With the HZ Annual Plan we have mapped out where we stand and what we will focus on in 2025. The picture is clear: HZ is in a strong position, but the challenges are piling up. A number of issues play a role in this.

Challenges
The double shrinkage - both in the hbo and in Zeeland - continues and has led to a lower intake than hoped for. Another development is that the shrinkage funds we currently receive to keep small colleges in the region vital will expire from 2028. The political developments surrounding the Internationalization in Balance Act (WIB) have not escaped anyone's attention either.

With a strong lobby we are therefore focusing on a fixed footing in funding and an exemption position for the regions for the WIB. We have achieved successes, such as the scrapping of the long-term student fine and the region exception. Nevertheless, Minister Bruins' plans remain a real threat, for example, there is still much uncertainty about the Test of Foreign Language Education for our international programs.

Spending less
Our multi-year projection shows that from next year onwards there will have to be significant cuts. This requires a new way of working and organizing. How we are going to organize this is not all crystallized. We also invite everyone to think about this.