The Netherlands: Debate around student recruitment and retention continues amid foreign enrolment decline
- International student numbers are declining in the Netherlands – in line with government strategies
- However, the government seems to be recognising the value of international student graduates for the economy, and is open to retaining more international students
In keeping with the political landscape in many other Western countries, hot debates about immigration and international students have characterised politics in the Netherlands over the past couple of years. The needle seems to be moving slightly, however, as the consequences of fewer international students choosing to study and stay in the Netherlands are beginning to manifest – especially in regions such as Limburg, which face demographic declines and that rely on attracting foreign students for innovation.
Government remains committed to reducing international student numbers
Both the previous government and the new government of the Party for Freedom (PVV) remain committed to the goal of reducing the number of new international students, not least because of a housing shortage. However, the PVV has been under pressure from those in some southern regions and business sectors because of the negative effects of declining foreign student numbers and low levels of international graduates staying on to work in the country. In Limburg, the population is expected to decrease by 16% in the span of less than 20 years.
Declining numbers of undergraduate foreign students
The country's higher education peak body, Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), reports that its 14 member universities recorded a 6% year-over-year decline in international undergraduate students in 2024/25. The 17,410 students enrolled is the lowest number since the pandemic, when global student mobility plummeted.
Steeper declines have happened in international commencements in artificial intelligence (-13%) and language and culture programmes (-17%).
The UNL’s universities have said that fewer international students, slashed funding, and the government’s emphasis on reducing English-language programmes are threatening the continued offering of some programmes.
UNL chair, Caspar van den Berg, said:
“For the time being, the government wants to drastically reduce the number of English-language programmes with rigorous legislation. As a result, many programmes are in danger of disappearing and the labour market is missing out on highly qualified talent.”
Mr Casper cited a mix of interrelated factors depressing demand for study in the Netherlands, from reduced overseas recruiting to reputational damage caused by the Netherlands’ less welcoming positioning.
He told Times Higher Education:
“Anyone who follows developments in the world sees that keeping out international talent is outdated. 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.”
New focus on international student retention
Under pressure from business stakeholders in regions with pronounced skills shortages, parties across the political spectrum have agreed that international student retention needs to be encouraged in some regions of the Netherlands.
According to University World News, a motion passed in parliament in February 2025 notes “that the Netherlands ‘is not a leader in attracting and retaining knowledge migrants compared to other countries’ …. ‘various factors such as career opportunities for accompanying partners and stigmas about population growth’ play a role in this.”
Most of the rationale for retaining international students is economic – i.e., international students add value after they graduate by working in their host country. The Netherlands’ retention rate is 25%, compared with France’s 50%.
The economic argument seems instrumental to convincing all Dutch political parties to pass the motion aimed at encouraging the retention of international students – while at the same time keeping policies aimed at dampening demand for new international students to enrol in the Netherlands.
UNL spokesperson Ruben Puylaert told University World News that a retention-only strategy won’t work as intended, saying that fewer international students “will have negative effects on the quality of our education, our research, and the labour market.” He noted:
“We can make plans to increase the stay rate, but if students stop coming at all – even in the sectors where there is a major labour market shortage – then this will be pointless.”
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