Dutch gov't submits law to limit international students for parliamentary approval

Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf of Education submitted his law to allow universities to limit the number of international students they enroll to parliament for approval. The bill also sets stricter requirements for offering courses in languages other than Dutch. In the Netherlands, courses that are not in Dutch are almost exclusively in English.

According to Dijkgraaf, the bill will create a better balance between utilizing the added value of internationalization and maintaining the quality and accessibility of higher education. Universities have already started taking measures to limit their intake of international students in anticipation of this law, though non-Randstad regions like Limburg have warned that mandatory limits could be disastrous.

Earlier this year, parliament already approved that universities can limit the number of students they enrol for certain associate- and bachelor’s degrees. The Internationalization in Balance Act contains rules for this, also allowing a “numerus fixus” on master’s programs and even selected parts of courses for a more targeted effect.

“To guarantee access for Dutch and European students,” the law also allows universities to only apply enrolment limits to students from outside Europe. However, this can only happen if there is limited educational capacity in a course or program. Universities can also impose limits in the middle of the year - an “emergency brake” if the quality and accessibility of education are compromised.

The bill also contains a “test for foreign-language education,” specifying under which conditions higher education institutions can offer courses in languages other than Dutch. “Permission for foreign-language courses can be granted after independent advice and careful testing, based on a number of criteria that ensure tailor-made solutions,” the Ministry said. The test takes account of regional circumstances, labor market needs, the course's uniqueness, and its international position.

Higher education institutions were already legally obliged to “promote Dutch language skills” among Dutch students. The bill extends that obligation to include international students. According to Dijkgraaf, exposing international students to as much Dutch language and culture as possible increases the chance that international talent will stay in the Netherlands after their studies. “Education and research in Dutch are valuable. I want to guarantee that. Proficiency in Dutch is also a key to work and participation in society,” he said.

Dijkgraaf said his bill is mainly intended to steer internationalization in higher education in the right direction, focusing on where the country needs talent and how to retain those students. “The Netherlands needs knowledge. We cannot do without international talent,” he said. But it is time for a new phase of internationalization. “We have been driving a car with only an accelerator, now we need a brake and especially a steering wheel.”