Universities want to limit the intake of international students themselves

Dutch universities are willing to take steps themselves to reduce the number of international students. Then Minister of Education Eppo Bruins (NSC) must withdraw the controversial measure with which The Hague determines which courses are given in English. The umbrella organization Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) announced this on Tuesday.

Among other things, the universities propose to delete the English -language processes of most psychology courses, just like some courses that are given entirely in English. There will also be a maximum number of admissions for English -language courses per year in terms of universities. And they promise to be « reluctant » in the recruitment of foreign students.

These measures will reduce the total decrease in international students in the Netherlands compared to ‘peak year’ 2022-2023 with 2,000 students, 11 percent.

Test

In exchange, the universities demand that the much -criticized test of other -language education (TOA) is deleted for existing training courses. This includes a set of criteria with which the minister determines which courses may still be given in English.

As the test is now, training courses can only remain Dutch if, for example, they are given in a shrinking region, or for sectors with labor shortages. Specifically: artificial intelligence is not, philosophy.

While other countries are taking measures to attract international talent, we turn the struggle for talent

This test is too « unfocused and inflexible, » says Caspar van den Berg, chairman of UNL. UNL mentions the criteria Too vague, with the result that too large a number of training courses are in danger of disappearing. This ensures unnecessary « administrative burden, » says Van den Berg.

Moreover, according to the chairman, it is ‘naive’ to intervene ‘in the current geopolitical context’ so rigorously. « While other countries are taking measures to attract international talent, we turn our back on the struggle for talent. The international reputation of the Netherlands is at stake. »

Desire

The deduction of international students is a long -held wish of successive cabinets, who want Dutch to become the norm in higher education again. The internationalization in Balance Act, which also includes the TOA, must arrange this. The bill lies with the House of Representatives.

The universities are in principle for internationalization, Van den Berg emphasizes. He points out that international students have added value for the Dutch economy and innovation. Van den Berg, however, acknowledges that there are ‘bottlenecks’: with some courses, accessibility for Dutch students is in danger of taking. International students also make it more difficult for Dutch to find a room.

With the scrapping of the English -language branches of the Psychology courses, Unlin wants to make room for more international students in ‘deficiency sectors’, such as AI and education. The government has determined that they need more students.

Whether Minister Bruins agrees with the proposal must be apparent next week. The education committee of the Lower House debates on Wednesday on the subject.

To share

Mail the editors