Student Travel Card
As a student receiving DUO finance, you are entitled to a free public transport card. You can travel for free on weekdays or weekends throughout the Netherlands. Many international students do not know they can get this through DUO.
How to apply
Request your OV-kaart
Under "OV en reizen" request your student travel card. Choose weekday or weekend travel.
Apply for OV-kaartActivate your card
Your OV-kaart arrives within 2 weeks. Activate it at any NS ticket machine.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not requesting it: the OV-kaart is not given automatically, you must request it in Mijn DUO
Forgetting to activate it: the card does not work until activated at an NS ticket machine
Choosing the wrong travel option (weekday vs weekend): you can only switch once per year
Tips for students
Request your OV-kaart as soon as you start receiving DUO finance: it is not given automatically
EU/EEA students who qualify for DUO finance are also entitled to the OV-kaart
You can switch between weekday and weekend travel once per year via Mijn DUO
Official sources
Information is based on official 2026 eligibility rules and verified government sources. Amounts shown are maximums. This tool provides guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. View sources →