The Roots of the Crisis: How Budget Cuts Emerged in Dutch Higher Education

The Dutch higher education sector has been thrust into turmoil following a series of severe budget reductions approved by the Senate. Stemming from the Schoof cabinet's policies in 2025, these cuts totaled approximately €1.2 billion over several years, with over €500 million implemented immediately. This financial squeeze targeted research grants, student funding, and operational budgets, exacerbating existing pressures like rising costs for energy and wages. Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), the representative body for Dutch research universities, highlighted how these measures undermined the sector's ability to address societal challenges effectively.

Prior to the Senate's approval in April 2025, the government unilaterally terminated parts of the 2022 Higher Education and Science administrative agreement, slashing €300 million annually in starter and incentive grants until 2030. Over €200 million was cut from these vital funds alone, crippling early-career researchers and innovation pipelines. Supplementary cuts of €400 million followed in October 2025, pushing the total impact higher and prompting widespread alarm across academia.

Senate Approval: A Controversial Milestone

On April 8, 2025, the Dutch Senate greenlit the education budget despite fierce opposition, marking a pivotal—and painful—moment. Critics, including UNL chairperson Caspar van den Berg, questioned the legality of the cuts, arguing they breached prior agreements without due process. The decision ignored ongoing protests and labor inspectorate warnings about excessive workloads, setting the stage for intensified resistance.

The approval came amid debates over the 'internationalisation in balance' legislation, which aimed to cap international student numbers and prioritize Dutch-language programs. This not only strained budgets but also threatened the Netherlands' reputation as a global academic hub, where English-taught courses attract top talent.

Relay Strikes and Mass Protests: Universities Fight Back

In response, Dutch universities launched a coordinated 'relay strike' campaign starting in March 2025, staggering actions to maximize visibility. Leiden University kicked off on March 10, followed by Utrecht on the 11th, Radboud Nijmegen on the 13th with marches and teach-outs, Amsterdam on the 17th, Groningen on the 18th, Maastricht on the 20th, VU Amsterdam on the 27th, and Tilburg on April 10. Organized by WOinActie—a grassroots movement of staff and students—alongside FNV (1.1 million members), AOb, and student union LSVb, these strikes disrupted operations while keeping campuses partially open.

A national protest on December 9, 2025, drew 7,000 participants to Amsterdam's Dam Square, demanding reversal of the 'demolition' of higher education. Even into early 2026, discontent lingers, with civil servant strikes in March reflecting broader public sector woes tied to pay freezes and pensions. Universities continue symbolic actions, underscoring unresolved grievances despite political shifts.

• High workloads flagged by labor inspectors as unsafe.
• Need for investment in research tackling climate, health, and tech challenges.
• Protection of academic freedom and international collaboration.

Devastating Impacts on Staff, Students, and Research

The cuts have inflicted deep wounds. Staff reductions exceeded 10% at some institutions, with vacancy freezes, mass termination of temporary contracts, elimination of student assistants, and redundancy threats for permanent roles. Workloads surged, burnout rose, and career progression stalled—particularly for early-career academics reliant on incentive grants.

Students face program closures, like VU Amsterdam's Earth Sciences department, and reduced course offerings. New bachelor's enrollments dropped to 56,000 in 2025, a 3.4% decline—the fifth consecutive year. International students, 15% of the total (per Nuffic 2022/23 data), saw a 5% enrollment dip in 2024/25 due to funding slashes of €293 million and caps, projecting a €5 billion economic hit.

Research suffers profoundly: NWO's budget shrinks 25% to €1.2 billion by 2031. The four technical universities alone generate €12.7 billion annually, with a 900% ROI per euro invested—now jeopardized.

International Students: Caught in the Crossfire

Policies targeting 'balanced internationalisation' reduced funding for non-EU students and mandated Dutch for certain bachelor's like psychology and economics. One-quarter of internationals stay post-graduation, bolstering the economy—yet caps and higher fees deter them. Nuffic notes ended uncertainty for English programs under the new coalition, but prior damage persists.

Prospective students from Europe and beyond worry about access to world-class programs at TU Delft or UvA. For those navigating careers, resources like higher education career advice can help adapt to shifting landscapes.

Legal Battles and Institutional Responses

Tilburg and Radboud universities sued over the cuts' legality, arguing the government couldn't unilaterally void the 2022 agreement. UNL echoed concerns, eroding trust. While rulings pend, austerity bites: Roosevelt Academy cut staff, others froze hiring.

University boards support strikes' goals, urging dialogue. Education Minister Eppo Bruins defended adjustments as policy rights, but protests amplified calls for €800 million restoration—deemed insufficient.

New Coalition's Reversal: Hope Amid Caution

Following the Schoof cabinet's June 2025 collapse, the new D66-CDA-VVD minority coalition pledged €1.5 billion structurally for higher ed and science in January 2026, fully reversing €1.2 billion cuts and halting Dutch mandates for English programs. This meets EU R&D targets, aiding talent attraction.

UNL's van den Berg hailed a 'change of direction': “More important than the money is the change in tone.” Student groups LSVb/ISO praised grants and internships; hogescholen endorsed upskilling. Yet, AOb's Arnoud Lagendijk cautions: “The devil will be in the details.” Implementation lags could fuel continued protests.

Broader Economic and Societal Implications

Dutch universities drive knowledge economy: €12.7 billion from tech unis alone. Cuts risk brain drain, reduced innovation in AI, sustainability. Internationals contribute post-study; declines threaten growth. Europe-wide, similar pressures (UK, Germany) highlight funding perils.

For academics eyeing stability, higher ed jobs in Europe offer opportunities, while rate my professor insights aid choices.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from the Frontlines

WOinActie rallies cry 'Stop the demolition!' FNV/AOb demand investments. Students lament quality drops; researchers fear grant losses. Van den Berg: “Damage cannot be undone in a year.” Optimism tempers with calls for swift action.

• Staff: Workload crisis, job insecurity.
• Students: Fewer programs, higher pressure.
• Leaders: Welcome funds, urge implementation.

Future Outlook: Recovery or Prolonged Struggle?

With €1.5 billion promised, 2026-2030 could stabilize, but prior scars linger. NWO's contraction to 2031 looms. Monitoring implementation is key; protests may persist if pledges falter. Positive: English programs resume, intl talent returns.

Explore Europe higher ed opportunities or university jobs for resilient careers.

Actionable Insights and Solutions

For stakeholders:

• Advocate via WOinActie/LSVb.
• Upskill for competitive edges—check academic CV tips.
• Institutions: Prioritize efficiency, diversify funding.
• Government: Ensure transparent rollout, protect research.

As Dutch higher ed navigates this, collaboration offers path forward. For jobs, visit higher-ed-jobs, university-jobs, or post openings at recruitment.

Photo by Timo Wielink on Unsplash