Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes is 86.59. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 28.77 in 2021. Data on the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita is not available from UIS.
Tuition-free status
Public tertiary education in the Netherlands is not tuition-free. Students at government-funded universities and HBO (higher professional education) institutions are required to pay tuition fees. The government sets a statutory fee for eligible students, which includes students from the European Economic Area (including students from Dutch constituent countries), Suriname, and Switzerland. Institutions may set their own non-statutory fees, which may not be lower than the statutory fees, for students who are not eligible for the statutory fees.
Governance
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, OCW) is the primary government body responsible for financing higher education . This ministry allocates and oversees education budgets, sets statutory tuition fees, and monitors institutional compliance and quality through the Education Inspectorate. For some agricultural and environmental HBO institutions, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is also involved in funding.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The central government provides funding to higher education institutions through a combined fixed and variable allocation model. Institutions receive a fixed lump sum from the Dutch government. In addition to the lump sum, they receive a variable amount, which depends on the number of enrollments in recognised bachelor's and master's programs and the number of bachelor's and master's diplomas awarded.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Government subsidies are provided to publicly funded higher education institutions (universities and universities of applied sciences) through an annual lump sum budget for teaching, research, and related activities. This funding is determined by factors such as the number of enrolled students, the number and type of degrees awarded, disciplines offered, and performance-based considerations, including research output.
Allocation and equity
The main allocation model does not directly earmark funds for specific equity groups.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no specific admission criteria and support measures for vulnerable groups in higher education.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Students with Dutch nationality or residency status can apply for student finance through DUO, the Dutch government’s student finance agency. This support can take the form of a grant, loan, or a combination, and is available to students under 30 who are enrolled in bachelor’s or master’s programs. Students may be eligible for additional benefits through the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), such as a health insurance subsidy (zorgtoeslag) and childcare allowance (for students with children). Municipalities may also offer a local tax remission (kwijtschelding) for students.
Asylum seekers and Ukrainians may apply for a waiver of tuition fees. Higher education institutions are required to pay special attention to students from cultural or ethnic minorities.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
The student travel product allows full-time MBO, HBO, and university students to travel for free or at a reduced rate by train, tram, bus and metro throughout the Netherlands. The programme is administered through DUO.
Accommodation
Students with Dutch nationality or residency status can apply for student finance through DUO. Students living away from their parents receive a higher allowance than those living at home if they meet eligibility criteria.
The government also provides a rent allowance (huurtoeslag) for students who meet specific criteria, such as renting an independent living space and meeting income requirements. This allowance is administered by the Belastingdienst.
Textbooks
No information was found on support for student textbooks.
