have a recognized refugee status. To streamline these services, we have a central contact person you can turn to if you are an asylum seeker or refugee in the Netherlands. We want all of our students to feel safe and secure in Maastricht.

## Help for students who have applied for asylum in the Netherlands

If you are a current student and are applying or considering applying for asylum because you’re unable to return to your home country or your parents are in danger in your home country, our central contact person for refugees, Luc van den Akker, can look at your individual situation and: 

- offer you advise on whether you should apply for asylum in the Netherlands and when.
- offer you advise on how you can continue with your study programme,
- help you find ways to finance  the continuation of your stay in the Netherlands and your study programme,
- help you to access counselling and support services for improving your mental wellbeing.

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To schedule an appointment, please send an email to [refugee@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:refugee@maastrichtuniversity.nl)

## Step-by-step guide: applying for asylum

UM students, with the support of our staff and involved organisations, have produced an information guide for their fellow students who are considering applying for asylum. The guide takes you step-by-step through the asylum application process and includes links to the many groups that can offer support along the way.  

  Download [Becoming a refugee during your studies: a guide](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/sscbookletbecomingarefugeeduringyourstudiespdf)

## Services for students with refugee status

Are you a current UM student with refugee status in the Netherlands? Our central contact person for refugees, Luc van den Akker, can work with you directly or connect you with other UM services to help you:  

- figure out how to succeed in your study programme, with your [study adviser](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/node/58724),
- find ways to finance your study programme and your stay in the Netherlands,
- access counselling and support services for improving your mental wellbeing,
- meet other refugee students for social support and a community atmosphere.

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To schedule an appointment, please send an email to [refugee@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:refugee@maastrichtuniversity.nl)

### Contact person for refugees, Luc van den Akker

Hi, I’m Luc van den Akker, the central contact person for refugees. If you’re a refugee or are considering applying for asylum, I can advise you on issues related to your asylum application, studies, finances and emotional wellbeing. I can also put you in touch with organisations that can provide you with additional support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help.  

To schedule an appointment, send me an email at [refugee@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:refugee@maastrichtuniversity.nl) 

**Office hours**\
Wednesday mornings by appointment

## Applying to Maastricht University as a refugee

If you are a refugee and are applying to study at Maastricht University, please visit the webpage [Applying to UM as a refugee.](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/node/59052) Here, you can find more information about the support we offer during the application process.