Too many Dutch students are on the wrong course, says report

Government-commissioned analysis calls for policies to reduce dropout rates and tackle skills shortages

The Netherlands’ higher education system needs to do more to ensure that students’ choices work better for them and for the nation’s economy, according to a report commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Science.

While noting that Dutch universities perform well internationally, the report states that high dropout rates and course switching, contributing to poor educational performance, show that too many students are not choosing the best institution or course for them.