The Netherlands, also called Holland, might be limiting the number of international students coming to study in the country known for its famous tulips and canals. By 2026, the Dutch government plans to reduce the number of foreign students.
One of the main steps being considered is cutting down the number of bachelor’s programs taught in English. Currently, 70% of bachelor’s courses are in Dutch, with 18% also available in English. In total, 30% of bachelor’s programs are taught in English.
Education Minister Eppo Bruins wrote to the House of Representatives that he wants Dutch to become the main teaching language again in higher education. The goal is to protect access to education, boost Dutch language skills, and keep international graduates in the local job market.
Bruins will move forward with a bill called the Internationalisation in Balance (WIB) and will make related rules stricter. The bill requires that at least two-thirds of Dutch bachelor’s degree programs be taught in Dutch. This leaves one-third of the curriculum for teaching in other languages, which can include guest lectures.
Programs that want to teach fully in another language will need approval from a special commission and the education minister, after a review. Universities have agreed to add more programs taught in Dutch and are currently looking at which English-taught courses can be switched to Dutch.
Since February, Dutch universities have stopped creating new English-taught bachelor’s programs. This decision will be reviewed in two years and will remain until the new legal test for foreign language education (TAO) is active.
There will be four reasons for an exemption:
- Schools in border areas or areas with shrinking populations.
- Training for jobs in fields with worker shortages, like engineering and sciences.
- Courses available at only one location.
- Programs with an international focus.
The minister aims to clearly define these exceptions so that Dutch stays the main teaching language. Right now, about 25% of international graduates stay in the Netherlands five years after finishing their studies, but only 19% of graduates from the European Economic Area (EEA) remain. Research by Nuffic, an organization promoting international education, found that language skills are a big challenge for international students finding work and fitting into Dutch society.
To apply for most programs, international students need to register using Studielink, the official portal for applying to higher education in the Netherlands. Over the past 10 years, the number of international students has grown a lot. Early data for 2023-2024 shows that international students make up over 25% of all new students in higher education, and nearly 45% come to study bachelor’s programs in the country.
Before heading to the Netherlands for higher education, contacting SGNI can be a valuable step. SGNI offers language courses and skills development training that help students prepare for studying abroad. Learning the Dutch language and improving relevant skills can make your transition smoother and increase your chances of success in both academics and daily life.
SGNI’s training programs are designed to equip students with the tools they need to adapt to a new environment, both culturally and professionally. By enhancing your language proficiency and developing practical skills, SGNI helps you become better prepared for academic challenges and boosts your ability to integrate into Dutch society, making your study experience more rewarding.
