The binding study advice (BSA) is a decision by your institution as to whether you can continue with your programme and is generally based on the number of credits you have obtained.

Every institution is obliged to give you a positive or negative study advice at the end of your first year. The institutions themselves decide whether this advice is binding or not. The institutions themselves may also determine the minimum number of points that you must obtain in order to receive a positive recommendation. The exact number of points is described in the Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER) of your programme. The OER of your programme must have been sent to you or can be found on the website of your programme. 

If this advice is negative, you will unfortunately have to stop your programme, unless there are special circumstances. If you have received a negative BSA, it is still possible to follow another programme at the same institution, or the same programme at another institution.

If there are serious personal circumstances preventing you from obtaining your BSA, contact your study advisor as soon as possible. The procedure to request a postponement can then be initiated. If you are granted a postponement of the BSA, it is possible that the institution will raise the requirement to obtain the BSA in the second year of study. However, there is a maximum requirement: the BSA may not require more than 60 ECTS from the first year.

Of course, it is possible that you do not agree with a negative BSA. In that case, you can lodge an appeal with the Examinations Appeals Board (CBE) within six weeks. If they decide that you should be dismissed, you can still appeal to the Board of Appeal for Higher Education (CBHO). You can do this by sending a letter to the CBHO with the decision of the Examination Appeals Board (CBE) and the request for a provisional ruling (a quick emergency ruling). You can contact the national Student Legal Clinic (LSR) if you need help with this procedure.

If you have already received a positive BSA, your programme is not allowed to set additional requirements in the second year. This is because there is only one moment permitted for testing. A second BSA in your second year is therefore not allowed.

Do you have any further questions or need help? Contact the national Student Legal Clinic (LSR).