1 November 2024
Utrecht University has announced plans to phase out six academic programs as part of a sweeping cost-cutting initiative driven by budget cuts from the Dutch government. The programs affected—German, French, Italian, Celtic, Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Religious Studies—will stop accepting new enrolments starting with the 2026-27 academic year and will be fully discontinued by 2030.
Financial Strain on the Humanities Faculty
Dean Thoms Vassens of the Humanities Faculty explained that the financial viability of these programs has been in question for years, with each enrolling fewer than 25 students annually. The university noted that the decision was not made lightly but was necessary given a projected €7 million deficit in 2025, which could grow to €13 million by 2027. While Utrecht University hopes to manage this restructuring efficiently, potential layoffs are on the horizon.
Impact of National Policy on University Budgets
The financial crisis facing Utrecht University’s Humanities Faculty is part of a larger trend affecting Dutch universities. In early October, Education Minister Eppo Bruins proposed advancing the Internationalisation in Balance Act, a bill originally crafted by former Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf. The legislation would limit bachelor’s programs to offering no more than one-third of their courses in a language other than Dutch.
Additionally, Bruins expressed the need to limit the influx of international students, citing pressures on housing, overcrowded lecture halls, and stress on faculty. This approach has sparked debate, with critics like the University of Amsterdam’s rector Peter-Paul Verbeek warning that such policies risk the country’s international appeal and its ability to address urgent societal issues.
Looking Ahead
As Utrecht University navigates these changes, it joins a growing number of Dutch universities grappling with financial pressures and shifting policies on internationalisation. The closure of these programs signals a pivotal moment for Dutch higher education, as institutions weigh the trade-offs between financial sustainability and maintaining a diverse, international academic environment.
