Foto Shutterstock He has informed the House of Representatives of this plan in writing. It constitutes a considerably more stringent policy than the one currently in place. Only in exceptional cases will diversions from this rule be permitted. Dutch is to be the standard language, according to the Law Balance in Internationalisation, which aims to restrict the influx of international students.
The most straightforward solution is to offer fewer English-spoken programmes, according to the Cabinet. If classes are offered in Dutch, with the exception of a few guest lectures, international students are less likely to come here. Moreover, the measure will improve students’ Dutch language skills.
Exception
The new rule states that almost all bachelor programmes will be scrutinised. Those that fail to meet the criteria must transition to Dutch. Exceptions are permitted, for example, for programmes that educate students in a field for which there are abundant job openings. However, simply citing the “international nature” of the programme no longer suffices.
In addition to offering education in Dutch, the language of conduct at universities and colleges must be Dutch, says Bruins. Some institutes have switched to English to accommodate their international students and staff or to facilitate recruiting international talent to management positions. For example, the WUR Council holds its meetings in English. Bruins wants this to end, ‘save bilingual exceptions’.
Hatchet
‘This letter is a hatchet that hacks away at internationalisation’, says spokesperson of the Association of Universities UNL, Ruben Puylaert. ‘The minister has planned a budget cut of 293 million euros, which amounts to approximately half the number of bachelor students in tertiary education.’ He wonders how trustworthy a test for the language of bachelor programmes can be if the outcome (fewer students) is already clear.
WUR’s executive board has declined to comment. According to the spokesperson, a closer look is required to investigate the consequences for WUR. Students already enrolled need not worry; they can finish their programmes as planned.
