Education

At the invitation of Rob Jetten, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Netherlands on May 15-17, 2026. Prime Minister...

A large-scale hack of the Canvas learning platform has forced several Dutch universities and colleges to take their digital environments offline, disrupting services for thousands of students. Institutions including the University of Amsterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam blocked access to the software after hackers compromised sites and leaked the personal data of students and staff, such as names and email addresses. Although seven major universities and several colleges have been affected, many are attempting to continue teaching and exams through alternative methods while IT teams work to secure the breached systems.

Eindhoven has launched a pilot offering free library membership to all residents aged 18 and above, aiming to remove cost barriers and keep more residents connected to reading and learning.

Two major universities in Brabant are partnering to launch a master’s degree focused on bridging the gap between data technology and business management. Starting in 2026, the programme will train professionals to help organisations turn data into practical results. The course will be available in both English and Dutch to suit the needs of local and international sectors.

D66, VVD and GroenLinks‑PvdA want laptops or tablets to be included in the law, that currently guarantees free schoolbooks. The parties argue this would support digitalization and reduce inequality, but State Secretary Judith Tielen questions whether the problem is large enough to justify the estimated 221 million‑euro annual cost.

The Dutch practical education sector is reaching a breaking point due to a record number of students transferring from other school types. This surge is causing extreme teacher workloads and disrupting classroom environments. Leaders are now calling for policy changes and the removal of budget caps to save the sector.

Six vocational colleges in the southern Netherlands are offering 500 euro vouchers to help new engineering and technology students buy necessary laptops. The initiative is part of a wider national plan to train thousands of new professionals for the growing microchip industry. This financial support aims to remove barriers for students entering a sector with a high demand for skilled workers.

Students from Summa College secured seven medals, including two gold titles, at the national Skills Heroes championships in Den Bosch. The winners in retail and pastry making will now serve as Dutch champions for the coming year. This success follows months of dedicated training and mentorship from their teachers.