Netherlands Proposes Limits on English in Universities to Curb International Student Influx
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Loading... - Maxim Sidorov
- 21 Oct 2024
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The Dutch government is moving forward with a proposal aimed at reducing the use of English in universities, with the goal of managing the increasing number of international students. In a letter to parliament, Education Minister Eppo Bruins outlined his intention to re-establish Dutch as the primary language of instruction in higher education.
Bruins stated, “I want to make Dutch the standard in higher vocational education and universities. Both international and Dutch students need to invest in Dutch language proficiency. This will allow international students to contribute to our labour market for longer.” He emphasized that the Netherlands was once a leader in global education when instruction was predominantly in Dutch.
The minister highlighted several challenges posed by the influx of international students, including a shortage of student housing and overcrowded lecture halls. “The increase in international students has led to housing shortages, full lecture halls, and diminished use of Dutch. This calls for action,” he said. Bruins aims to ensure that international students can effectively integrate into Dutch society and the economy after graduation.
The proposed legislation seeks to limit the number of bachelor's programs taught in English to a maximum of one-third of all courses. This initiative builds on previous concerns raised by the former Dutch government regarding the potential impact on international talent, particularly in the technology sector. Currently, approximately one in three bachelor's programs is offered in a mix of Dutch and English.
According to the Dutch statistics agency, nearly 123,000 foreign students were enrolled in higher education last year, making up 15% of the university population, with over three-quarters coming from other European countries. While Bruins acknowledged the economic benefits of educational migration, he stressed the need for this influx to align with the country’s capacity to accommodate it.
“The size of this migration needs to be in proportion to what the Netherlands can sustain,” he stated. The new cabinet, which took office in July, is pursuing some of the country’s strictest anti-migration policies to date.
Under the proposed changes, a special committee would be tasked with approving programs conducted entirely in English, and Dutch would become the standard language for university and college management boards. Bruins also noted that improving Dutch language skills among international students could enhance their chances of remaining in the country and contributing to the workforce after graduation.
“Research shows that language barriers in the workplace and society are significant obstacles for international students. By increasing language proficiency, we can raise the current 25% retention rate of international students after five years,” he added, referencing a study by Nuffic.
