As the Netherlands plans to significantly reduce its budget for international students, stakeholders from Limburg, the country’s southernmost province, have voiced their concerns. A coalition of local leaders, educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations has warned of the detrimental effects such measures could have on Limburg’s economy and innovation.
The government’s proposal, which includes cutting €300 million from international student budgets, was outlined in a letter sent by Education Minister Eppo Bruins to the House of Representatives in October. In response, Limburg stakeholders issued their own open letter on November 19, highlighting the region’s reliance on international students for socio-economic growth.
Limburg’s Strategic Position and International Dependency
Limburg’s geographic location, bordering Belgium and Germany, places it in a unique position. According to the letter, around 70% of the region’s target market for higher education is within 100–150 kilometers across international borders. This international orientation has made the influx of students critical to the province’s prosperity.
“Ahead of the OCW-budget discussion, we request tailored agreements for Limburg’s educational landscape,” the letter stated. Stakeholders emphasized that the proposed policies could undermine the foundation of the region’s prosperity, liveability, and economic development.
Economic Risks and Demographic Challenges
Research from Panteia, a consulting and research organization, suggests that curbing international student numbers could reduce Limburg’s economic output by €1 billion and lead to a loss of 4,500 jobs within one government term. The province already faces demographic challenges, with an ageing population that makes international students vital for sustaining its educational institutions.
Elianne Demollin-Schneiders, Limburg’s deputy and a signatory of the letter, explained that without international students, educational institutions in the region could shrink significantly. “This would lead to the disappearance of courses and devastate our education system,” she warned.
No Overcrowding in Limburg
Unlike other parts of the Netherlands that struggle with housing shortages and overcrowded classrooms, Limburg offers a different picture. Stakeholders argued that demographic shrinkage means municipalities in the region can accommodate more students, both domestic and international.
“In Limburg, the issues of housing shortages and overcrowded lecture halls do not apply,” the letter emphasized. The province has instead positioned internationalization as a solution to its challenges, urging the government to consider the unique circumstances of border regions like Limburg.
National Concerns About Internationalization
The Dutch government has proposed broader measures to limit the influx of international students, including reducing English-language bachelor’s programs. These policies, under the Balanced Internationalisation Bill, have alarmed universities, which fear the country’s position as a leading knowledge economy is at risk.
Caspar van den Berg, president of Universities of the Netherlands, expressed “serious concern” over the potential financial and academic impacts of the proposed restrictions.
Limburg’s Call for Cross-Border Collaboration
The stakeholders’ letter also highlighted Limburg’s success in cross-border collaboration within the EU. “This has made Limburg one of the most innovative regions in Europe,” it stated, underscoring the region’s reliance on international students to maintain this status.
Without intervention, Limburg’s leaders fear the cuts will erode its innovative capacity and competitiveness. They have called on the Dutch government to prioritize tailored solutions that consider the unique needs of the province.
As the debate continues, Limburg’s stakeholders remain vocal, insisting that international students are not a liability but a crucial asset to the region’s future.
