Onderwijs

This afternoon, Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins sent a letter about his plans for internationalisation in higher education to the House of Representatives. Caspar van den Berg, president of Universities of the Netherlands: ‘Universities are very concerned about this government’s plans. The bill is called “Balanced Internationalisation”, but this government is bluntly chopping away at universities and universities of applied sciences, also cutting €293 million from the budget for the intake of international students.’

Solid cuts to education and research in general agreement

Today, the coalition-forming parties presented their general agreement. The cuts to education, research and innovation came as a major shock to universities. These plans will damage the future of young people and the Netherlands. Jouke de Vries, acting president of Universities of the Netherlands: ‘The cuts to education and science are a blow to our students and staff who are already under enormous pressure. Together with the sharp intervention in the international nature of universities, these cuts are harming our ability to provide quality education and carry out research. This does not match the coalition-forming parties’ ambition to strengthen the knowledge economy and earning power of the Netherlands. With these cuts, we are putting the future of our country's youth at stake.’