Overview

StudyStash and ProApptive partnership in the Netherlands

StudyStash is partnering with ProApptive to bring our AI-powered study platform to higher education institutions across the Netherlands.

The collaboration combines ProApptive's local expertise with StudyStash's proven approach to helping universities deliver personalised, student-centred learning experiences.

The Netherlands: A Market Primed for Innovation

Dutch universities are facing a measurable surge in demand for student support. A 2024 report from Caring Universities – a collaboration including Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Utrecht University – found that 39.8% of students experience high levels of study stress, and 68% felt they needed psychological support last year.

That same pressure feeds into first-year attrition. A July 2024 study showed that 30% of first-year students either drop out or switch courses, with 25% at research universities and 34% at universities of applied sciences citing mismatched expectations. Helping students build confidence from day one is critical.

Institutions are simultaneously racing to implement trustworthy AI. While the Netherlands leads in digital infrastructure, a 2023 survey across EU institutions revealed that 80% still lack formal AI policies, even as universities such as TU Delft invest in large-scale "AI and Learning Analytics" initiatives. StudyStash’s "AI with Guardrails" approach offers a timely, safe framework.

The multilingual reality adds another layer. Although the Netherlands is renowned for English-taught programmes, Dutch remains dominant at bachelor level, and 16.2% of international students are enrolled in Dutch-taught bachelor programmes. StudyStash supports students seamlessly in both Dutch and English to ensure no learner is left behind.

What the partnership delivers

Together, we are launching tailored onboarding, training, and support packages for Dutch universities looking to scale AI-driven learning support in a safe, student-first environment.

ProApptive will lead local enablement while StudyStash provides the technology, insights, and best practices already trusted by institutions across Europe.

The Lecturer Workload Crisis

Dutch higher education excellence rests on lecturers who are under immense pressure. A 2024 Labor Inspectorate report found that 74% of teaching and research staff experience significant stress from work pressure, with 36% reporting high to very high exhaustion and an average of six hours of overtime each week.

By delivering adaptive, 24/7 learning support and automated formative feedback, StudyStash reduces the workload overhead and gives educators time back for high-impact teaching and research.

The International Student Paradox

International students now comprise 16.6% of the Dutch student body and 27.2% at research universities, yet their first-year dropout rate sits at 17%—far higher than domestic peers. Retention, not recruitment, is the new priority.

StudyStash equips students with bilingual, neuroscience-based support in Dutch and English so they can build successful study habits and stay on track from day one.

A National Mandate for Digital Innovation

With the €560 million Npuls programme funding digital transformation across every Dutch university, institutions are expected to accelerate innovation while staying focused on proven outcomes. The Dutch EdTech market is projected to grow at over 24% annually.

Our partnership with ProApptive provides a scalable, secure AI platform that aligns with this national mandate and helps universities invest confidently in future-ready, student-centred learning.