Netherlands to cut international student budget by €300m

The Dutch government intends to reduce funding for higher education by €300 million, with spending relating to overseas students being the primary target. This choice, which is a component of a larger effort to reallocate resources, attempts to alleviate the growing financial and infrastructure strains brought on by the expansion of international students in the Netherlands. International enrollments at Dutch institutions have significantly increased, putting a pressure on academic resources, housing, and facilities. In order to lessen dependency on foreign enrollments, the proposed changes include limitations on English-language courses and a focus on Dutch-language instruction. It's also possible that some universities will raise tuition for non-EU students. Given the significant contributions made by international students and researchers to Dutch academia and innovation, many in the Dutch academic community are concerned that the policy may have a negative effect on research and the country's academic reputation, even though its goal is to help local students and ease resource constraints.

Concerns have been raised by university administrators and student groups, with many believing that this change could compromise the standard and global competitiveness of Dutch higher education, especially as the country attempts to meet EU targets for research funding and innovation expansion.​