The Policy U-Turn: A Breath of Fresh Air for Dutch Universities

In a dramatic shift that has sent ripples through European higher education, the Netherlands' newly formed coalition government has scrapped plans to restrict English-taught degree programs and committed €1.5 billion to bolstering international student recruitment and higher education funding. This reversal comes after years of tightening policies aimed at curbing the influx of international students amid housing shortages and overcrowded campuses. The move signals a renewed emphasis on positioning the Netherlands as a premier destination for global talent, particularly in fields like science, technology, and research where domestic supply falls short.

The coalition, comprising the liberal Democrats 66 (D66) led by Rob Jetten, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), unveiled its agreement in late January 2026. This minority government represents a departure from the previous Schoof cabinet, which was influenced by far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) policies that slashed budgets by €1.2 billion and pushed the Internationalisation in Balance Act (WIB, from Dutch: Internationalisatie in de Knel Wet). That act proposed mandatory assessments for non-Dutch programs via the Test for Foreign Language Education (Toets Anderstalig Onderwijs or TAO), numerus fixus quotas (admission caps via lotteries for oversubscribed programs), and a shift toward Dutch-language instruction, especially for bachelor's degrees in psychology, economics, and business administration.

Background: Why the Curbs Were Introduced and Their Early Effects

The curbs stemmed from mounting pressures in the Netherlands' densely populated urban areas, particularly the Randstad region encompassing Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. International student numbers peaked at around 131,000 degree-seeking enrollees in the 2024-2025 academic year, with new bachelor's intakes dropping to 19,440—a 5% decline from prior years. Concerns included skyrocketing housing costs, strained public services, and academic staff burnout from ballooning class sizes. Universities responded proactively; by April 2025, Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) proposed self-regulation, closing select English bachelor's programs in high-pressure areas.

However, these measures backfired somewhat. Enrollments fell for three consecutive years, with bachelor's programs hit hardest at -3.6%. International interest in Dutch programs waned amid uncertainty, while competitors like Germany and Ireland ramped up English offerings—the Netherlands ranks third in Europe with 2,130 such programs. Economists warned that full caps could cost the economy up to €5 billion annually, given that nearly 50% of international graduates stay post-degree, filling critical skill gaps in tech, engineering, and healthcare.

Unpacking the €1.5 Billion Funding Package

The €1.5 billion structural investment, ramping up from €1 billion this year to full allocation by 2031, targets higher education, scientific research, and innovation. While exact breakdowns await implementation details, priorities include:

• Reversing €400 million in immediate caretaker cuts and restoring €1.2 billion overall slashed under the prior regime.
• Boosting student welfare: mandatory internship allowances, higher grants for independent living, and lifelong learning funds.
• Research infrastructure: regional innovation campuses, defense-related R&D (up to 10% of €2 billion defense budget), and progress toward 3% GDP R&D target.
• Talent attraction via 'Project Beethoven,' a €2.5 billion initiative for skilled migration and retention.Explore higher ed jobs in this revitalized sector.

Caspar van den Berg, UNL president, hailed it as recognition that "investing in education, research, and innovation is crucial for the Netherlands' future."

Safeguarding English-Taught Degrees: Key Programs Spared

Central to the reversal is abolishing the TAO requirement, allowing over 2,130 English-taught programs to persist without forced Dutch conversion. High-demand bachelor's in psychology (e.g., University of Amsterdam), economics (Utrecht University), and business administration will remain accessible, sparing foreign lecturers and preserving diversity.

Border regions and depopulating areas retain bilingual options, while Dutch tracks stay widespread. Universities commit to self-regulation: 86 programs now use numerus fixus for 2026-2027, with lotteries for excess applicants. This balanced approach addresses quality without blanket bans.

For international applicants, tuition remains competitive—non-EU bachelor's fees range from €2,000 to €15,000 annually, far below UK or US equivalents.Check scholarships to study in Europe.

Stakeholder Reactions: Relief Amid Cautious Optimism

Dutch universities breathed a collective sigh of relief. UNL's Ruben Puylaert called it a "turning point," though damage from prior cuts lingers—staff reductions exceeded 10% at some institutions, workloads soared. Arnoud Lagendijk of Radboud University noted, "We're modestly positive... but the devil is in the details."

Student groups like LSVb (National Student Union) and ISO praised the investment mindset shift: "Education as investment, not burden." Studyportals' Edwin van Rest emphasized international education's resilience against populism.

Critics urge vigilance on implementation, as the minority coalition needs opposition support.

Economic Boost and Long-Term Talent Strategy

International students aren't just learners—they're economic engines. With retention rates climbing to 57% after five years, they plug labor shortages in high-skill sectors. The reversal averts a projected €5 billion GDP hit from caps, enhancing innovation and soft power.

• Contribution: € billions annually via tuition, living expenses, post-grad work.
• Fields: STEM, where Dutch graduates insufficient.
• Global edge: Affordable, high-quality English programs.Europe higher ed opportunities

Persistent Challenges: Housing, Capacity, and Integration

Despite optimism, hurdles remain. Housing crises persist; LSVb pushes for allowances on shared accommodations. Universities eye capacity expansions via funding, but staff shortages loom from prior layoffs.

Integration efforts include Dutch language promotion without mandates, ensuring internationals contribute locally. Self-regulation promises targeted growth, prioritizing labor-market-aligned programs.

European Context: How the Netherlands Stacks Up

While neighbors like Germany expand English masters and Ireland leads in undergrads, the Netherlands' pivot restores its third-place status. Unlike UK's visa tightenings or Australia's caps, this funding-focused strategy emphasizes quality attraction over restriction. Aspiring academics can seek career advice for Europe.

Future Outlook: Innovation and Global Competitiveness

By 2030, expect stabilized enrollments, bolstered research output, and higher retention. The talent strategy integrates with EU goals, positioning Dutch universities as hubs. Monitor parliamentary approval by late February 2026.

Photo by Angelo Abear on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for Prospective Students and Academics

• Apply early to numerus fixus programs.
• Leverage grants, internships.
• Explore jobs: university jobs, faculty positions.
• Rate your professors for insights.

In summary, this reversal heralds a promising chapter for Dutch higher ed. For jobs and advice, visit higher-ed-jobs, career advice, and rate-my-professor.