New figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveal that the vast majority of Dutch students who leave their parental home to pursue higher education relocate only a short distance, often remaining within their own province or adjacent regions.
Closer to home than ever
As of October 2025, nearly one in three students registered at Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences lived independently of their parents. Of these students, 64% moved to a city within their home province, while an additional 18% chose a neighbouring province. Only 11% ventured to locations further afield, and a small minority of 7% arrived directly from abroad.
Regional hotspots and flows
- Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam rank highest for attracting students from outside their immediate regions. Over a quarter of registered students in Amsterdam originate from other provinces.
- In provinces with major universities of applied sciences—such as Groningen and Limburg—more than 70% of students remain local.
- The northern provinces (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe) see limited inbound flows, with under 15% of newcomers coming from outside the region.
International and demographic shifts
Although the proportion of international students moving into Dutch student cities has grown modestly over the past decade, they still represent less than one in ten relocations. Female students are slightly more inclined to move away from home—33% versus 28% of male students—reflecting broader trends in educational attainment.
These patterns have remained remarkably stable over recent years, underscoring the importance of regional ties and local support networks in guiding student choices. As Dutch higher education continues to expand, policymakers will be watching whether new campus developments or transport initiatives alter these long-standing migration habits.
