How is COVID-19 affecting international students plans to study in the Netherlands - part 1
Study into the effects of the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic on the decision of students in higher education to study in the Netherlands.
Main findings and considerations
Based on incoming degree student mobility statistics 2019/2020, a survey among prospective students in April/May 2020 and information collected by Nuffic Neso offices.
- In 2019/2020, 12,3% of all enrolled students in the Netherlands is an international student. From these students over 72% is from an EEA country and over 27% is from a non-EEA country. Of all international students 16% represents a Neso country.
- A total of 941 prospective students from Neso countries (hence non-EEA) participated in this survey. The majority (80%) is still interested in studying in the Netherlands. Of all respondents 67% hoped to start, as planned, in September 2020.
- Prospective students indicate a great number of uncertainties. The ones most frequently mentioned are travel restrictions and visa procedures, finances and scholarship possibilities.
- When asked about their preference at this moment, 38% of the prospective students indicated they would prefer on-campus education, starting in September 2020. Less than 10% indicated a preference for starting with online education at a Dutch institute this coming academic year. This may imply that preference is given to physical participation in an international classroom and everything else that comes with the experience of studying abroad. Most of the participants (44%) prefer to change their plans, for example by deferring for a year or starting in the first subsequent period.
- Differences between countries can be seen, likely due to differences in the COVID-19 situation, scholarship possibilities, exchange rate fluctuations, travel restrictions or worries about access to Dutch healthcare facilities.