Current political situation

The Rutte-Asscher government, representing a coalition between the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Labour Party (PvdA), came to power on 5 November 2012. The following table shows the division of seats after the 2012 elections.

The current government comprises of 20 ministers (eight from the VVD, four from the CDA, six from D66 and two from the CU) and nine state secretaries (three from the VVD, three from D66, two from the CDA and one from the CU).

The coalition agreement ‘Looking to eachother, loooking forward to the future’ encapsulates the government’s plans for education. The main aim is to transform ‘good education’ into ‘excellent education’.

The elections were held on Wednesday March 17th 2021. Electoral law determines that not later than 5 years after the former elections, new elections have to take place. These are held pursuant to the electoral law in March, unless there are other elections in that period (for states or councils).

Investments in education

In 2015, in total 42,3 milliard euro was allocated to education, including the research that universities of applied sciences and academic universities implement as part of their legitimate task and in the form of contract research for thirds. This is over 19 milliard euro in 2000. Within the government, the central government in particular spends more on education and research.

The national government has divided almost €29 billion across all educational sectors. Educational institutions receive one budget from the government for all their costs. This amount of money is called lumpsum. In addition, educational institutions receive additional money to improve the quality of education.

• Most of the money has been allocated to primary education (€9.9 billion) and secondary education (€7.6 billion);
• then vocational education and adult education, and universities follow (both €4.4 million).
• Higher professional education (universities of applied sciences) received €2.6 million.

The expenses per pupil
The budget of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture mentions how much money there is available for each pupil. For example in 2015 there was €6.500 available per pupil in primary education. On average there was €7.863 available per pupil secondary education.

Government spending on educational institutions in % BBP (GDP)

Population: highest level of education achieved by age

More and more young people are opting for senior general secondary education (HAVO) and pre-university education (VWO). An increasing number of young people with a pre-vocational education certificate (VMBO) are staying in school in order to get a HAVO qualification.

In recent years more and more young adults (aged 18-25) have enrolled in higher education. As a result, the level of education of the population as a whole has improved.