|
Update – UM and the political discussion about internationalisation
|
|
|
Internationalisation of education, and specifically the intake of international students, is a hot topic in Dutch politics. This will also be the case in early 2023. Just before the Christmas break in The Hague, we want to provide a brief update: what is the discussion all about, what can we expect in the near future and where do we stand in this discussion as the country's most international university.
What is the discussion about?
The influx of international students into higher education in the Netherlands has increased significantly in recent years. At a number of institutions and in some cities, this has led to undesirable situations, such as overcrowded programmes and problems with student housing. It is important to keep the intake manageable, but currently there are no instruments to do so.
The Dutch House of Representatives asked Minister Dijkgraaf to come up with a plan to control this intake as soon as possible. One motion also called on the minister to ensure that higher education stops recruiting international students - at least as long as there is no plan to control the intake.
What will happen in the near future?
The minister promised the House of Representatives that in February 2023, he will introduce proposals for controlling student intake. In doing so, he will keep all options open, from capacity regulations to additional requirements for the language of instruction. However, the minister also mentioned he is open to possible customisation for so-called shrinking regions and shortage sectors.
Regarding the recruitment of international students, the minister reported that universities and colleges are already ‘very cautious about international recruitment activities aimed at expansion’.
What is UM’s standpoint and what are we doing?
UM believes that a sufficient inflow of international talent will continue to be sorely needed in the Netherlands in the coming years. Furthermore, it is an absolute necessity in border regions and those with an ageing population. In Limburg, the presence of international talent is not only logical in a region where three national borders meet, but also a prerequisite for a complete and strong educational offering. This also creates opportunities for Dutch youth. Together with other educational institutions in the province, UM provides this.
It is logical that universities experiencing problems due to too large an intake should be given the opportunity to take measures. Providing the possibility for international education where possible and taking control measures only where necessary will ensure sufficient (including international) talent is educated for a healthy labour market in the future.
Customisation avoids throwing out the baby with the bathwater. At UM there is no recent, unmanageable influx of international students. UM has been an international university for years (with over 50% of the students and 40% of academic staff coming from abroad) with proven benefits for the city, region and country. And for the students and staff themselves! Rigorous capacity regulations or new demands on the language of instruction would harm the international education and research climate that flourishes here and in other cities.
Meanwhile, we have agreed with the other universities that we won’t undertake proactive recruitment of international students. This means that we will provide information to those who come to us themselves, but currently will not try to 'tap into new groups' with promotion campaigns. Informational activities, such as the open days, and preparations for them will continue.
In the coming period and together with others, we will continue to bring to the attention of decision-makers in The Hague and beyond the importance for the Netherlands of good international education and tailor-made solutions to manage student intake.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|