Radboud University Nijmegen plans to discontinue its Honours Academy as of January 1, 2027, although the participation body has yet to voice its opinion. Leiden University will also be making cuts to its honors program: its budget will be halved over a period of four years. 

Trouw has compiled several such examples. The same thing is happening in higher vocational education (HBO). Since January, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) no longer offers an honors program, both due to financial constraints and declining interest among students.

TU/e’s honors program, on the other hand, will continue to exist. “There are currently no signs that honors education at TU/e will be discontinued,” says spokesperson Frans Raaijmakers. “TU/e believes it’s important to offer a program that meets the needs of motivated students looking for an extra challenge. The large number of applications for our bachelor’s program – over 250, with the selection process currently underway – clearly underscores the strong interest within TU/e.”

Raising the bar

The honors programs were introduced to raise the bar: top students needed more challenge. About ten years ago, the ambition was that one in ten students would enroll in an honors program. 

Last year, the VVD submitted a motion to the cabinet arguing that honors programs should remain accessible to students. The party would not comment on the matter today, according to a spokesperson.

However, MP Luc Stultiens of opposition party GroenLinks-PvdA responds that the discontinuation of honors programs is a direct consequence of the very budget cuts the VVD supports. “I find it completely incomprehensible. For years, the VVD has been criticizing the so-called ‘culture of mediocrity’ in education – and now they’re the ones cutting honors education.” 

University association UNL also expresses its regret, but is not surprised. “We’re feeling the consequences of the budget cuts, and unfortunately, it’s only going to get worse,” says spokesperson Ruben Puylaert. “Universities now have to make difficult choices about what they can and can’t offer.”