The cabinet is intervening to protect the quality of vocational education as student numbers fall in several Dutch regions, including Zeeland and Limburg. Vocational colleges facing a decline in new enrolments due to demographic shifts will receive extra financial support. Education Minister Rianne Letschert announced the policy change in a formal letter to the House of Representatives. The new funding distribution will take effect in 2029.
Struggling colleges gain at expense of others
Currently, the government determines funding for regional vocational colleges (mbo) largely based on student numbers. Because Letschert is not providing any additional funding for the sector, growing institutions must sacrifice a portion of their budgets to support struggling schools. Three institutions will see their funding drop by 4%. The remaining affected schools will face smaller percentage cuts. In total, 41 institutions will lose money under the new distribution model.
Fixed base amount to provide stability
The minister’s proposal also introduces a fixed baseline funding amount for all vocational institutions. This base rate will vary among individual colleges. The policy aims to provide long-term financial stability across the sector. Additionally, the government expects the fixed funding structure to reduce aggressive competition for students between regional institutions.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
