Debate on Internationalization

Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (Education, Culture, and Science) is working on a bill to limit the influx of international students. During a debate in the House of Representatives last week, he announced a new plan. Dijkgraaf proposes that, starting from the academic year 2025-2026, a maximum of one-third of bachelor's courses should be taught in a language other than Dutch. Exceptions may be possible under certain, yet to be specified, circumstances. Unfortunately, it is still unclear what the final implementation of these broad proposals will entail.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam expresses its concerns about these plans. "As an inclusive university, we attach great importance to a diverse and international student population and the value of language diversity for a thriving and accessible academic environment," says Chair of the Board Mirjam van Praag.

The academic community at VU is diverse, with a mix of Dutch and international faculty members and students. The university recognizes and values this diversity, which encompasses not only nationality but also language, religion, and background. This diversity is a significant asset to the educational climate at VU, enabling students to gain experience with different perspectives during their studies and learn how to contribute meaningfully to the challenges our society faces. This is our Mixed Classroom educational model. Additionally, students learn to work in an international environment. We see that students also consider this aspect important when choosing a programme.

However, we also acknowledge the challenges we face in accommodating international students, as we recentlyhighlighted. As a university, we take responsibility for resolving these issues ourselves, and the long-awaited legislative instruments will hopefully assist us in doing so. Language policy is a topic of discussion in this regard. VU Amsterdam is willing to contribute to ensuring sufficient attention to the Dutch language on campus but sees language policy primarily as a meaningful instrument for fostering connection within our VU community, both internally and with society.

Together with other universities and the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (UNL), VU Amsterdam is monitoring the developments. They are committed to seeking further clarification from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science before engaging in discussions. The final plans are expected to take effect from the academic year 2025-2026.