Budget cuts in higher education

The Schoof Cabinet is implementing ‘unprecedented’ cuts in higher education. Universities, researchers, and students are being heavily affected, leading to uncertainty, protests, and policy changes.

16 May 2024 – The new coalition agreement includes significant budget cuts to higher education, including the introduction of a long-study penalty. Universities and students are shocked by these plans, which are expected to result in higher costs for students and a decline in the quality of education and research.

16 May 2024 – Student organizations and universities express concern over the government’s new budget cut plans. They fear that the proposed measures will put the accessibility of education at risk and that the quality of academic education will decline due to lower investments in research and teaching staff.

12 June 2024 – The PVV celebrates the announced budget cuts as a victory over activist influences within higher education. According to the party, it is high time that universities are held accountable and become less dependent on government support, while also criticizing the current direction of educational institutions.

12 June 2024 – Universities and student organizations are organizing protests against the government’s budget cut plans. They warn that the measures undermine academic freedom and the accessibility of education, calling the government’s policy a serious threat to the future of universities.

24 June 2024 – During a protest in The Hague, students express their frustration with the government’s plans. They are strongly opposed to the introduction of the long-study penalty and cuts to higher education. The demonstrators accuse the government of blackmail and demand an end to the “systematic undermining of science and knowledge.”

24 June 2024 – Minister Eppo Bruins of Education, Culture, and Science suggests that educational institutions should be responsible for penalizing long-term students. This idea follows the government’s budget cut plans and the introduction of the long-study penalty, which has sparked significant opposition from students and universities.

2 September 2024 – The government confirms that the budget cuts to higher education will proceed, despite protests from students and universities. Minister Eppo Bruins emphasizes that the measures are necessary to balance the budget, but universities fear that the impact on the quality of education and research will be significant.

3 September 2024 – Bruins promises to advocate for education and research, despite the imposed budget cuts. He acknowledges the concerns of students and universities but emphasizes that he will strive to minimize the damage to higher education within the constraints of the budget.

4 September 2024 – Research shows that the majority of Dutch voters are against cuts to science and higher education. Many Dutch citizens are concerned about the impact of the cuts on the international competitiveness of the Netherlands and the future of academic research.

11 September 2024 – The government decides to scrap start-up and incentive grants for young researchers, leading to widespread concern within the academic community. These grants were intended to give young scientists a strong start and support their academic careers.

11 September 2024 – Student associations and activist groups have gathered over 131,000 signatures against the introduction of the long-study penalty. The organizers hope to convince the government to abolish the penalty, which they argue is an unfair punishment for students who experience delays for various reasons.

13 September 2024 – Erasmus University announces that it is already implementing significant budget cuts in anticipation of Prinsjesdag. The university expects further cuts from the government to be inevitable and is therefore making preparations to mitigate the impact as much as possible.

18 September 2024 – During Prinsjesdag, it becomes clear that the budget cuts to higher education will continue, despite the criticism. The government remains steadfast in its plans, aiming to reduce public spending and decrease the budget deficit. Students and academics continue to strongly oppose the measures.

18 September 2024 – Following the presentation of the Budget Memorandum, strong reactions emerge. Critics argue that the cuts to education and science will not only harm universities but also the future of the Dutch knowledge economy. They warn that these cuts will ultimately cost more than they save.

23 September 2024 – Erasmus University is disproportionately affected by the government’s budget cuts. Forced layoffs are being considered, and the university administration warns that the impact on education and research will be significant, especially as other developments, such as the declining number of students, are further exacerbating the university’s challenges.

24 September 2024 – The decision to compensate so-called ‘unlucky students’ for the abolition of the basic grant is met with criticism. Critics argue that this compensation is not an investment in the quality of higher education, but merely a political move to temper student protests.

31 October 2024 – The new rector of Erasmus University emphasizes that during budget cuts, it is essential for faculty members and deans to continue supporting each other. In a challenging period for higher education, with increasing financial pressure, the rector believes that collaboration and mutual support are crucial for maintaining educational quality and innovation. He calls for solidarity within the university to navigate these difficult times.

