20 October
Radboud University and other universities are challenging budget cuts in court: "You can't just break an agreement."
All Dutch universities have initiated legal proceedings against the Ministry of Education over cuts to starter and incentive grants. Radboud University, along with Tilburg University, initiated these proceedings. President of the Executive Board, Alexandra van Huffelen: "What's the point of an administrative agreement if it's suddenly swept aside?"
Work is currently underway to flesh out the details of the objection. The objection focuses on the value of a ‘bestuursakkoord’. It also considers the losses incurred by each institution. The objection must be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science by December 8, 2025.
3 June
Response to the collapse of the Schoof cabinet
With the news that coalition party PVV is withdrawing from the Schoof cabinet and the cabinet has fallen, the understandable question arises as to whether the cuts in higher education are now off the table. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
President of the Executive Board, Alexandra van Huffelen hopes that the collapse of the cabinet will provide The Hague with a new opportunity to recognise and appreciate the added value of science for society: ‘The policy pursued by the Schoof cabinet with regard to cuts in education is disastrous. Now, with all the complex issues facing the world, is precisely the time to invest in education and research.’
26 May
Policy letter 2026 and update on budget cuts at Radboud University
The Executive Board has sent its proposed decision on the budgetary frameworks for 2026 and the coming years to the University Joint Assembly (UGV) for approval. Based on the approval and advice, the final Policy Letter will be sent to the faculties and other units before the summer. They will use it as a basis for drawing their budgets for 2026 this autumn.
Based on current insights, as a university, we must make structural savings of €37 million (8% of our total expenditure) in the period 2026 to 2030, on top of the existing savings of €18 million per year already communicated in 2024. We will achieve this, on one hand, by making our operations more efficient (to achieve savings of €20 million) and, on the other hand, by making cuts on teaching and research. These savings will partly need to be achieved through more efficient collaboration within education. Suggestions for this are included in the Policy Letter.
9 April
Radboud University disappointed in continuation of budget cuts and takes case to court
On 8 April, the Dutch Senate approved the cabinet's budget cuts to higher education. This means that the budget cuts of more than half a billion euros will definitely go ahead. Radboud University considers the decision unlawful and therefore wants to take it to court.
13 March
Thousands of employees and students take action against budget cuts
The protests against the budget cuts to higher education held today on the campus of Radboud University and in the city centre of Nijmegen have mobilised thousands of people. There was also a lot of support from the business community and (local) politicians. The actions, part of the national relay strike in which Dutch universities take turns in striking for a day, were organised by AKKU, the unions and WOinActie.
20 January
Savings on university-wide activities of €2 million
As announced, at Radboud University we are facing austerity measures for 2025 and beyond. This will include savings of €2 million on general university activities ('AUA'). Various university-wide programmes and schemes are funded from this central budget, which is managed directly by the Executive Board. The departments and staff directly affected have been personally informed by or on behalf of the Executive Board in recent days.
14 October 2024
Update about budget cuts
A month or so ago, during Prince's Day (Budget Day), it became clear that Dutch universities would soon be facing significant cuts as a result of new government policies. Since then, a number of steps have been taken within Radboud University to anticipate and handle this additional wave of sobriety. The budget cuts require Radboud University to realise 36 million euros in savings by 2029. This comes on top of the previously announced 18 million euro cuts due to higher wage costs, inflation, and falling student numbers.
In realising these savings, we want to be extremely careful, thorough and transparent, with attention for all involved. This is a task for us all, and at all times, we need to keep in mind our people and our core tasks as a university. An analysis is currently being carried out to see where we can save money within operations at the faculties and Radboud Services.
23 September 2024
Impact of budget cuts on Radboud University
On Budget Day, Tuesday 17 September, it became apparent that the budget of the Dutch universities is about to be drastically cut. The budget for higher education and science is to be reduced by a total of 1 billion euros. Starting from 1 January 2025, the budget will be cut by 257 million euros, of which a 175 million will be cut one year earlier than announced in the cabinet's outline agreement. These drastic cuts unfortunately also affect Radboud University.
The entire University is affected by the cuts. At present, the impact on specific sections of the university is not yet clear. Although measures have already been taken, and we are exploring how to make our operations more efficient, more substantial interventions will probably be required to cope with the financial challenges. The Executive Board, faculties and other units are discussing the situation that has arisen. We will continue to keep everyone informed through the Radboud weekly notices, faculty newsletters and our website.