University of Twente Plans Major Growth Amidst National Budget Cuts
Enschede, Monday, 7 April 2025.
The University of Twente aims to double its technology sector despite budget constraints, highlighting resilience and a focus on innovation and international collaboration.
Ambitious Growth Plans Despite National Challenges
The University of Twente (UT) has unveiled an ambitious vision for 2050, aiming to double its student population to approximately 25,000 while establishing itself as Europe’s greenest campus [1]. This expansion plan comes at a critical time when Dutch higher education faces significant budget cuts, with the government proposing to reduce funding by €1 billion over the next four years, beginning with a €250 million reduction in 2025 [1].
Technology and Innovation Leadership
The university continues to demonstrate its technological prowess, exemplified by a groundbreaking quantum computing advancement announced on April 4, 2025. UT researchers have developed an innovative method to improve photon quality, making photonic quantum computers more practical and cost-effective [4]. This development, for which the university has already filed a patent application, showcases UT’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leading technology institution [4]. Additionally, the university’s ITC faculty is expanding its focus on crucial areas including GeoAI, Urban Futures, and Disaster Resilience, aligning with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals [2].
International Focus and Growth Challenges
Currently, 35% of UT’s student body comprises international students, highlighting the institution’s global appeal [1]. The university is actively expanding its academic positions, with multiple PhD and research opportunities announced in March 2025 [5]. However, this international growth faces challenges from the proposed Internationalisation in Balance Act, which aims to restrict international student intake [1]. Ank Bijleveld, chair of the Twente Board, has criticized these restrictions as ‘short-sighted,’ emphasizing their potential negative impact on the region’s ability to attract global talent [1].