Netherlands: Students Must Not Be Priced Out of Sports and Culture

ESU is deeply concerned by the proposed changes in subsidised student sports, culture and others in the Netherlands. The Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, has announced that strict enforcement of the Dutch Public-Private Law (Wet Markt en Overheid) would start from 2026 onwards. This would be the end of, among others, subsidised student sports, cafeteria food and cultural activities. The change of enforcement has been put on hold for student sports for the upcoming year, however other student benefits will still come to an end. Next year the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science will evaluate the enforcement of subsidised student sports again, so that danger is not over yet. ESU believes that market forces should not affect the limited benefits that students may experience, such as affordable sport facilities, cultural activities and affordable food options.

The accessibility of sports as a healthy outlet for students is important to combat the serious mental health issues among students in the Netherlands. Student life is getting more expensive, because of rising tuition fees, public transport costs and inflation. Now sport membership fees could increase by hundreds of euros per year. Then, students will no longer be able to afford to have a membership at a sport association. An indicative survey from the University of Amsterdam shows that a significant amount of students would cancel their membership after the change in price. Students already experience a lot of uncertainty because of their financial position and the high interest on student loans. Adding another financial burden will only worsen these problems.

Many students develop themselves through sports, physically, as well as socially and professionally. The sports centres are often places where students can come together, this fosters social cohesion. The more than 400 student sport associations in the Netherlands are strongly affiliated with the subsidised sports centres; their existence will come under serious pressure if the policy change goes through. When sports associations lose members, the chance to develop professionally there reduces as well. By taking a seat on a committee or board of one of the associations, students can gain valuable experiences.

While the changes in subsidised student sports are off the table for next year, the strict enforcement on cultural activities will continue from 2026 onwards. Then, going to a theatre, public lecture or university museum will no longer be affordable for students. These types of cultural initiatives do not only enrich academic life and lead to the personal developments of students, they are essential. The goal of studying should be investing in student success, not only getting a degree.

ESU believes that market forces should not affect the already limited benefits that students may experience, such as affordable sport facilities, cultural activities and affordable language courses.

ESU and ISO call for;

• The Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science to stop any steps in the reinforcement of Dutch Public-Private Law;
• For the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science to see the importance of sports for the development of students both physically and mentally;
• For the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science to see the concerning level of financial instability of Dutch students and to act on this;
• For the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science to ensure the safekeeping of possibilities for cultural activities, cafeterias and language courses.