Some six out of 10 Dutch students who graduated last year took four years or less to get their bachelor’s degree, according to university association VSNU.

In total, 62% met the government’s four-year deadline, compared with 55% in 2011.

The VSNU says the increase is probably due to the government’s plans to introduce fines for students who take longer than four years to get a basic degree. That plan has since been dropped.

In addition, universities have become quicker to throw out students who don’t pass enough courses in their first year.