New coalition: €1.5 billion for higher ed, stop cuts to English-language courses

The three parties forming a new coalition government in the Netherlands want to structurally invest €1.5 billion structurally in education and scientific research. The parties, D66, VVD, and CDA, also want to stop restricting universities from teaching programs in languages other than Dutch.

Increasing the amount of money spent on higher education will reverse the 400-million euro budget cuts put in place by the current Cabinet, which is expected to remain in office in a caretaker status for four more weeks. Other investments will likely include spending on the quality of education and scientific research, and increasing the spending power of students.

Dutch universities said via their interest group that they are pleased that the incoming coalition government intends to reverse the cutbacks. “It’s excellent news that the coalition parties fully endorse the fact that investing in education, research, and innovation is crucial for the future of the Netherlands,” said Caspar van den Berg, chair of the organization, Universiteiten van Nederland.

By investing 1.5 billion euros, universities will be enabled to “make a significant contribution to solving the major societal challenges facing the Netherlands,” Van den Berg continued.

The university association is also pleased that the checks on programs not taught in Dutch will be lifted. “The coalition is thus opting for a forward-looking and practical approach to international talent and international sciences.”

The National Student Union (LSVb) also welcomed the new government’s plans to roll back cuts to higher education. Students had staged numerous protests against the reductions. “Education is now seen as an investment rather than a burden, which gives hope,” said LSVb chair Maaike Krom.

The LSVb also welcomes the coalition’s plans to invest in student well-being and explore a mandatory internship allowance. However, the union still has unmet demands. It is advocating for a housing allowance for non-independent rooms in student housing, where residents share a front door, bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. “So many people have marched with us, and politics is finally starting to listen, but we’re not there yet,” said LSVb chair Maaike Krom.

JOBmbo, the student union for vocational education (MBO), welcomed the new government’s plans, saying that MBO students are finally being recognized. The coalition agreement emphasizes that MBO is a “full-fledged final stage” of education. “The time of systematic undervaluation appears to be over,” said JOBmbo chair Maurits Brus.

The Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO) welcomed the coalition agreement, noting that 1.5 billion euros will be invested to undo previous budget cuts. “Education and students are finally seeing new investment. The grant for students living away from home will rise, internship allowances will become mandatory, and additional funds will flow back into education. We are eager to see the details and exact figures, but this is welcome news after years of budget cuts,” said ISO chair Sarah Evink.

The organization is particularly happy that the coalition is focusing more on students’ financial well-being. “The coalition agreement takes steps toward a higher grant for students living away from home and a structural scheme for internship allowances,” JOBmbo notes.

JOBmbo says the coalition plans to invest in education quality as well. “High-quality vocational education that emphasizes practical experience is essential to prepare students for both society and the labor market,” said Maurits Brus.

The General Education Union (AOb) welcomed the new government’s plans to roll back education cuts, but also voiced concerns. “We are worried about severe reductions in social security. This Cabinet is eroding workers’ rights, which impacts our nearly 90,000 members and undermines the foundation on which they teach,” said AOb chair Coba van der Veer.

The union highlights the heavy workload in education. “There needs to be a robust safety net if teachers are unable to work,” Van der Veer said. She also anticipates that the opposition will act against “the dismantling of social security.”

Universities of applied sciences welcome the extra funding for higher education announced by the incoming coalition. Maurice Limmen, chair of the Vereniging Hogescholen, also described the coalition’s other proposals as “encouraging.”

The higher education umbrella body praises the coalition’s talent strategy aimed at ensuring sufficient skilled workers in sectors with the greatest needs. It also welcomes the increased opportunities for universities and colleges to attract top international talent and retain their own graduates. The coalition plans to provide funding for worker retraining and upskilling, an area in which the universities of applied sciences see themselves playing an active role.