The southernmost province of the Netherlands, Limburg, has expressed strong concerns about the government’s plans to curb international students. In an open letter to the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, stakeholders from Limburg, including local leaders, educational institutions, businesses, and organizations, highlighted the negative impact such measures will have on the region’s economy.
Limburg’s dependence on international students is significant, with approximately 70% of the target market for educational institutions lying within a radius of 100 to 150 km across the border with Belgium and Germany. The province’s strong international orientation is due to its location on the border with these countries. The government’s plans to cut the international student budget by €300 million have sparked concerns among stakeholders in Limburg. They have urged for more attention to be paid to the province’s educational landscape, citing the potential devastating impact on the region’s prosperity, liveability, and economic development.
Research conducted by Panteia, a data-driven research and consulting organization, suggests that restricting international students could reduce Limburg’s economic output by €1 billion and cost the region 4,500 jobs. Elianne Demollin-Schneiders, deputy of the province of Limburg, emphasized the importance of international students to the region’s socio-economic vitality. “The Limburg region has an ageing population, which means that without students from outside, there will be a sharp decline in students, leading to a significant shrinkage of educational institutions,” she said.
The open letter from Limburg stakeholders follows a March appeal to Bruins and the House of Representatives. The province has highlighted internationalization as a “solution” rather than a problem, citing the lack of housing shortages and overcrowded lecture halls in Limburg, unlike other cities in the Netherlands. Universities in the Netherlands have also cautioned against the government’s plans to restrict international students. The Balanced Internationalisation Bill has led to institutions expressing “serious concern” about the potential impact on university finances and the Netherlands’ position as a leading knowledge economy. The international student population in the Netherlands grew at its slowest rate in nearly a decade during the 2023-24 academic year, signaling that recent efforts to curb internationalization and reduce student numbers are having an effect.
