How the government plans to provide students with housing

The Dutch Cabinet has unveiled a plan to provide students with affordable housing. As part of the government program, it is planned to build 60.000 new apartments that can be used for student housing. The plan was developed in close cooperation with municipalities (gemeente), educational institutions, student representatives, housing associations and private investors. The time frame for implementing the plan is 2022-2030.

There is currently a shortage of around 27.000 affordable student apartments. The student housing shortage is expected to reach 2030 units by 44, so action needs to be taken today. Part of the student housing shortage is expected to be addressed through a nationwide plan to build 800 affordable apartment buildings between 37.500 and 2022. More about the government's plans for affordable housing - in our article.

The second part of the plan is to reduce the number of international students. Currently, universities in the Netherlands do not have the right to refuse admission on the basis of foreign citizenship, but next year the University of Amsterdam is starting an experiment to establish quotas for foreigners. Both the government and universities are trying to explain this decision, including concern for foreigners. As part of the student housing program, it is said that foreigners are discriminated against in the housing market, they are often rented out apartments under non-transparent contracts and have high rents.