Dijkgraaf calls on higher education to “urgently” proceed with “a complete halt in the active recruitment of international students”. He makes an exception for “very limited and targeted recruitment for specific courses”. This means training courses for professions where there is a shortage of personnel and in declining regions.
In February, the minister will present a package of proposals to limit the influx of international students. This may concern agreements and administrative laws, but also requirements set for the language of instruction of the study programmes. The Netherlands has a large number of programs that are taught in English, making them attractive and easily accessible to international students.
Disappointed Association of Universities of Applied Sciences
Until the package of measures is available, the minister hopes that educational institutions will cooperate voluntarily. At the end of November SP and CDA have already asked to suspend the recruitment of foreign students. The majority in parliament supported this call.
The Association of Universities of Applied Sciences says it has “understanding” for “the minister’s request” and would like “to discuss internationalization policy with him in the coming months”. The association has previously said it is disappointed that the House of Representatives has adopted the motion. “Foreign students can also be badly needed by the tight Dutch job market,” the association said in early December.
