The Dutch government is advancing plans to reduce the use of English in its universities, aiming to address the rising number of international students in the country. Education Minister Eppo Bruins highlighted the need to restore Dutch as the primary language of instruction.
“I want to make the Dutch language the standard again,” Bruins said in a letter to the parliament. He expressed concern over the increasing number of foreign students, which has contributed to overcrowded lecture halls and a housing shortage for students.
The proposed bill seeks to reduce the percentage of bachelor’s degree programs taught in English to just one-third of all courses. This plan follows a similar initiative by the previous government, which had raised concerns about its potential impact on attracting international talent, particularly in fields like technology.
A report last year revealed that nearly 123,000 foreign students were enrolled in higher education programs in the Netherlands, accounting for 15% of the total student population. The majority of these students—over three-quarters—came from other European countries.
While educational migration plays a key role in supporting the economy, Bruins emphasized that the scale of this migration needs to remain manageable for the Netherlands.
The international student population in the Netherlands saw a modest 5.4% increase during the 2023-24 academic year, marking the slowest growth since 2014. This reflects the impact of the new policies, as the country’s right-wing coalition government has agreed on significant cuts to higher education funding and introduced further limitations on international students. However, regional disparities persist, with some Dutch institutions still actively seeking to attract foreign students, even exploring the potential for expanding transnational education (TNE) programs. The overall trend indicates a shift, as efforts to limit internationalisation begin to take effect.
Overt 40,000 Indians Apply for 1,000 Spots in Australia’s Working Holiday Visa Program
Australia Introduces New 'First Work and Holiday Visa' for Eligible Indians
Poland Tightens Visa Regulations Following Cash-for-Visa Scandal
You may also like
Jharkhand election officials warn political parties of strict action for code violations
Tracking woman SP's location is a serious matter: Rajasthan Cong chief
Zelenskyy's Victory Plan Faces Key Challenge: NATO Membership for Ukraine
Chinese golf sensation Ding Wenyi to make pro debut on Challenge Tour after AAC triumph
SC to begin marital rape case hearing on October 17
'All my friends have turned on me over one drunken kiss that broke a girl's heart'
Groundbreaking BBC drama with 'perfect scores' releases season 2 first-look
Francis Ngannou advised to take Renan Ferreira 'seriously' ahead of fight
Northern Ireland media agrees on 'class act' Conor Bradley after 'surreal' night for Liverpool star
Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone who has donated to charity this year
Sulabh International Social Service organises World Food Day in Delhi
Expand North Star creates impactful platform for launching innovative solutions
Prez Murmu arrives in Mauritania on second leg of her three-nation visit
How Swing States could decide result of US Election 2024 - Key battlegrounds to watch
UAE: 45kg drugs seized, 7 smuggling attempts thwarted by Sharjah Customs in Q3 2024
Zoomcar Steers Toward Success with Major Debt Restructuring Plan
EAM Jaishankar's veiled message to China, Pak, says need to introspect if 'good neighbourliness' is missing somewhere
Probe launched into unregulated private schools violating education rules, says Minister
Tuchel hopes to deliver 'missing trophies' to England
Selfridges luxury beauty advent calendar for 2024 is now on sale and saves shoppers £774