Against Higher Education Cuts
By Natalie Gal | News | March 25, 2025
Cover Illustration: Woman holding up sign ‘Fund Education Not Militarization,’ 17th of March 2025. Madeleine Hoffman / The Amsterdammer
Thousands of students and educators marched in Amsterdam on March 17, protesting the €1 billion in budget cuts to higher education. Natalie Gal reports.
On the afternoon of March 17, students, teachers and staff flooded the streets of Amsterdam, marching from the Roeterseiland campus to Dam Square in protest against severe budget cuts in higher education. Organized by FNV (Federation of Dutch Trade Unions), AOb (General Union of Educational Personnel) and WOinActie, with the support of student unions and activist groups, the demonstration was one of many that took place across the Netherlands over the last weeks of March, including in Leiden, Utrecht and Nijmegen.
We joined the demonstrators—fellow students, professors and dedicated student unions—as they moved through the city amid music, chants and passionate speeches. Participants pinned red fabric to their clothing, waved homemade posters and flags, and even brought along pets, all while being observed with curiosity by tourists and locals alike. The atmosphere was one of unity, determination and urgency.
The students stood together, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like,” as they marched toward Dam Square, where organizers awaited them with free drinks and fries. Numerous speeches were delivered in Dutch and English, transforming the protest into a space for discussion and learning.
The protests arise due to the Dutch government’s plans to cut €1 billion from higher education funding, leading to significant negative consequences for universities. These include mass layoffs of academic staff, the closure of study programs—particularly in humanities departments—and the elimination of research grants for young academics. The move is intended to redistribute funds to areas such as defense and housing, and manage overall budget concerns. Another goal is to reduce the number of international students to prioritize access to educational resources for Dutch students.
While the details remain unclear, the prospect of these cuts has startled many, with some describing the situation as nothing short of a “tragedy.”
A 24-year-old history student and member of the Activist Party shared their concerns:
“The cuts are completely unnecessary. There was no reason for them, as the governmental budget increased. It feels almost like a punishment or criticism. That may not be the case, but it is interesting to note that they have chosen to take money away from education. Additionally, the internalization law will cost universities a lot of money due to fewer international students, not to mention the impact of inflation. Universities are facing three waves of financial distress, and it will be a serious problem.”
The Activist Party, the largest and most radical student organization within the University of Amsterdam’s student council, continues to fight against neoliberal policies. They advocate for radical democracy, inclusivity and decolonial, leftist, sustainable objectives.
A 22-year-old European law student also voiced their concerns:
“Education is an investment. Future generations will suffer from these budget cuts as well. Many brilliant minds have chosen the Netherlands for the opportunities it offers and have made it their home. These cuts are taking those opportunities away.”
The day after the protest, I spoke with Rens Brod, a professor of computational humanities at the University of Amsterdam and the creator of WOinActie. He viewed the demonstration as a success, noting that the turnout—approximately 5,000 people—exceeded all expectations.
Brod emphasized that he sees the proposed budget cuts as unnecessary, describing them as a clear political decision rather than a financial necessity.
“The radical right has a well-documented history of problematic relationships with universities. We see similar patterns in other countries—attacks on critical thinkers and researchers,” he said. “However, political decisions can be influenced, and that is precisely what we hope to achieve. The Senate still has to vote on finalizing the 2025 education budget, and we are determined to make an impact by demonstrating our opposition to these cuts.”
The protest was carefully monitored by both its organizers and law enforcement, ensuring a peaceful yet meaningful demonstration. With continued activism and growing public support, the fight against these cuts is far from over. The next major demonstration in Amsterdam on April 7 is expected to draw even more attention, as students and educators remain determined to defend the future of Dutch higher education.
Natalie Gal is a university student in Amsterdam. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Amsterdammer.
