Interest rates on Dutch student loans will increase again next year. The increase will affect a quarter of a million former students in 2027. For graduates on the 15-year repayment plan, the rate will rise to 3.28 per cent. Meanwhile, borrowers on the 35-year plan will see their rate rise to 2.7 per cent.
Five-year rate resets determine who pays higher interest
The updated interest rates do not apply to all former students right away. Rates reset every five years for graduates. This means the new rates only apply to students who borrowed funds in 2026 or those whose five-year period ends. However, interest rates still change every year for active students:
- 15-year system: Applies to students who borrowed before 2015 and results in higher interest rates.
- 35-year system: Applies to students who enrolled after 2015 and features lower interest rates.
- Rate history: Student loan interest sat at zero for years before rising to 0.46 per cent in 2023 and 2.56 per cent in 2024.
Student unions push government for interest rate caps
Student organizations reacted strongly to the announced rate hikes. They warned of severe long-term financial consequences for graduates:
“With the current interest rates, the government sends students into their future carrying a heavy financial burden,” stated LSVb chair Evy Kras.
The Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO) calculated that the latest increase could force former students to repay thousands of euros in extra interest. Both the ISO and the Landelijke Studentenvakbond (LSVb) are urging the cabinet to introduce a legal cap on student loan interest rates.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