29 October 2024 – Experts recommend using defense funding for research and innovation. This proposal comes at a time when the Netherlands is considering increasing the defense budget. However, critics argue that the money could be better spent on strengthening other key sectors, such as education and scientific research, which also contribute to the safety and well-being of society. More details about this advice can be found on the Erasmus Magazine website.

23 October 2024 – Students are not required to attend classes on the national protest day against budget cuts to higher education. Universities have decided to lift the attendance requirement on this day, giving students more freedom to participate in protests against the proposed cuts. While this measure is seen as a step in the right direction, critics question whether it will be enough to truly strengthen the debate about the future of education.

21 November 2024 – Anger, disappointment, and surprise among students and staff over the non-renewal of the sustainability program and the contracts of the two permanent staff members. As a result, knowledge and experience have been lost, and ongoing projects are either stalled or delayed until the new strategy kicks off in September 2025. The Executive Board states that it was clear from the beginning that the program was temporary and that sustainability will be one of the three pillars of the new strategy starting next year.

22 November 2024 – Students express concerns about the announced budget cuts and their impact on student life. According to them, studying, housing, and mental health are already under significant pressure, and the plans are likely to exacerbate these issues. While the university asserts that the measures are necessary to ensure financial stability, students fear that the quality of education and their overall well-being will suffer as a result. Student organizations are urging the Executive Board to take the community’s impact into greater consideration.

25 November 2024 – Opposition parties in the House of Representatives are pushing for the complete or partial reversal of the planned budget cuts to education. According to them, the measures are harmful to the accessibility and quality of higher education. Students and staff are joining this call, highlighting the already existing pressure and financial uncertainty within educational institutions. The government remains committed to the plans for now but indicates that it is open to discussions about alternatives.

26 November 2024 – Thousands of demonstrators gathered in The Hague to protest the education budget cuts, an action they have dubbed the ‘Eppocalypse’. There is widespread anger among students and faculty regarding the impact of the measures on the accessibility and quality of education. With banners and speeches, they urged the government to invest rather than cut. According to the organizers, the turnout sends a strong message that the plans must be reconsidered.

26 November 2024 – “3000 euros op je muil!” With this slogan, students and staff from Erasmus University protested against the announced budget cuts. They fear that the measures will further pressure the accessibility of education and make the financial burdens on students unsustainable. During the demonstration, which took place on campus, participants called on the Executive Board to seek alternative solutions and take the voice of the university community seriously.

26 November 2024 – Minister Bruins stands firm in his position: the planned education budget cuts will proceed. Despite strong criticism from students, staff, and opposition parties, Bruins emphasizes that the measures are necessary to maintain a healthy long-term budget. Protests and calls for reconsideration seem to have little effect, although the minister has expressed openness to discussions about the implementation of the plans. Student organizations describe his stance as “incomprehensible” given the impact on the quality and accessibility of education.

27 November 2024 – During the debate on the education budget in the House of Representatives, Minister Bruins emphasized his determination to push forward with the budget cuts. “I am not afraid of a brick wall,” he said, referring to the opposition from students, staff, and opposition parties. Members of parliament expressed concerns about the impact on the accessibility and quality of education, but Bruins maintained that the measures are necessary for financial stability. The debate was marked by heated discussions and calls to consider alternatives, but a breakthrough seems unlikely for now.

2 December 2024 – The introduction of the long-study penalty is delayed once again, with the possibility that the plan may be scrapped entirely. Political division and strong criticism from society have caused the decision to be postponed repeatedly. Student organizations have repeatedly warned about the negative effects of the penalty on study stress and the accessibility of higher education. While Minister Bruins continues to defend the policy, pressure is mounting in the House of Representatives to permanently scrap the proposal.

3 December 2024 – Negotiations over the education and research budget cuts are progressing slowly. Political parties remain deeply divided over the scope and details of the plans. While the government insists on financial discipline, critics point to the harmful effects on the quality and accessibility of education. Universities and research institutions are calling for reconsideration, as they fear the measures will jeopardize innovation and knowledge development. For now, an agreement still seems far off.

