The measures aim to increase the use of Dutch as a language of instruction wherever possible and to further encourage the development of Dutch-language skills. Additionally, they target achieving a balance in the intake of international students. Over the next few months, these measures will be worked out in more detail for UM and we will determining the necessary steps and a feasible timeline for implementation. We will do this in close consultation with faculty boards and staff and student representatives.

An international university: vital for the region

At the same time, our commitment is and remains crystal clear: we are an international university with a unique profile, deeply rooted in an international region. The diversity of our community - both students and staff - is of great value to ourselves and to our environment. In an ageing border region like ours, an international university is both natural and essential. In this way, we continue to play our role as an engine for socio-economic development in the region.

It’s good and important in this respect that Dutch universities collectively recognise UM's current position and role in the Euregion, as outlined above.

Building on this unique position, UM will join efforts in the coming period to find the right balance for all when it comes to internationalisation. The universities have listed the measures to this end in an overview. As we refine these measures within UM, we will of course use our international profile and our crucial role for the region as a starting point. Key joint measures include strengthening Dutch-language proficiency by increasing the number of Dutch-language programmes and eventually making Dutch-language versions available for all major bachelor's degrees in the Netherlands.

New English-language bachelor's programs will be temporarily halted. This measure will be evaluated within two years, and will in any case end the moment the new legal Foreign Language Education Test (Toets Anderstalig Onderwijs, TAO) enters into force. In addition, universities will reduce the intake of international bachelor’s students. Central to this will be the use of enrolment quotas for English-language bachelor's tracks. The preparatory year for international students, including UM's foundation programme, will be discontinued, and collaborative efforts with regional and national employers will be pursued to increase the 'stayrate' of graduates.

Ambiguity in The Hague

By taking these proactive steps, the universities are following up on what the Minister of Education, Culture and Science is requesting, in line with the Act on Balanced Internationalisation which he is preparing. In addition, the measures also give direction to plans to reduce the proportion of English-language programmes in the Netherlands, as requested by the House of Representatives (Hertzberger motion).

Meanwhile, there is still plenty of ambiguity in The Hague: we do not know what will happen with the (draft) Internationalisation in Balance Act, and if there will be any amendments. In any case, the Education Council's advice to the minister was highly critical, underscoring the need for tailored approaches for universities 'in the region'. Besides, it is unclear what exactly a future Dutch government has in store for Higher Education. News from The Hague changes daily. Regardless of the composition of a new government and when it takes office, we will continue to stress the importance of a strong, international UM.

Rather than passively awaiting government directives, UM, alongside other universities, is taking proactive steps to prepare a new balance of internationalisation, taking into account what regions and the Netherlands need.