adOct 5, 2026, 06:33

Total student debt in the Netherlands falls for the first time, yet more people have sky-high debts

The total student debt in the Netherlands has dropped to 28 billion euros, marking the first decline as the number of people with debts also decreases. Despite this overall trend, more individuals are facing high debts exceeding 50,000 euros, while many are opting to repay their loans faster than legally required.

The total student debt in the Netherlands has decreased for the first time, falling by 0.8 billion euros to a total of 28 billion euros at the start of 2026. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics indicates that the number of individuals with student debt also declined for the third consecutive year, dropping to 1.5 million people. This includes approximately 400,000 current students and 1.1 million former students who are still in the process of repayment.

While the overall debt burden has eased, there is a noted rise in individuals carrying significant debt loads, with nearly 145,000 people owing more than 50,000 euros. According to DUO, many borrowers are paying off their loans faster than required, potentially due to rising interest rates. Additionally, updated mortgage lending criteria implemented in 2024 focus on monthly debt repayments, which may further motivate individuals to accelerate their pay-down schedules and reduce their overall outstanding balances.

Economy Business Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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