The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is facing staff and research cuts in an attempt to save €37 million due to fewer students next year, reports the Parool.

Sign-ups for next year are lower than before corona and the total number of students is has already dropped from 45,799 in the study year of 2019 to 2020 to 44,621 this year.

Jopie Nooren, board chair at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, reportedly told the paper that it would have to make “painful choices – and not just in education”.

Courses without enough students are expected to be dropped and there will be a reduction in numbers in the current staff of around 4,700. Energy costs will need to be saved in building opening times.

Nooren reportedly said she fears that a new law to fine students €3,000 for taking a year longer to finish their studies is already having an impact.

The Dutch government is also making concerned efforts to reduce the numbers of foreign students, a proposal slammed by some universities as “ridiculous”.