Anka Mulder: helping the Netherlands move forward, who could be against that?

It is positive to read in the government programme that the policy aims to help students, along with the education sector, to choose the right study, prevent switching courses and dropping out. Together we stand for encouraging students in their choice for applied university education. I can only support that ambition. After all, two weeks ago I referred to applied university students as ‘the backbone of the region’. However, what is really needed to encourage students to opt for applied university education? To provide 450,000 students nationwide with a good study climate? The answer is clear: much more than the plans I’ve read in the government programme. Although the ink is barely dry, it is already abundantly clear in the programme that the government’s plans will have major consequences for students, higher professional education and for all regions in the Netherlands. This is because, despite our previous appeal as HBO, the spending cuts for higher education remain unchanged in the government’s programme. This concerns me deeply.

I’m not the only one expressing their grave concern. The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences has already given its reaction to the government programme. I support the Association's request to the government to remain in dialogue with one another. On the consequences of the study extension penalty: students stopping their study prematurely or not daring to risk starting a study in the first place. About the so-called ‘internationalisation problem’ that is completely absent in applied university education, which each year has a stable number of international students. In any case, it is crucial to re-engage in dialogue concerning the continued investments that are desperately needed for our applied research. Even if the reduction on research has been abandoned, I want to further emphasise that applied research remains invaluable in the long term: for regional innovation and linking applied universities with the labour market. A labour market that is desperate for graduates from universities of applied sciences, in all 40 regions of our country. Regions are not only looking for graduates, but also re-trained and up-skilled professionals. Together they are playing a major role in keeping our country running. For example, in healthcare, education, the energy transition and our infrastructure.

Students also understand all too well that the proposed cutbacks for universities of applied sciences will affect them directly. For them the study extension penalty is coming at a time when financial pressure is already high. Study costs are high, student interest rates are rising, along with rents for student accommodation. Many students are trying to make ends meet by working, while some are also informal caregivers, or want to be involved with a student society or are already struggling mentally due to the pressure to perform. This affects me deeply. Universities of applied sciences should be a place where you can grow and develop, irrespective of your background and financial situation, on your way to a bright future. So you can make use of your talents in a place where you can make a difference. This is why I can understand that the National Students’ Union is considering taking action and making its voice heard.

It is good that we continue to speak out about the government's plans. From Saxion, from the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, from the whole higher professional education sector, together with our students. However, ‘speaking out’ is just the start. Above all, let us maintain a dialogue with the government. I am still hopeful that our ambitions are not so far apart after all. The government says that it wants more calm in the financing of higher professional education. You create that calmness with financial stability. This encourages students to achieve their full potential. This is how you give universities of applied sciences the space to continue to supply the labour market with enough well-trained nurses, teachers, technicians and other professionals. And in doing so, we not only keep the Netherlands running, but also help our country move forward. Who could be against that?

Would you like to hear Anka’s speech during the Opening of the Academic Year? You can listen to it on Spotify (Dutch only)

Anka Mulder
President of the Saxion Executive Board