Universities could soon be able to support canteens or restaurants

Last year, student sports and cultural activities, such as drama societies, were at risk of becoming much more expensive. In principle, public funds are supposed to finance education and research. In practice, many institutions end up financing these extracurricular activities, too. The Ministry of Education under the previous cabinet aimed to enforce this rule more strictly, which led to a storm of protests. 

Ultimately, then-Minister of Education Eppo Bruins made a temporary U-turn. Initially, the exemption applied only to student sports, but cultural activities on campus were later included.

Now, the new government has decided to allow structural support for sports and cultural facilities. The new minister, Rianne Letschert, intends to arrange an exception, although she does not yet know what it will look like. The minister announced this in a letter to the House of Representatives about student wellbeing.

"Disappear or decline"
A study commissioned by the ministry shows that student sports and culture would "deteriorate" or disappear altogether under stricter rules, which the government considers undesirable.

In principle, a university or university of applied sciences is not allowed to spend public funds on private activities. After all, a commercial fitness club cannot compete fairly with a student sports club subsidised by an educational institution.

However, according to Letschert, sport and culture make a significant contribution to educational institutions' public remit by enhancing “students’ well-being, social cohesion and personal development”.

Access for vocational students
In addition, Letschert wants to exempt “student canteens and catering facilities primarily intended for students and staff” from the rules. If she were not to do so, educational institutions might have to repay funds, which Letschert does not consider a good idea.

The question remains: how does Letschert intend to make sports, culture, and canteens accessible to vocational students? They are not always granted access to student facilities at universities of applied sciences or universities, even though they are students just the same. The House of Representatives asked the minister to make arrangements for vocational students, and Letschert said she “will take that into account” when finalising the rules.