The primary factors leading international students to leave the Netherlands after finishing their studies are the scarcity of appropriate jobs, the expensive cost of living, and the competitive housing market, as revealed by research conducted by the Dutch education organisation Nuffic.

In a survey involving 680 graduates and current students, 30% revealed instances of discrimination during job interviews or in the workplace.

Presently, approximately a quarter of international students continue to reside in the Netherlands five years post-graduation, a figure that has remained relatively stable for the past decade, as per Nuffic.

The research coincides with uncertainty surrounding the future of the country's international education sector following the election of Geert Wilders as Prime Minister. Wilders, a right-wing politician, is expected to pursue an anti-immigration agenda.

The "stay rate" of international graduates has been a focal point in recent political discussions.

Karen de Man, senior international relations officer at Erasmus University Rotterdam, remarked, "As a university, it is not our primary task to increase the stay rate, but we do want to prepare our international students for the Dutch labour market as well as possible."

Most of those who left the Netherlands cited the lack of suitable work as the primary reason. Over a third also mentioned difficulties in finding housing, and many reported being unable to afford continued living in the Netherlands.

For respondents from outside the EU, 62% mentioned problems with residence permits as a reason for departure.

Meanwhile, those who chose to stay emphasised the quality of life in the Netherlands as the main factor, along with career opportunities and work-related factors such as a good work-life balance, job stability, and higher salaries. Some also stayed for personal reasons, like having an existing partner or relationship in the country.

However, many in this group faced challenges in finding housing and jobs, with almost 70% finding Dutch language requirements for job applications challenging.

Proposed government policies aim to enhance Dutch language skills and reduce English-language courses.

Researcher Elli Thravalou commented, "This study shows the importance of career events and career guidance, and efforts to support international students in building a network and learning Dutch."

About 30% of the students who chose to stay reported experiencing discrimination, and those from outside the EU faced limitations in working for a specific number of companies due to regulations.

When students and graduates were questioned about factors aiding their job search, a significant number of those who stayed highlighted financial support during their job hunt, almost 7 in 10 from this group emphasised the importance of gaining relevant work experience during their studies, whether through internships or part-time jobs, which proved useful or very useful in their job search.

De Man emphasised, "A lack of social or professional support can be devastating when entering the labour market. That is where we see a role for ourselves—to enhance contact between Dutch and international students and make them feel at home in the city."