Both general and specific information on this subject can be found on the central government website. There is also a breakdown by type of education.

Children of parents working in essential professions, such as healthcare, education, the police, public transport and the fire service, will still be cared for at school and in childcare centres, so that their parents can continue working. This childcare is provided at no additional cost. The measures previously announced for universities of applied sciences and universities will remain in force through 6 April.

Why are schools closing now?

In recent days it has become clear that more and more schools are unable to keep their schools open. This is because education staff and children are staying at home as a precaution or are ill, and because they are dealing with teachers and parents who are concerned. According to the government, this now calls for clear choices.

Therefore, in consultation with the education sector and childcare providers, it has been decided to close schools from 16 March through 6 April. This applies to primary education, secondary education and secondary vocational education. The exception is children whose parents work in essential professions. These children will be cared for at school and in childcare centres, so that their parents can continue working.

So the schools will be closed for 3 weeks. What will happen during these 3 weeks?

Teachers and education staff who are not ill can simply go to school. They are needed to care for the children of parents who work in essential professions. They are also needed to organise distance education for children who are at home. Priority will be given to final-year pupils in secondary education and secondary vocational education.

Which children will still be cared for at school?

Children whose parents work in essential professions will be cared for by the school (or by childcare services if they are younger than 4 years old).

What are ‘essential professions’?

View the list of these professions.

Until when will the new measures apply?

The measures apply from 16 March through 6 April.

Specifically for secondary education

Can school examinations still go ahead?

The government has announced that all schools will close from 16 March until 6 April. Schools may be wondering whether already scheduled school examinations can still go ahead. Because the situation is still developing rapidly, it has been decided that, until further notice, schools may not hold school examinations either. It will be communicated as soon as possible whether and under what conditions school examinations may be able to go ahead.

Specifically for secondary vocational education and higher education

What are the consequences of the RIVM advice and the national measures for education and internships as part of all healthcare programmes in secondary vocational and higher education?

  • The healthcare institution concerned makes the initial decision as to whether the student can contribute to patient care. The safety of the patient, student and employees at the healthcare institution comes first. Students have the opportunity to indicate to the healthcare and educational institution whether, for personal reasons, they wish to continue their internship or clinical placement.
  • At present, the guideline is that all physical educational activities at the locations of higher education institutions are suspended. Internships and other education-related activities outside the institution may continue, unless the employer has reason to suspend the activity in connection with coronavirus or related measures. Medical and healthcare programmes and forms of education in which students work at a healthcare institution as part of an internship or education, such as a university medical centre, general hospital or extramural healthcare institution, constitute a special category. In some cases, interns and medical trainees may need to go home because the healthcare institution must focus primarily on the care process. In other cases, it is precisely necessary for interns or medical trainees to remain because they make an important contribution to patient care.
  • Where relevant, it will be agreed whether and how any amended activities fit within the objectives of the internship or clinical placement. The educational institution takes the lead in making these arrangements.
  • Even if their internship, clinical placement or other form of education has been cancelled, students may work as student volunteers at a healthcare institution. Separate arrangements must be made between the healthcare institution and the student for this employment relationship, such as arrangements concerning insurance. In these cases too, the healthcare institution is advised to consider whether the student can continue the activities. The healthcare institution must make it clear to the student that these voluntary activities are not subject to an assessment and do not constitute a continuation of previously undertaken educational activities.

Specifically for higher education

How is education currently being provided at universities of applied sciences and universities?

Education is being provided through distance learning as much as possible. This applies through 6 April.

Research may continue; the buildings will not be closed. Universities of applied sciences and universities are expected to enable students who are unable to participate in educational activities because of coronavirus or related measures to take part in the activity at a later time or in an alternative manner, for example by providing lectures online. It is up to the institutions to organise this in the manner they consider most appropriate. If alternatives are not possible, a suitable solution will be sought.

What do the measures at universities of applied sciences and universities mean for prospective students? For example, those who cannot participate in an activity that must take place on location?

For students who cannot participate in activities such as a selection day or study choice check because of coronavirus or related measures, the educational institution must provide an alternative opportunity.

Do students studying or doing an internship abroad have to return to the Netherlands?

This depends on the location where the student is staying. Students who are in affected areas must follow the local measures. It may be that these students are not allowed to travel. If that is not the case, students themselves must decide whether to return, possibly in consultation with their educational institution.

Where can Dutch students abroad turn if they need help?

Dutch students abroad can first contact their own travel insurer. The embassy may also be reachable by telephone 24/7 at +31 247 247 247. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can also be contacted via WhatsApp at +31 682 387 796 or via Twitter at @24/7BZ.

Are students from affected areas allowed to study or do an internship in the Netherlands?

Students in affected areas must follow the local measures. There may be a travel ban. In addition, educational institutions or employers themselves must decide, in consultation with the organisation on location. This must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The medical situation and safety at the location play a role in this. If necessary, contact your regional GGD. If students or interns travel to the Netherlands, it is important to provide them with good information (see www.rivm.nl/covid19).