Five major universities (Leiden, Utrecht, UvA, VU Amsterdam, and Erasmus University Rotterdam) commissioned SEO Economic Research to model the impact of tighter limits on international students. Their conclusion: a sharp curb (fewer English-taught courses plus caps on remaining tracks) could cut foreign bachelor’s intake by ~75% and master’s by ~25%, lowering Dutch GDP by €3.9–€4.8 billion over time.
Many international graduates stay and work in the Netherlands, adding to the workforce and tax base. Fewer arrivals mean fewer skilled workers and less spending on housing, food, and services. SEO’s breakdown points to the biggest losses in business services (±39%), financial services (±20%), and the public sector.
What’s driving the proposed limits
The warning lands as lawmakers work on “Internationalisation in Balance” measures, including making Dutch the default language in most bachelor’s programs and capping selected English tracks. Universities have already proposed self-limits (more Dutch in bachelor’s, selective caps where pressure is highest), but say a blanket squeeze would be counter-productive.
Early signs of a turn are visible. New international bachelor enrolments fell ~5% in 2024/25, while master’s held up a bit better, leading to the slowest overall growth in years. Nuffic reports the trend and has updated facts and figures for 2025.
Photo Credits: RSM Erasmus
University leaders’ view
Erasmus University president Annelien Bredenoord argues that any gain in reduced housing pressure would be outweighed by long-term economic losses, and points to countries like Denmark, which have partly reversed earlier cuts to international inflows. The five universities urge politicians to craft a national talent strategy that keeps needed graduates in the Netherlands.
What to watch next
Legislation: How far Parliament goes with language rules and intake caps, and whether exceptions are made for shortage fields (tech, healthcare).
Labour market: Employer demand may intensify calls to keep doors open to graduates who want to stay and work.
Enrolment trend: Nuffic’s next intake update will show whether the dip in bachelor inflow continues into 2025/26.
Universities say a heavy cut to international student numbers would save the state a little now but cost the economy much more later. The challenge for policymakers is to balance Dutch-language education and housing pressure with the need to attract and retain talent that keeps the economy and research engine running.
