Dutch universities suffered €105.3 mil. loss last year; Only 4 stayed out of the red

The 14 largest Dutch universities suffered a combined loss of 105.3 million euros last year, according to a study by EY. “Only four of the universities we investigated managed to stay out of the red last year,” Maarten Verschoor, chairman of the accountancy firm, told BNR.

EY analyzed the 14 largest Dutch universities' annual accounts and annual reports. Last year’s losses were caused by a sharp increase in personnel costs and rising housing costs.

Universities’ losses are expected to increase to 257.2 million euros this year, and then drop back down to 105 million euros next year. The universities hope to be back in the black in 2026, following significant cuts in personnel and buildings, Verschoor told the broadcaster. “In practice, it will mean more students per lecture.”

The calculations did not include the new Cabinet’s plans to significantly cut higher education budgets and reduce the number of international students. The cost-saving measures planned by the universities will have to be “increased considerably to get back into the black” if the government plans go through, Verschoor said.