On 8 April 2025, the Dutch Senate approved the government’s education budget, confirming substantial cuts to the higher education and research sector. The total reduction amounts to €1.2 billion, with over €500 million to be implemented immediately, including cuts of more than €200 million to starter and incentive grants. The full reduction will be phased in by 2028. 

The education budget was approved following extensive debate and months of protests, strikes, and legal concerns raised by universities and student organisations. Although doubts were expressed about the legality of some funding reductions, these did not prevent the Senate from passing the budget. The final agreement includes substantial cuts to higher education and research, with immediate and long-term impacts on institutional funding. 

A central issue is the government's decision to terminate elements of the Higher Education and Science administrative agreement signed in 2022. The agreement had committed the government to provide €300 million per year for starter and incentive grants until 2030. Universities argue that the government cannot unilaterally cancel these agreements. 

Tilburg University and Radboud University have announced that they will initiate legal proceedings against the government. According to Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), a trade group of government-funded research universities, the unilateral termination of the agreement raises serious legal concerns and undermines trust between universities and the state. UNL Chairperson Caspar van den Berg stated that many legal experts question the legal viability of the government’s actions. 

Despite these objections, Education Minister Eppo Bruins defended the budget, arguing that the universities received the funding as general lump sums without binding conditions, and that the government retains the right to adjust financial policies. 

The budget cuts have already led to austerity measures at several institutions. The Free University of Amsterdam has closed its Earth Sciences Department, and the Roosevelt Academy in Middelburg has announced staff reductions. 

The reductions are also affecting internationalisation efforts. Some universities have scaled back initiatives targeting international students, and institutions such as Delft University of Technology report difficulties in attracting and retaining top researchers. 

In addition to legal action, further protests and strikes are planned. Student organisations, including the National Student Union and trade union FNV, have announced local demonstrations in response to the cuts. 

It remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the legality of the funding reductions. Universities maintain that upholding the administrative agreement is crucial for maintaining trust in future agreements between higher education institutions and the Dutch government. 

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