Almost 30 percent of the population study at home

In 2003 about 29 percent of the population increased their knowledge through self study.

Self study by type and sex, 2003

Professional literature and the Internet

Men are more often involved in self study than women: 32 percent of men and 27 percent of women strengthen their knowledge through self study.
The most frequent form of self study is reading professional literature. About 20 percent of the population (aged 15–75) study professional literature. Some 15 percent learn or practice through the Internet. About 12 percent of the population visit libraries and education centres. Some 8 percent tune in to educational broadcasts or study through audio, video or computer.
Close to 13 percent of the population increase their knowledge through four of these self study methods, 16 percent use two or more of these methods.

Self study by age, 2003

Self study levelling off after 50

The greatest number of people involved in self study is found in the age category 25–30: 37 percent of these young people are involved in self study. The share of people in the age category 30–50 involved in self study is about 35 percent.
People over 50 are less involved in self study. Still 15 percent of the older people (70–74) learn through self study.

Recent immigrants study more often

The most recent immigrants are the ones who study most through self study. Close to 36 percent of the people who have lived in the Netherlands for less than five years are involved in self study. About 26 percent of the people who have lived in the country for more than five years study at home. About 30 percent of native Dutch people strengthen their knowledge through self study.

Self study by position on the job market, 2003

Knowledge for the job market

Working and unemployed people increase their knowledge through self study more often than people who are not available for the job market. About 36 percent of employed and unemployed people study versus 14 percent of people who are unable to work, 17 percent of retired people and 15 percent of househusbands and housewives.

Max van Herpen