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Decline in International Students in Netherlands
A significant drop in international student enrollment at Dutch universities and HBOs is causing concern, with universities criticizing the government's cost-cutting measures.
Dutch
Netherlands
European UnionLabour MarketNetherlandsHigher EducationGovernment PolicyBudget CutsInternational StudentsEnrollment
Radboud UniversityVrije Universiteit AmsterdamUniversiteiten Van Nederland
Caspar Van Den Berg
- What are the main reasons behind the decrease in international student enrollment?
- The decline in international student enrollment is attributed to government measures aimed at reducing the number of international students and saving 293 million euros annually. Universities argue that this is an unnecessary and harmful reduction.
- How are Dutch universities and HBOs responding to the decrease in international students?
- Universities and HBOs in the Netherlands rely heavily on the income generated by international students, and they are strongly criticizing the government's policies that are leading to this decline. The reduction threatens the viability of certain programs.
- What is the difference in the decrease of applications from the EEA versus non-EEA students?
- The decrease in international student enrollment is more pronounced for students from the European Economic Area (EEA), with a 9% drop in university applications. Non-EEA student applications also decreased by 7%.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the government's policy on international student numbers?
- While the government aims to save money by reducing international student numbers, universities warn that this approach risks a drastic cutback that could compromise the existence of programs and negatively impact Dutch students as well. Final enrollment figures are expected in early 2025.
- What is the overall trend in the number of international bachelor students enrolling in Dutch universities and HBOs?
- The number of international bachelor students enrolling in Dutch universities and HBOs is decreasing. Preliminary figures show a significant drop, particularly at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where there's been a 23% decrease.