Dutch student debt rises due to shifting grant policies

A significant disparity has emerged in the Dutch higher education system due to shifting funding models. Students who began their studies between 2015 and 2023, often referred to as the ‘pechgeneratie’ (unlucky generation), were subject to a loan system that required them to borrow money for living expenses rather than receiving a basic grant.

In contrast, students starting from the 2023/2024 academic year have seen the return of the basic grant. For those living away from home, this can amount to over €15,000 in total support over a four-year period. This policy shift has resulted in a visible gap in debt levels between generations.

According to data from CBS, approximately 1.6 million people held student debt at the beginning of 2025, with an average debt of €18,200. Since the introduction of the loan system in 2015, the average debt has increased by €5,800, and the number of individuals with debts exceeding €50,000 has risen from 33,000 in 2015 to 146,000.