Dutch students speed up their studies and are less likely to drop out

Almost seven in 10 Dutch students now pass a bachelor’s degree within four years, compared with just 56% four years ago, according to new figures from the university association VSNU.

In addition, the drop out rate – students switching course or leaving education – went down to 21% in the 2014/2015 academic year, an improvement of four percentage points on five years ago.

The VSNU says the improvement is partly due to the introduction of tougher rules for first year students – they now have to pass a certain number of subjects to qualify for the second year.

Drop-out rates have also been cut by the introduction of an earlier deadline for applications and improved information days for prospective students.

The figures do not take the impact of the decision to scrap student grants – introduced in September 2015 – into account.