Dutch government reverses English programme cuts and reprioritises international talent
New data shows nearly half of graduates stay to work in Netherlands
Key findings:
- On 30 January , the new coalition government in the Netherlands announced their plans to halt the scrapping of certain English-taught bachelor’s degrees in the Netherlands.
- 48.7% of international graduates stay to work in the Netherlands
- The Netherlands offers 2,130 English-taught programmes (3rd most in Europe)
- Indian students and Computer Science graduates most likely to stay
- Amsterdam retains over 2,000 international graduates
- Global trend: Over five years, interest in European study up 17.5%, traditional destinations down 25%
Almost half of international students who study in the Netherlands stay to work here after graduation, according to new data from Studyportals. The findings come as the Dutch government announced it will keep English-taught degree programmes instead of forcing universities to switch to Dutch.
In the October’s Dutch parliamentary election, the parties that had driven sentiment for restricting international student flows, including the far-right PVV, New Social Contract (NSC), and the BBB, lost around 20% of their support.
Last week’s coalition agreement reverses earlier plans that would have eliminated some English programmes.
The Netherlands now offers 2,130 English-taught degrees, which is the third most in Europe after Ireland and Germany. The policy shift comes as undergraduate enrolment has declined for three consecutive years. In 2024/25, international undergraduate enrollment fell 5.2%, with Germany—the country’s largest source market—sending 8% fewer students.
Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals says, “The Netherlands, like almost all developed economies, has a demographic problem and a lot of shortages in high-skilled talent. International students are great contributors to our society and soft power around the world, but also have a huge contribution to our competitiveness
In 2024 the government launched the “Project Beethoven” making € 2,5 billion available for attracting international talent and improving infrastructure for the semiconductor industry.
According to Maastricht University, citing data from CBS, CPB and Nuffic, European international students contribute approximately €2 billion in net positive tax income to the Netherlands. International students are not just passing through.
They’re becoming part of the Dutch workforce,” said Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals. “Nearly half stay to work after graduation, especially in technology and engineering. That’s a clear return on investment.
The numbers
Studyportals tracked over 19,000 international graduates in the Netherlands. The data shows:
- 9,319 stayed in the Netherlands for their first job after graduation
- 5,055 returned home 4,764 moved to other countries
- Amsterdam keeps the most international graduates (over 2,000), followed by Rotterdam and Maastricht.
- Indian students are most likely to stay.
- Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Engineering graduates have the highest retention rates. Most work in tech, corporate services, or manufacturing.
Why this matters now
Globally, 68% of universities say government policies hurt international recruitment (in 2025), up from 51% in 2024. In the US, that number jumped to 85%. (Source: Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey | NAFSA, Studyportals, & Oxford Test of English)
Policy uncertainty has real consequences,” van Rest said. “Countries with tighter restrictions are losing students, while destinations with clearer pathways are winning.
What’s changing in the Netherlands
The new coalition agreement keeps English programmes and welcomes international talent, some possible controls remain in place:
- Capacity limits agreed with universities
- Possible enrolment caps for English bachelor programmes
- Possible limits on non-EU students
- Emergency caps if applications surge unexpectedly
The key question now is implementation,” van Rest said. “These policies can work if they’re based on evidence, not arbitrary limits. Our data shows where the talent goes and which programmes deliver results. That should guide how these new rules are applied.
