International Graduates and Businesses in the Netherlands: Opportunities and Challenges

Hiring international graduates is proving to be a game-changer for businesses in the Netherlands. Nearly 8 in 10 employers highlight increased diversity, innovation, and specialized expertise as clear benefits of bringing global talent onboard, according to a new Nuffic study.

But, it’s not all smooth sailing, is it?

The Upsides of International Talent

International graduates come equipped with diplomas that already meet Dutch standards, and they’re familiar with Dutch culture and society. This makes them a great fit for workplaces looking to add valuable global perspectives to their teams. Plus, their unique skill sets and innovative approaches often breathe fresh life into traditional workflows.

One employer summed it up well by pointing out that the advantages far outweigh the challenges.

The Hurdles Businesses Face

Unfortunately, bringing international talent into Dutch businesses isn’t without its difficulties.

Administrative Burdens

The process for obtaining work permits for non-EU hires is often described as complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. One employer put it bluntly, calling it a “major hurdle.”

Language Barriers

About 3 in 10 employers report recurring misunderstandings due to language issues. Limited Dutch skills can also make it tricky for graduates to fully engage in workplace social life. Elli Thravalou, the lead researcher, notes that this creates hesitation among some hiring managers—even in the face of staff shortages.

Cultural Adjustment for Students

On top of learning Dutch, international graduates juggle the many challenges of living abroad. While basic Dutch courses like the one offered at VU Amsterdam are gaining popularity, Hayke Everwijn, a VU policy advisor, cautions against expecting miracles overnight.

“Switching effortlessly to English often hampers mastering Dutch fully,” she explains.

What Can Be Done?

Support from Universities

To better prepare international students for the Dutch labor market, universities could offer dedicated contacts and expand Dutch language training programs. These steps would help students bridge the gap between their studies and professional life.

Streamlined Processes

Businesses and policymakers could collaborate to reduce administrative bottlenecks, speeding up and simplifying the hiring process for non-EU graduates. Less red tape means more access to top talent for businesses.

A Changing Landscape

Here’s an interesting twist. While international graduates appear to be a significant asset, the number of international students in the Netherlands enrolling in a Dutch bachelor’s degree is dropping.

• New international student enrollments for a Dutch bachelor’s degree decreased by 5.2% this academic year.
• Enrollment at hbo colleges fell even further, dropping 6.7%.

A right-wing Dutch government initiative aims to curtail international students in the Netherlands by reducing English-language courses and therefore courses in the Netherlands for international students. Whether this will help or hinder businesses harnessing global talent remains to be seen.

Despite these fluctuations, nearly three-quarters of international students hail from the EU or EER. Germany leads the pack, followed by Italy, Romania, and Spain. Among non-EER students, China tops the list, with India and Turkey close behind.

The Big Picture

Yes, there are challenges. Yes, the process could be smoother. But the benefits of hiring international graduates—from fostering innovation to accessing niche expertise—are undeniable. For Dutch businesses, the potential to achieve greater diversity and expand their horizons makes these efforts worth it.

What’s your take? Are language barriers or bureaucracy holding you back from tapping into the talent pool of international graduates? If so, what solutions would you like to see in place? Let’s start a conversation.