Student union to ‘informateur’: give students higher basic grants

Now that negotiations for a new Dutch cabinet are underway, interest groups are bombarding informateur Sybrand Buma with their wish lists. The National Student Union (LSVb), university association UNL and the Social and Economic Council (SER) have done the same. What are their wishes for higher education and research?

The LSVb keeps it short and concise and has four wishes. These are: a higher basic grant, 0 per cent interest on student loans, rent allowance for student rooms and, finally, the abolition of binding recommendation on the continuation of studies for first-year students. The idea is that this will enable politicians to combat students’ financial problems and also reduce the competitive stress on students.

2.6 billion extra

UNL points out that they are educating people who can tackle challenges such as affordable healthcare, climate change and the energy transition. In addition, scientific research leads to new insights. They are asking for an extra 2.6 billion euros per year for research and development (R&D), including at universities of applied sciences, institutes and research facilities.

The SER, in which entrepreneurs, employees and experts discuss the economy and society, advocates ‘space for knowledge and entrepreneurship’. That space requires a good business climate and a focus on labour productivity, ‘including through investments in research and innovation’. One of the recommendations is: ‘Increase public and private investment in R&D and reverse cuts in education and research.’

HOP, Bas Belleman