The number of international students signing up for a course at a Dutch university has declined significantly, according to figures from the Dutch University Association (Universiteiten van Nederland - UNL). The news comes as the government drafts policies to reduce foreign student numbers. 

Foreign student enrolments down 6 percent in 2024/25 academic year

Enrolment figures for the 2024/25 academic year, which were released provisionally last year but only confirmed this quarter, show that the number of international bachelor students at Dutch universities has fallen by 6 percent compared to the previous academic year. This marks a definitive end to years of growth in the number of international students coming to study in the Netherlands. 

At certain universities, the decline is even more pronounced: the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam reported last year that international student numbers had dropped 23 percent for the current academic year, while Groningen University saw a fall of 14 percent. 

UNL data shows that foreign student numbers are dropping across most disciplines in Dutch higher education: international enrolments in natural science courses (including artificial intelligence, computer science and data science) are down 13 percent; for language and culture courses, enrolments are down 17 percent. On the other hand, international student numbers in technical bachelor’s programmes rose 19 percent. 

UNL expects fewer international students in the Netherlands in coming years

The UNL expressed concern about the “worrying” figures, writing in a press statement that they raised concerns about “the continued existence of programmes and the departure of international talent”. The umbrella organisation expects international student numbers to fall even faster in the coming years, as the effects of new legislation begin to be felt. 

Last year, the Dutch government tabled legislation to curb foreign student numbers and make Dutch the dominant language across higher education. The proposed measures include a limit on the number of courses taught in English and major cuts to the funding provided for international students. 

The Netherlands getting a bad reputation among foreign students?

According to the UNL, the proposed measures are giving the Netherlands a reputation “as a country that wants to limit student migration”. They said that this, alongside reduced efforts to recruit students from abroad, and the shortage of student housing, was contributing to the decline in student numbers. 

Chairperson Caspar van den Berg said in a press statement: “In turbulent times in which the Netherlands desperately needs all the knowledge to remain safe and prosperous, we are closing the door on international talent. That is inexplicable. Countries such as Belgium, Germany and France understand very well that there is a global battle for talent, so it is high time that the Netherlands also gets its head out of the sand.”