Wanna Study in Netherlands, well, here may be some Bad News for Non-Dutch speakers.

Photo by Jack Winbow

Imagine strolling along the charming canals of Amsterdam or cycling through fields of vibrant tulips while pursuing your higher education. For many, studying in the Netherlands, fondly known as Holland, has been a dream come true. However, recent developments may signal a shift in the landscape of international education in this picturesque country.

In December 2023, the Dutch government initiated steps to recalibrate the balance of internationalization in its education sector. Concerns arose regarding the strain that an influx of international students might place on educational quality and accessibility for local students. In response, universities across the Netherlands have unveiled a bold plan aimed at managing the enrolment of international students and enhancing Dutch language proficiency.

Central to this plan is a concerted effort to prioritize Dutch language skills. Dutch universities have committed to offering the majority of Bachelor's programs in Dutch, with measures in place to increase the availability of Dutch-taught degree programs. This move aims to strike a balance between internationalization and the preservation of Dutch cultural and educational identity.

Jouke de Vries, acting president of Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges and tensions associated with internationalization while preserving its benefits. "Internationalization is essential," says de Vries, "but it also brings about challenges. To preserve its value, we must address these challenges earnestly."

To manage the influx of international students, Dutch universities are implementing various measures. These include reducing the intake of international students, limiting the percentage of English-taught Bachelor's programs, and enhancing Dutch language proficiency among both students and lecturers. Additionally, universities will cease recruitment at international fairs, except for programs linked to sectors with significant labour market shortages.

Currently, the majority of Bachelor's programs in the Netherlands are taught in Dutch, with only a fraction available in English. The plan outlines a commitment to increasing the availability of Dutch-taught programs, ensuring that all major Bachelor's programs are offered in Dutch. Furthermore, universities are evaluating existing English-taught programs to determine their potential conversion to Dutch.

In a bid to assess the effectiveness of these measures, the development of new English-taught Bachelor's programs will be put on hold for the time being. This pause will be re-evaluated in two years, coinciding with the introduction of a new language proficiency test.

The Netherlands has seen a significant rise in international student enrolment over the past decade, with preliminary figures indicating that more than a quarter of incoming students in higher education are international. With these new measures in place, Dutch universities are navigating the path towards a more balanced and sustainable approach to international education while preserving the unique charm of studying in the land of windmills and wooden shoes. 

Are you still determined to pursue your Holland dreams? Then roll up your sleeves and gain some Dutch language proficiency skills.

That's all for now, I will see you in my next. Till then, Stay Healthy, Stay Happy, Stay safe!