One of the most common questions before a placement is what happens to your student finance. Do you keep your CSN grant during the placement, or does it count as something other than studying? This guide explains how study finance works during placements and LIA.
If the placement is part of your education, you normally keep your student finance for the placement period. LIA in higher vocational education and placements that are part of a university programme count as study time, which means you can receive study finance just as during regular course weeks.
Why this question matters#
A placement often means you are at a workplace instead of in the classroom. That leads many to believe their student finance is paused. Usually it is not — but there are details about income limits and any stipend worth knowing, so you do not end up having to repay money.
How student finance works during a placement#
Student finance (studiemedel) consists of a grant and a loan, and it applies to studies at higher vocational education, university and adult education, among others. According to CSN's conditions for study finance, you must, among other things, study at least 50 percent for at least three weeks and be registered on your programme.
Because LIA and programme placements are part of the education's credits, they count as study time. So you do not need to do anything special with CSN just because you go out on placement — your finance continues as long as you are registered and the placement is part of the course.
If you receive a stipend or pay during the placement#
Most placement types are unpaid, but sometimes a student receives a stipend or compensation. In that case, the income limit (fribeloppet) is what matters.
The income limit is the amount you may earn during a calendar half-year without affecting your student finance. If you earn more than the limit, you may have to repay part of the grant and loan. Current amounts are available from CSN. If you are unsure whether your stipend counts as income, it is safest to check directly with them.
| Situation | Affects CSN? |
|---|---|
| Unpaid LIA or programme placement | No, you keep your finance |
| Placement with a stipend below the limit | No |
| Income above the limit | Yes, may lead to repayment |
| Discontinued studies | Yes, report the change to CSN |
Common mistakes to avoid#
- Cancelling your student finance unnecessarily. A placement that is part of your education is still studying.
- Forgetting the income limit. Combining a placement with a part-time job can push your total income up.
- Not reporting a break. If you discontinue your studies you must notify CSN, otherwise you may become liable to repay.
How Prakto can help#
Prakto is a digital placement platform for students, schools and companies. In the platform you see your placement period, your goals and your documentation in one place, which makes it easier to keep track of whether the placement is running as planned. Questions about student finance specifically are always answered by CSN — they own the rules and the current amounts.
Frequently asked questions#
Do you keep CSN during a placement?#
Yes, if the placement is part of your education. LIA and programme placements count as study time, so your finance continues as usual.
Does a placement stipend count as income for CSN?#
Yes, a stipend and pay count as income and must fit within the income limit. If you earn more, your finance may be affected.
Do I have to notify CSN that I will do LIA?#
No, not just because you go out on placement, as long as it is part of your education and you are registered. Do report if you discontinue or change your study pace.
Do you get CSN during an unpaid placement?#
Yes. The placement being unpaid does not matter for your finance — what counts is that it is part of your education.
Conclusion#
During LIA and programme placements you normally keep your student finance, because the placement counts as study time. The main thing to watch is the income limit if you receive a stipend or work on the side. When in doubt, always check with CSN before the period begins.
Sources#
- CSN – Student finance — conditions, requirements and income limits for study finance.
- CSN — current amounts and rules for grants and loans.
