Record number students registered at Dutch universities

A record number of about 265 thousand students were registered at Dutch universities this past academic year. That is a 2.5 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the association of Dutch universities VSNU, ANP reports.

There was a hefty influx of foreign students as well as students transferring from VWO. The number of first year students in university courses increased by 9 percent to 52 thousand this academic year. The number of first-year undergraduate students increased in all sectors of education.

The universities are delighted with the increasing number of foreign students. "The international classroom provides a ric learning environment. International students contribute to a more ambitious study climate. In addition, for the students it creates good preparation for the international labor market."

This trend goes against the doomsday predictions of plummeting student numbers after the basic study grant was abolished and the study loan system implemented. DUO announced earlier today that the interest rate for study loans next year will be 0 percent.