The three coalition parties, D66, VVD, and CDA, aim to invest a structural €1.5 billion in education. This funding will be used to reverse approximately €400 million in cuts made by the current caretaker cabinet. Additionally, the investment will focus on improving educational quality, advancing scientific research, and enhancing students’ purchasing power.
To support students, the basic grant for students living away from home will be increased. Currently, this grant amounts to €324.52, but the specific amount of the increase has not been disclosed in the agreement. Furthermore, the interest rate on student loans will be fixed at 2.5 percent.
Furthermore, the coalition seeks to increase investment in scientific research. An unspecified portion of the €1.5 billion will be allocated to research and attracting and retaining “top talent.”
Rob Jetten (D66) emphasised that universities should have the autonomy to decide how to allocate these investments. “The political sector has taken too much control over this in recent years,” he stated. He also noted that it is the universities’ responsibility to reintroduce programs that were cut following budget reductions by the caretaker cabinet.
