The Netherlands’ Shift in International Student Policies: Challenges and Opportunities
In recent years, immigration and international student policies have been central to political debates in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the government’s push to cut international student numbers due to housing shortages now faces resistance from regional and business leaders. Consequently, efforts are shifting toward retaining international graduates to fill skill gaps and meet economic needs.
Government’s Commitment to Reducing International Student Numbers
The previous Dutch government and the current administration under the Party for Freedom (PVV) have prioritized limiting international student enrolments. The housing crisis remains a key factor behind these policies. However, certain regions, particularly Limburg, are beginning to feel the consequences of a declining international student population. So, Limburg is projected to see a 16% population decline within 20 years, relies heavily on international students for innovation and economic stability.
Decline in International Undergraduate Enrolments
UNL data shows a 6% drop in international undergraduate enrolments for 2024/25, with 17,410 students—the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some academic fields have seen sharper declines, with AI enrolments down 13% and language and culture programmes dropping 17%. Also, the UNL warns that fewer international students, coupled with funding cuts and English-language restrictions, could threaten some degrees.
UNL Chair Caspar van den Berg criticized the government’s push to reduce English-language programmes, warning it may eliminate key courses and deprive the labour market of skilled talent.
Reputational Risks and the Global Talent Competition
The Netherlands’ restrictive stance on international students may damage its reputation as a top education destination. Furthermore, Van den Berg emphasized that Belgium, Germany, and France actively attract and retain global talent, cautioning that the Netherlands risks losing ground in the global skills race.
Moreover, Times Higher Education warns that limiting international student enrolments could weaken the country’s knowledge economy and workforce growth in the long run.
New Focus on Retaining International Graduates
The Netherlands’ restrictive stance on international students may damage its reputation as a top education destination. Furthermore, Van den Berg emphasized that Belgium, Germany, and France actively attract and retain global talent, cautioning that the Netherlands risks losing ground in the global skills race.
Moreover, Times Higher Education warns that limiting international student enrolments could weaken the country’s knowledge economy and workforce growth in the long run.
To address these concerns, the Dutch government launched the “Orientation Year” permit to help international graduates find jobs. The Netherlands retains only 25% of them post-graduation, compared to France’s 50%.
Retention vs. Recruitment: A Balancing Act
Despite the new retention initiatives, concerns remain that reducing international student enrolments in the first place will ultimately hinder long-term retention efforts. UNL spokesperson Ruben Puylaert emphasized that a strategy focused solely on retention would be ineffective if fewer students choose to study in the Netherlands at all. In addition, he warned that declining international enrolments could negatively impact education quality, research advancements, and workforce development.
The Future of International Education in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is at a crossroads in its international education policy. Retaining skilled graduates is a positive shift, but limiting international enrolments could hurt economic and educational competitiveness. To stay ahead in higher education and innovation, the country must strike a balance—welcoming international students while fostering policies that encourage them to stay and contribute.
As European nations compete for global talent, the Netherlands must rethink its policies to maintain its standing in international education.
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