Tens of thousands of students are expected to drop out this year due to changes the government is making to fees and grant schemes, the National Student Union says in Dutch daily De Telegraaf.
“According to the latest projections, the number of students is set to rise from 660,000 to 700,000 by 2015. We fear that between 15 and 20 percent of them will be forced to stop before completing their degree,” NSU chair Pascal ten Have says. “The budget cuts are undermining the core of our educational system. Students with rich parents will be able to carry on as usual. But most students will face serious problems.”
Under the new scheme, students who do not complete their study within the allotted time will have to pay an additional 3,000 euros. The government has also proposed to scrap its grant scheme for students who wish to matriculate for a Master’s degree.
(cl/gsh)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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