Educational institutions can be wrong, too. Students may be required to withdraw wrongly, receive the wrong diploma, or are set back months due to institutional mistakes. If they aren’t able to set things straight with their university (of applied sciences), they may take it to court: the Appeals Tribunal for Higher Education (CBHO) in The Hague.

Does the tribunal rule in favor of the student, the latter is refunded for the costs for appeal. A compensation for financial damages (including paying extra tuition fees due to unnecessary delays, and receiving the wrong diploma) still has to be arranged through civil court.

Since the start of the new academic year, this procedure has been simplified. Students who appeal with CBHO may now file for compensation as well. If the tribunal rules in favor of the student, a judge will decide on the compensation immediately.