The number of international students enrolling at Dutch universities has dropped significantly for the second consecutive year, raising concerns about the long-term impact on higher education and the labour market. According to FDnewspaper, final registration figures for the 2024-2025 academic year reveal a 6% decline in international student enrolments at universities, while registrations at universities of applied sciences have slightly increased. Some universities are already seeing substantial declines in international enrolment. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has recorded a 23.5% drop in international bachelor intake, while the University of Groningen has seen a 14% decrease in EEA bachelor students.
Growing concerns among universities
The trade association of Dutch universities has called the figures alarming, predicting a continued decline in the yearsahead. Caspar van den Berg, chairman of Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), emphasised the importance of internationalisation, warning that the shrinking number of international students could lead to course cancellations and a loss of talent in the labour market. ‘Anyone who follows developments in the world sees that keeping out internationaltalent is outdated,’ van den Berg stated.
The decrease is attributed to universities halting their active recruitment of international students, stricter government policies, housing shortages and a growing perception that Dutch politics is discouraging international enrolment.Additionally, concerns over increased tuition fees for non-EEA students and uncertainties regarding post-graduation work opportunities may contribute to the decline.
Policy changes and financial consequences
The Dutch government has been working on legislation to further limit the influx of international students. EducationMinister Eppo Bruins is drafting a law requiring more courses to be taught in Dutch, except in specific cases whereexemptions are granted.
The government aims to cut €168 million in international student-related expenses, arguing that subsidising students who leave the Netherlands after graduation is financially unsustainable. ‘The Dutch government is paying for a significant part of their studies,’ Bruins told RTL Nieuws. ‘If they leave immediately after their studies, that would be a waste of money, as they would not contribute to the Dutch economy.’
Impact on universities
According to research by accountancy firm PwC, the decline in the number of international students has serious financial consequences for Dutch universities. Suppose the number of non-EEA students decreases by 10% by 2026. In that case, the budget deficit for all Dutch universities combined is projected to grow by over €37 million, reaching more than €53 million.
Some institutions rely heavily on international students for funding. The University of Amsterdam receives 7% of itsincome from non-EEA students. Technical universities such as Eindhoven University of Technology, WageningenUniversity and Delft University of Technology also derive significant revenue from this group. If the number of international students continues to drop, the financial strain on these institutions will increase. In the most extremescenario, where non-EEA students are no longer admitted at all, PwC estimates that the total budget deficit could rise to a staggering €393 million.
Labour market and future implications
The decline in international student numbers also affects sectors that rely on skilled graduates. Despite labour shortagesin critical industries, restrictive policies could limit access to the global talent pool. ‘Universities also see bottlenecksaround internationalisation, and want to address them. We have already made proposals for this,’ said Van den Berg. ‘Everyone sees that we will desperately need every talent in the coming years, and that is why the countries around us focus on more international talent and ample scope for research and innovation. The Dutch government is doing the opposite: it is slamming on the brakes and piling on several major cutbacks.’
As the government pursues policies limiting international student enrolment, Dutch universities must grapple with financial losses, reduced academic diversity and potential consequences for the labour market. With enrolment figurescontinuing to drop, stakeholders in higher education warn that the long-term costs of these policies could outweigh the short-term savings.
Written by Nicole Bea Kerr