Spending on education 4 percent up

According to provisional computations, the public and private sectors collectively spent 27.2 billion euro on education in 2004. Spending on education went up by almost 4 percent (3 percent, corrected for inflation) compared to the previous year. The share of education spending in GDP went up from 5.5 percent in 2003 to 5.6 percent in 2004.

Total spending on education

More money available for ICT and accommodation

In 2004 national government, municipalities and provinces collectively spent 25 billion euro on education; 22 billion euro was earmarked for educational institutions and nearly 3 billion euro for student grants and loans.
In the period 2000-2004 the Dutch government invested more money in ICT, for instance the Knowledge Network and in new school buildings meeting today’s standards. A substantial amount was used to upgrade the profession of teacher. The money was used to provide extra assistance to teachers, a better remuneration system and refresher courses.

Largest amount goes to primary and secondary education

In 2004 the public sector spent 22 billion euro on educational institutions. Nearly 70 percent was spent on schools in the sector (special) primary and secondary education. Almost two-thirds of the total amount earmarked for higher education went to universities.

Public spending on education by type of education, 2004

Highest amount per participant in tertiary education

The highest amount per participant was spent in third-level education. In 2003 the amount spent per student in tertiary education (vocational colleges and universities) was 12,900 euro. The amount per participant in primary education was 5,300 euro and in secondary education 6,500 euro. Funding of scientific research projects makes up 40 percent of total expenditure in post-secondary education, but even if these costs are not taken into account, the amount spent per participant is highest in institutions of tertiary education. Teachers’ salaries, a wide range of instructive materials, including computers, and high tuition fees account for the high amount spent per student in tertiary education.

Amount spent on education per participant

Sharpest rise in primary education

Costs per participant have risen since 1995 in every sector of education, but most notably in primary education. Extra funds have been used for class-size reduction programmes, ICT and instructive materials.

Sue Westerman