4 December 2024 – The coalition appears willing to scrap the long-study penalty after weeks of criticism from students, educational institutions, and opposition parties. The measure, intended to accelerate student graduation, faced strong opposition due to its expected impact on study stress and accessibility. According to sources within the coalition, alternative ways to implement the cuts without unduly burdening students are now being explored. A final decision is expected soon.

5 December 2024 – The House of Representatives has yet to vote on the education and research budget cuts, despite ongoing discussions and strong criticism from students and staff. Political parties remain divided over the plans, with some factions pushing for reconsideration, while others deem the measures necessary for financial stability. Tensions are rising, as the final decision could have significant consequences for the accessibility and quality of education in the Netherlands. The vote is expected soon.

10 December 2024 – The announced massive cuts to development aid are not only criticized for their negative impact on vulnerable countries, but also for the damage they could cause to the economic relations and asylum policy of the Netherlands. Experts warn that reducing aid may lead to weakened trade ties and destabilization in regions already struggling with economic and social challenges. The cuts are seen as a short-sighted measure that could undermine both the international position of the Netherlands and its domestic asylum policy.

11 December 2024 – A whistle protest took place at Erasmus Plaza against the planned cuts to higher education. Students and staff expressed their concerns about the significant impact of the measures, which they argue would severely damage the quality and accessibility of education. The demonstrators emphasized that the cuts would not only worsen the conditions for education, but also jeopardize the future of students. The protest served as a powerful signal that the university community is not willing to accept the budget cuts without resistance.

12 December 2024 – Despite strong criticism from students and educational institutions, the education budget cuts largely remain intact. Opposition parties have helped the government push the plans forward by agreeing to a revised proposal. While some measures have been softened, the cuts will still have significant consequences for the accessibility and quality of education. Student organizations are disappointed and continue to call for further revision of the plans. The government remains determined, but resistance from the education sector has not diminished.

19 December 2024 – The Dutch Senate has decided to delay its vote on the education budget until after the Christmas recess, allowing more time for deliberation. Opposition members plan to submit written questions and may request a debate before the final vote. The Senate emphasizes that the process should not be rushed.

16 January 2025 – Education minister Eppo Bruins has agreed to engage in discussions with unions following their ultimatum. However, he cautioned that his planned policies are unlikely to be reversed.

23 January 2025 – Student leaders are actively seeking successors to continue their advocacy against proposed education budget cuts, which have yet to pass the Senate. Despite the removal of the slow-progress penalty, concerns persist about the potential impact of the remaining cuts on higher education. Outgoing leaders stress the importance of sustained student involvement to influence the final decision.

14 February 2025 – In response to severe budget cuts, Erasmus University’s Executive Board has announced the early closure of five buildings on the Woudestein campus. Taken out of service sooner than planned, these buildings, used by student associations, Erasmus Magazine and parts of Erasmus Enterprise, will save the university approximately 5 million euros in maintenance, cleaning and utility expenses. The University Council has expressed concern that these shutdowns will harm campus life, but the Board insists the measures are unavoidable.

10 February 2025 – Universities across the Netherlands have announced a relay strike against planned cuts to education and research funding. Radboud University Nijmegen will lead the action with the first strike set for 13 March, following an open letter signed by over 160 professors urging staff and students to participate in defence of democracy. Other institutions have yet to confirm dates, but the movement is building momentum as more universities prepare to take part.

21 February 2025 – A letter from PVV foreign minister Reinette Klever revealed that Dutch development aid will pivot to focus only on national interests, resulting in the complete withdrawal of the roughly 70 million euro annual budget for education, including higher education and vocational programmes abroad. As a result, Nuffic’s Orange Knowledge Programme has been scrapped, cutting over 10,000 scholarships and research grants. The International Institute of Social Studies at EUR will see its student body halved, while Wageningen University is already restructuring amid funding losses. The decisions draw criticism for undermining Dutch global interests and weakening educational diplomacy.

