Kristin Hamaker
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Update on this topic in the Netherlands, from us at Beyond the States as of February 2024:
So, Dutch university chiefs took it upon themselves to meet, and they’ve put a proposal together – this is only a proposal, and nothing has been implemented yet. But the plan is as follows, and this is ONLY relevant to bachelor’s programs in the Netherlands:
1. Overall, reduce # of English-taught bachelor’s degrees
2. Improve Dutch language proficiency (this one is a bit vague, but it may mean compulsory Dutch-language classes for international students)
3. Cut foreign student #’s
4. All bachelor degrees will have at least some Dutch teaching (this one is vague)
Scrap any foundation (or bridging) years for international students
5. Dutch universities will no longer recruit for programs where there isn’t a labor market shortage
6. ALL programs will now be offered in Dutch (for the benefit of Dutch citizens)
7. Work with local employers etc to increase student stay-rateFor now, this won’t really apply to more technical degrees – like Engineering – since there is a labor shortage in this field. Some Dutch universities, that are almost entirely technical, will be exempt from these rules.
Overall, this is pretty HUGE news, and is indicative that things are moving forward in the Netherlands on these changes. The Netherlands is, by far, the most popular country for English-taught programs, and for specific types of programs that you can’t mimic elsewhere in Europe very well.
Here are two recent articles related to this newest update:
Dutch universities detail plan to reduce international enrolment
The housing crisis in the Netherlands is pretty widespread across the entire country, and in most cities. With regard to university colleges, it’s true that most Dutch university colleges guarantee housing for their students – for all 3 years of the program. But there are a few of these schools that don’t – you’ll have to confirm with the school itself. I assume, like so much in the Netherlands, this will continue to be in flux, and so it’s important to be in direct contact with the school itself on what their current (and/or upcoming) housing status is.