Info market during an open day. Photo: Marte Hofsteenge. The pre-enrolment numbers at WUR show an 18.3 per cent drop in Dutch bachelor influx compared to the numbers at the same time last year. Although these pre-enrolments can fluctuate quite a bit, there is some concern within the corridors of Wageningen. What is going on?
Is there reason for panic? No, says education dean Arnold Bregt. ‘Minus 18.3 per cent sounds intense, but placing these figures in a broader perspective is needed. There is, indeed, a considerable difference compared to last year’s pre-enrolment numbers. However, last year was an atypical year. If you consider the difference between now and two years ago, the drop is about 7 per cent. So, still a decline, but a lot less significant.’
Bregt says a small decline in student numbers fits WUR’s goal for the coming years. ‘Ideally, we would like to stay at the same level, but with a declining number of pre-university (vwo) students and a political climate that is not necessarily positive towards internationalisation, a slight decrease is to be expected. That’s not a problem, but the drop shouldn’t be too steep. So, we do need to keep a close eye on this development and take it seriously. And we need to start doing more to recruit students.’
Causes
Bregt identifies several possible causes for the decline. ‘While other universities are increasingly engaging in active student recruitment – Twente University has radio commercials, for example – Wageningen has not changed much in that area. In addition, other universities are now also offering programmes in environment, biology, nutrition and plant sciences. As a result, the profile of our university is becoming less unique and there is more competition. Moreover, the image of the city of Wageningen remains a bit that of a village with a university without a railway station.’
Bregt thinks it is time for a different approach. ‘If other universities become more like us and actively attract students, we should also do more in terms of active recruitment. Perhaps we should host the open day on Friday in addition to Saturday. This year, we will host an extra open day for late deciders on Thursday, 5 June. And we can improve how we sell Wageningen’s image, for instance by highlighting the fact that you can get an affordable room here in your first year and don’t have to wait years before you can move in, as is the case in some other student cities.’
