Netherlands is one of the target destination countries by internationals students to study abroad. In 2021-22, there have been 115,068 international students studying at universities in Netherlands (source: Nuffic ,the Dutch government body for internationalisation in education) a record international student numbers at Dutch universities

The increase in international student has put pressure on Netherlands education system and they are struggling to cope up with the situation. “We see that for some degree programs, the number of international students is growing too fast to keep the quality of education high and the workload manageable,” said Ruben Puylaert, spokesperson for Universities of the Netherlands, which represents 14 Dutch universities.“This results in the quality of education being put under pressure for all students, both international and Dutch.”

Universities in Netherlands call on the government to cap number of international students to maintain the quality of degree programmes

It is reported that less than 3 in 10 students are satisfied with their student life in Netherlands. A recent annual survey into the international students support and experience in the Netherlands indicates that they are often treated as “second class citizens”, and are left without help.The Annual International Student Survey, set up and conducted by InterstedelijkStudentenOverleg (the Dutch National Student Association), found that international students were not being given enough information about life in the Netherlands before arriving, and not helped enough by institutions and authorities post arrival, during their study and stay in Netherlands.

A joint study by the InterstedelijkStudentenOverleg (ISO), Erasmus Student Network (ESN), and the National Student Union (LSVb) found that 59% of university students in the Netherlands experience mental health problems. Other factors that cause dissatisfaction to international students include poor information provision on health insurance, problem with GP registration, access to healthcare, acute housing problem, information and service not ben in English& difficulties building a connection with Dutch students

JiraOsarollor, a student from Nigeria enrolled in a creative business course in the Netherlands says “Housing is a huge issue here and there are a lot of bills,” Scammers often find international students as easy target to exploit the situation.

International students in Netherlands do not feel at home and live distressful life due to lack of necessary support.