Billions Lost if International Student Intake is Restricted

Restricting the intake of international students at the broad universities in the Randstad, including Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, could cost the Netherlands up to five billion euros annually. This is revealed in new research by SEO Economic Research, conducted on behalf of the five broad Randstad universities.

Economic Damage Hits the Randstad Hardest
The Randstad, which accounts for half of the Netherlands’ gross domestic product (GDP), would be hit the hardest: 82% of the losses would occur here. Sectors such as business services, financial institutions, and the public sector would feel the greatest impact. The researchers emphasize that international students are essential for the Netherlands’ earning capacity and contribute to addressing labor shortages in crucial sectors.

International Students Increasingly Stay in the Netherlands
The likelihood of international students staying in the Netherlands has risen in recent years. One year after graduation, 57% remain in the country (cohort 2022–2023), the majority of whom are employed. After five years, 25% are still in the Netherlands, with 80% of them in paid employment. Regions outside the Randstad also benefit through direct employment and supporting sectors.

Restricting Internationalization: Short-Term Savings, Long-Term Damage
Although the caretaker cabinet expects savings of €80–132 million per year, this comes at a much greater economic cost: a reduction in GDP of €3.9–4.8 billion annually. The business climate would also come under pressure, as companies with many foreign knowledge workers may consider relocating due to a lack of international talent.

Impact on Education Quality
Beyond economic consequences, the report also highlights negative effects for Dutch students. Fewer international students means fewer English-taught programs and a decline in the mixed classroom environment, where students develop intercultural skills and gain international perspectives.

“International students enrich our education. The world is becoming increasingly interconnected. As a university, we believe it is important that students gain experience with different perspectives during their studies. This experience is not only crucial for personal development but also essential for future careers and valuable from the perspective of companies and organisations. That is why we want to work together to ensure the necessary intake of international students, who are of great importance to both the region and the Randstad,” says Margrethe Jonkman, Chair of the Executive Board of VU Amsterdam.

Call for Balanced Policy
The Randstad universities urge political parties to take the research findings into account when developing a National Talent Strategy. International students are indispensable for both the region and the Netherlands as a whole.