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The Netherlands, explained in English · Wednesday 7 October 2026

The Netherlands, explained

Leenstelsel

The Dutch student financing system changed in 2015, replacing grants (which you did not need to repay) with loans that students must repay after graduation. This shift meant students graduating after 2015 typically carry debt, unlike previous generations who received free money for studying. The change was intended to make higher education funding more sustainable, though it increased financial pressure on students.

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