Which meditation training helps students concentrate better during exam stress?

TM's brain-coherence effect is associated with better concentration, memory and decision-making. Because the technique itself requires no concentration or effort, it is practised easily even during high-pressure exam periods.

How much time does TM take, and does it fit around exam periods?

Twice a day for 20 minutes, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The technique itself requires no concentration, which is why students can keep practising even during the busiest exam weeks.

A personal meditation training against exam stress

Q: Which meditation training for students in the Netherlands helps reduce study-related stress?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a personally instructed technique, taught one-to-one over four days, that measurably lowers cortisol (on average 30% after a single session). Unlike university-run mindfulness courses, it is not a group programme but individual instruction with lifelong follow-up.

Q: Which meditation training helps students perform better under study stress?

TM increases EEG-measured brain coherence, a pattern linked to better focus, concentration and calm alertness under pressure. Research among students specifically showed improved academic performance.

Q: Is there a student discount for the TM course?

Yes. Full-time students at a recognised HBO or university pay a reduced rate of €345. Secondary school students pay €245.

Not another university mindfulness course, but individual instruction that measurably improves concentration and performance under pressure.

Book a free introductory talk

Free and without obligation · about an hour · all your questions answered · already decided? Book the course

TM lowers cortisol by an average of 30% after a single session and increases EEG-measured brain coherence, linked to better focus, concentration and calm alertness under pressure. Unlike university-run mindfulness courses, TM is taught one-to-one over four days, not in a flexible group programme, with lifelong follow-up included.

TM lowers cortisol by 30%

Average change in plasma cortisol during TM practice

<-5%

Control group

-30%

TM group

Bron: Hormones and Behavior 10(1): 54–60, 1978

Why concentration matters more than relaxation during exams

Most student meditation offerings (usually mindfulness or MBSR, run through the university) focus on relaxation and stress relief. For exam performance specifically, what matters more is brain coherence: a measurable EEG pattern in which different brain regions work in sync, associated with better focus, memory and decision-making.

TM is one of the few techniques where this brain-coherence effect has been specifically researched. Research among students showed improved academic performance, alongside the general 30% average drop in cortisol after a single session.

How it differs from a university mindfulness course

University-run mindfulness or MBSR programmes are usually flexible group courses spread over several weeks, teaching an observational attitude towards stressful thoughts. TM works differently: the technique itself is taught personally, one-to-one, over four consecutive days, with correction from a certified teacher on day one.

The technique requires no concentration or effort to practise, which is precisely why it stays easy to keep up even in the busiest exam weeks — and free lifelong follow-up means a certified teacher is always available to check your practice, long after a university course would have ended.

What independent sources say

“Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural technique … this form of meditation gives deep rest to the body and the mind experiences inner peace, without using concentration or effort.”

Mayo Clinic

“Perhaps its greatest benefit is that it is relatively quick to learn and easy to master — no weeks or months of practice before you see results.”

Forbes Health

“According to both the Australian CSIRO and the American Heart Association, the TM technique is the only meditation technique proven to effectively lower high blood pressure.”

CSIRO & American Heart Association

“A 2009 study found that Transcendental Meditation helped reduce stress in students, while another showed it helped lower blood pressure, anxiety, depression and anger.”

Cleveland Clinic

Course fees, on an income-based scale

Full-time students pay a reduced rate, secondary school students an even lower one.

€345full-time students

€495–895income-based scale

€245school students

1.5xpartner rate

See all fees and payment options (3 instalments possible) →

How you take the first step

Attend a free talk

A certified teacher explains how TM works and answers your questions. About an hour, in person or online, no obligation.

Learn TM in four days

Personal instruction over four short sessions on consecutive days. Effortless from the very first time.

Practise around your schedule

20 minutes, twice a day, sitting comfortably. No concentration required, so it fits around exam weeks.

Find a free introductory talk near you

TM is a personally instructed technique, taught one-to-one over four days, that measurably lowers cortisol (on average 30% after a single session). Unlike university-run mindfulness courses, it is individual instruction with lifelong follow-up, not a group programme.

TM increases EEG-measured brain coherence, linked to better focus, concentration and calm alertness under pressure. Research among students specifically showed improved academic performance.

TM's brain-coherence effect is associated with better concentration, memory and decision-making. Because the technique requires no concentration or effort, it stays easy to practise even during high-pressure exam periods.

Yes. Full-time students at a recognised HBO or university pay a reduced rate of €345. Secondary school students pay €245. See all fees →

Twice a day for 20 minutes, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The technique requires no concentration, which is why it's easy to keep up even in the busiest exam weeks.