Dutch Universities See Sharp Drop in Intl Students
Nov 19, 2025
Category: International Students Netherlands News
International student enrollment at Dutch universities fell this year as new data showed a 5% drop in incoming students, driven largely by fewer applicants from other European countries.
Sharp fall in enrollments
Dutch News reported that universities saw a 3.5% fall in total student intake this academic year, including both domestic and international students.
The decline is part of a broader trend, with European enrollments dropping most sharply, down nearly 8% at universities of applied sciences and 5% at research universities.
The number of Dutch students also fell, with a 3.5% decrease at universities and 1.8% at colleges.
Technical and ICT programs were hit especially hard, with vocational institutions reporting a 7.5% decline in new enrollments.
That comes at a time when the Netherlands faces a shortage of skilled workers in construction, energy, and digital sectors.
New limits on English-taught degrees
The Dutch government has been moving to cut back on English-taught courses and reduce the number of international students.
Officials said that the changes aim to relieve pressure on student housing, lower education costs, and create more space for local applicants.
Education Minister Eppo Bruins recently announced that English-language programs should become the exception, not the rule. Schools that fail to curb international admissions may face funding cuts.
Sector leaders challenge enrollment cuts
University leaders have raised concerns about the long-term impact. They argued that limiting foreign enrollment could weaken the country’s global reputation and workforce.
Caspar van den Berg, chair of Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), said that the trend was worrying, especially as the country needs skilled graduates to meet future challenges.
“We need to have enough knowledge and talent to carry out all the ambitious plans we’ve seen in the election manifestos,” he said.
A study by SEO Economic Research warned that a sharp drop in international students could cost the Dutch economy €4.8 billion in the long run, especially affecting finance and business sectors.
Master’s degrees remain in demand
Despite the overall decline, some programs are growing. Teacher training courses at universities of applied sciences saw a 1.9% increase in enrollments, and healthcare programs remain popular.
Meanwhile, master’s degrees still attract strong international interest, with a nearly 10% rise in enrollments at Dutch universities.
University associations are now calling on the incoming Dutch government to secure stable education funding and reconsider policies that may drive more students away.
More checks, more steps to enter Europe
Short‑term visitors to the EU will see tighter border checks as new systems come into force.
The Entry‑Exit System (EES) is already in use and will fully apply by April 2026, recording each entry and exit for non‑EU nationals and replacing manual passport stamps. This means faster checks at many crossings, but it also means border staff will track days spent in the Schengen Area more closely.
Meanwhile, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will start in late 2026 and will require visa‑exempt travelers to get a digital travel pass before they arrive.
The pass will link to a passport and stay valid for up to three years. It will not replace visas or residence permits, but it will add an extra step for people who visit often for work, family, or study.
These changes come as EU countries adjust border tools and migration rules. The systems aim to manage short stays, improve checks, and give a clearer record of who enters and leaves the region.
For students, tourists, and future residents, the updates mean more paperwork in advance but a more uniform process at the border.
Universities face new reality
The fall in enrolment leaves Dutch universities facing a tighter year and renewed pressure to plan for fewer students. The shift shows how recent rules and changing demand are reshaping higher education across the country.
With new policies still under debate, the sector now waits to see how future decisions will shape who studies in the Netherlands and what support universities can expect.