These cuts are getting real
24 April 2025
The Netherlands is cutting its higher education budget. In the coming years, €1.2 billion will be cut, with scientific research as the biggest loser. The first rounds of layoffs at universities have already begun, and at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the entire Geosciences programme has even been scrapped.
The right-wing government wants to especially reduce international students, of which it has many: 14% of bachelor students and 27% of masters' students have both a foreign nationality and education. (Fun fact: a significant part of The European Correspondent's team studied there!)
The University of Amsterdam announced it will scrap its English-language psychology programme, which was one of the most highly ranked in the world. The policy also affects universities near the borders, which heavily rely on international students.
Major companies have voiced their concerns about the cuts, considering the future of the Dutch economy. They warn of declining innovation, pointing to the Netherlands' drop from 2nd to 7th place on the WIPO innovation index over the past five years.
The cuts and the fear of stalling innovation reflect a wider trend across Europe, particularly under (far-)right wing leaders. In February, France agreed to cut €930 million from its research budget and Italy's Meloni government slashed university funding by around €500 million. Under Trump, the US is defunding many educational programmes and similar budget reductions have also sparked discontent in Germany and Hungary.
 | Julianne van Pelt |
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