Understanding the Policy Shift: From Clampdown to Cautious Welcome

The Netherlands, long renowned for its vibrant higher education landscape dominated by English-taught programs, has undergone a significant policy reversal. In late January 2026, a new minority coalition government comprising the liberal D66, VVD, and Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) parties unveiled an agreement that marks a turning point. This comes after years of tightening restrictions aimed at curbing the influx of international students amid concerns over housing shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the dilution of Dutch-language instruction.

Previously, under the collapsed Schoof cabinet influenced by far-right sentiments, plans were afoot to drastically reduce English-taught bachelor's degrees in fields like psychology, economics, and business administration. These programs were slated for conversion to Dutch, backed by the Internationalisation in Balance Act, which mandated a compulsory Foreign Language Education Test (TAO, or Toets Anderstalig Onderwijs) for non-Dutch programs. The goal? To prioritize Dutch students and ease local pressures. However, widespread protests from students, faculty, and industry leaders highlighted the economic folly, prompting this reversal.

Key Elements of the New Coalition Agreement

At the heart of the agreement, announced on January 30, 2026, is a structural €1.5 billion investment in education and scientific research. This reverses approximately €1.2 billion in austerity cuts from the prior administration, providing much-needed stability to universities. The funding will support quality improvements, student well-being, mandatory internship allowances, and retraining programs for workers.

• Maintain existing English-taught programs without forced Dutch conversion.
• Abolish the TAO test for new foreign-language offerings.
• Implement a national talent strategy to attract and retain top international graduates.

While welcoming international talent, the coalition retains flexibility for enrollment caps on English bachelor's programs if needed, signaling a balanced approach rather than a full retreat.

Safeguarding English-Taught Degrees: What's Preserved

Dutch universities boast over 2,100 English-taught programs, making the country the third-largest provider in Europe. Fields like psychology drew heavy international interest, with non-EU students comprising up to 80% in some cohorts. The reversal ensures these programs continue, averting a talent drain and preserving the Netherlands' competitive edge in global education markets.

This decision addresses prior uncertainties that led to program closures and recruitment hesitancy. For instance, the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University had begun scaling back amid policy flux.

Revitalizing International Student Flows

International students numbered around 131,000 in the 2024/25 academic year, contributing billions to the economy through tuition and post-graduation employment. Yet, new bachelor's enrollments dropped 5% to 19,440 amid policy jitters, marking the third consecutive decline. Nearly 50% of graduates stay to work in the Netherlands, filling high-skilled shortages in tech, engineering, and healthcare.

The new strategy emphasizes retention via post-study work visas and sector-specific incentives, positioning Dutch HE as a gateway to European careers. This aligns with broader EU efforts to counter global brain drain.

The €1.5 Billion Funding Lifeline: Breakdown and Priorities

This infusion reverses damage from cuts that threatened 10% staff reductions and research pauses. Universities like TU Delft and Leiden hailed it as a 'promising direction,' though implementation details are pending.

Sector and Stakeholder Reactions

Universities Netherlands (UNL) President Caspar van den Berg expressed 'cautious optimism,' noting, 'This is a change in direction, but the real test is implementation.' Studyportals CEO Edwin van Rest called it a victory over 'populist narratives,' underscoring intl ed's resilience. Unions like AOb welcomed reversals but flagged ongoing issues like workload surges from prior staff cuts.

• Nuffic: Ends uncertainty, balances benefits with sustainable growth.
• Industry: Relief for talent pipelines in STEM.
• Students: Protests vindicated, but housing woes persist.

Enrollment Trends: The Decline and Potential Rebound

2025 saw 56,000 new bachelor's at universities, down 3.4% overall, with intl drops steeper at 5%. Projections warned of 10% total decline by 2035 without intervention. Top senders like Germany, China, and India pulled back due to policy signals and global competition from Ireland and Scandinavia.

The reversal could spark recovery, especially as European study interest rose 17.5% recently. Read the full PIE News analysis.

Challenges Ahead: Balancing Act Continues

Despite optimism, hurdles remain: housing crises in Amsterdam and Utrecht, quality assurance in oversubscribed programs, and integration of intl talent. Universities pledge self-regulation via binding agreements on intake and Dutch proficiency.

Cultural context: The Netherlands values multilingualism, but public debates on 'anglicisation' persist. Solutions include expanded dorms and regional campuses.

Case Studies: Universities Adapting to the New Reality

At Erasmus University Rotterdam, English programs in business surged pre-clampdown; now, leaders plan targeted recruitment. Leiden University welcomes TAO abolition, freeing resources for research. Real-world example: Psychology at Groningen retains 70% intl cohort, vital for diverse perspectives.Craft your academic CV for Dutch applications.

Photo by Yoan on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon for Dutch HE

This policy U-turn positions the Netherlands to reclaim its spot as a top destination, fostering innovation amid talent shortages. With €1.5B fueling growth, expect stabilized enrollments and enhanced global rankings. For academics and students, opportunities abound—check higher ed jobs or university positions in Europe.

Prospective students: Monitor updates via Universities Netherlands. Rate your experience at Rate My Professor.