12 March 2025 – The national relay strike against education budget cuts began in Leiden and Utrecht, drawing around 3,000 academics, staff and students in protest on Monday and Tuesday respectively. Staff at Erasmus University will also join the action, citing concerns over structural funding shortages and heightened work pressure. 

17 March 2025 – Education Minister Eppo Bruins plans to enforce collaboration between universities and universities of applied sciences to address shrinking student numbers, budget cuts and staff shortages. Institutions will be required to coordinate their programme offerings, and funding will shift to a more stable model. While extra funds are pledged to reduce workload and support early-career academics, concerns remain about forced coordination and deeper cuts.

18 March 2025 – Universities welcome Education Minister Bruins’s plans to reduce administrative burdens and stabilise funding, but caution that the deeper budget cuts undermine the benefits. The Dutch Universities Association applauds the reduction in red tape, yet warns that the €500 million in cuts forcing staff layoffs and programme and research reductions risk eroding education quality and innovation. 

25 March 2025 – As the Dutch Senate held the final debate on the 2025 education budget, universities staged a dramatic protest outside parliament, chanting “Don’t do it!” to plead for a last-minute reversal of deep funding cuts. Their public demonstration underscored mounting concern that approval of the Senate’s proposal could endanger the future quality of higher education.

27 March 2025 – The Dutch Senate debated the government’s education budget late into the evening, but no decision was reached. Many senators expressed misgivings about planned cuts to higher education and research, with some opposition members protesting. Despite concerns about the impact of the cuts and the government’s lack of a Senate majority, it appeared likely that the budget would ultimately be approved, with some parties indicating support to prevent worse outcomes. The Senate also requested information from the Council of State regarding the consequences of rejecting the budget, with further debate scheduled for the following week.

3 April 2025 – Opposition efforts to prevent cuts to scientific research and higher education in the Dutch Senate failed. Despite reduced cuts, the government, with support from some Christian opposition parties, secured approval. Concerns about breaching a 2022 funding agreement were raised, but the Minister argued that new cabinets can change policy and past agreements were not legally binding.

8 April 2025 – Hundreds of Erasmus University Rotterdam staff participated in a national strike day, protesting the 1.2 billion euros in budget cuts to higher education and research. The live-blogged protest moved from Erasmus Plaza to the city center, with speakers emphasising the direct impact of the cuts on daily work, research, and education, and calling for the saving of universities. Participants wore red scarves as a symbol of their resistance.

22 April 2025 – The Spring Memorandum unveiled new cuts to higher education and research. Universities and universities of applied sciences face a long-term reduction of 59 million euros in funding, alongside other measures, including reduced inflation adjustments and a reallocation of funds from basic education. These cuts have drawn strong criticism from education leaders, who warn of damage to the future of the Netherlands.

23 April 2025 – The government announced plans to discontinue the tax-friendly scheme for university sports centres from January 1, 2026, ending low-cost sporting activities for students and staff. This measure, part of the Spring Memorandum, aims to save 36 million euros annually. Universities are concerned that without the VAT exemption, prices for sports facilities will rise, potentially deterring students from exercising and impacting their well-being, adding to existing budget cuts in higher education.

25 April 2025 – A new nationwide protest against education cuts was announced for June 10 in The Hague. Organised by WOinActie and FNV, the demonstration aims to pressure the incoming government to reconsider the 1.2 billion euros cuts to higher education and scientific research. This follows previous protests, including a strike involving Erasmus University Rotterdam staff, which failed to prevent the cuts. Organisers hope for a significant turnout to influence policy during coalition formation.

8 May 2025 – Students and student sports associations protested in The Hague against the government’s plan to abolish a VAT exemption for university sports centres. They handed over 2, 000 signatures to the House of Representatives’ Education Committee, arguing that ending this scheme would significantly increase membership fees and undermine students’ physical and mental well-being, as well as their social integration. The initiative, led by Erasmus Sport, seeks to reverse the decision, which is set to take effect from 2026.