As the UG prepares for significant budget cuts, the cost-saving measures announced last year appear to have fallen short. The university is projected to face a deficit of 23.6 million euros in 2025.
Last year’s budget forecast anticipated a loss of 10.5 million euros in 2025, with the university returning to a surplus in 2026.
However, additional losses have emerged due to declining student enrolment, which will result in 13 million euros less in government funding. Furthermore, not all faculties have met the agreed-upon savings goals from the previous year.
TeRUG in Balans
In 2022, the UG launched the ‘TeRUG in Balans ’26’ programme to ensure balanced budgets across all faculties and services by 2026. However, some faculties and services are struggling to keep pace with the planned budget reductions.
This has raised concerns in the university council, which fears even larger cuts in the future. ‘If we can’t even achieve the current savings, how can we handle the additional tens of millions of euros that need to be cut?’ council members questioned.
Intense discussions
Board member Hans Biemans assured the council that no faculty or service will be allowed to remain in deficit by 2026. ‘I have had intense discussions about the current situation. If it still seems likely that certain faculties or services will fall short, we will increase oversight and provide support to ensure the goals are met,’ he stated.
The 2025 budget was drafted despite ongoing uncertainty about the severe budget cuts planned by the Schoof cabinet, which could complicate the university’s financial outlook further.