Influx international students

MORE CONTROL OVER INTAKE AND LANGUAGE POLICY

International intake at universities has several positive outcomes, on the quality of education and research, labor market and the positioning of the Netherlands worldwide. Dutch students also willingly pursue English-taught programs, which improves their English language proficiency and exposes them to different perspectives.

VU Amsterdam has a long history of diversity and international success and is proud of the culture we have created on our campus. International staff and students (18.6% of the total student body) are an important part of the VU community. They contribute to the unique academic and social dynamics of VU.

However, we also recognize the challenges we face in supporting these students, such as housing and appropriate guidance. As VU Amsterdam, we understand the political desire to gain more control over international intake, considering these challenges. This can help ensure the accessibility of higher education.

The political discussion on international intake and accessibility also involves the language policy of universities. More attention is needed for the Dutch language, while the English language needs critical examination. VU Amsterdam is happy to contribute to sufficient attention for Dutch on campus. We are currently assessing the extent to which our bachelor's programs are taught in Dutch or English and will afterwards evaluate whether our current language policy is still appropriate. We are also exploring how we can better meet the minister's desire to promote Dutch language proficiency, including Dutch language courses for Dutch and international students and staff.

POLITICAL DECISION-MAKING

In recent months, the Dutch parliament has debated international intake in higher education. The minister recently wrote a letter to the parliament with proposals to gain more control over (international) intake and to safeguard the position of the Dutch language. He has indicated that he will introduce a new bill and intends to make governance agreements with higher education institutions on several points. The parliament will debate this letter on June 15.

In discussions with the parliament and the minister, VU Amsterdam is collaborating with other institutions and universities in the Netherlands. It is important for the entire sector to take responsibility in finding good solutions with the minister and the parliament.

IMPACT ON VU AMSTERDAM

As VU Amsterdam, we closely monitor the political developments due to the potential implications for the university, our staff, and our students. In the coming months, we also aim to continue warmly welcoming our international staff and students to our campus as usual. After all, they contribute to the unique academic and social dynamics of VU and are an important part of our Mixed Classroom teaching model. In the mixed classroom, students have the unique opportunity to learn from each other and from teachers with diverse perspectives and backgrounds in the broadest sense (culture, nationality, gender, religion, educational background, etc.). In its implementation, VU is striving for a good balance of diverse students and staff.

Since no decision-making has taken place yet, there will be no immediate changes in the short term. In line with the minister's request from December 2022 and his recent letter to the parliament, VU Amsterdam adheres to the temporary halt on international recruitment. At the same time, we will provide interested students with comprehensive information about the opportunities of studying at VU Amsterdam, ensuring that they can make well-informed choices for their studies. We will also inform them about the significant shortage of student housing in Amsterdam.

JOINT FOLLOW-UP

Consequences for VU Amsterdam will arise from the governance agreements and new legislation. We will closely consult with stakeholders within the faculties and departments to determine how we can effectively implement them. In doing so, we will carefully consider the feasibility and well-being of our staff and students.