UM and the political debate on internationalisation
Internationalisation of education, and specifically the influx of international students, is a hot topic in Dutch politics. As the most international university in the country, Maastricht University closely monitors developments. The guiding principle for UM remains: an international university in a highly international and ageing border region is both natural and essential. Appropriate regulations and international orientation are essential to prevent the devastation of education in Limburg, you can read more about this in this press release.
For the Netherlands as a whole, the number of international students has significantly increased in recent years. Universities themselves also aim for a good balance in the intake of both Dutch and international students, which can prevent issues such as housing problems due to rapid growth. Customisation is the guiding principle: each university has its own profile and operates in a region with its unique challenges.
This applies to Maastricht University as well: 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 our surroundings. As an international university, we continue to play our role as a driver for socio-economic development in the region.
What will exactly change in government regulations for the influx of international students and the distribution of English-Dutch as the language of instruction in the coming years is uncertain. We will keep our UM community and prospective students informed. Below, you will find the most current news and updates on this matter.
Read this position paper with information about UM as a socio-economic powerhouse for the Netherlands in Europe.
FAQ
In this FAQ, we attempt to answer a number of frequently asked questions:
Are international students still welcome at UM?
What about the other Dutch universities?
Does UM face similar accommodation problems?
Why are international students so important to UM?
Will an exception be made for UM in the new measures?
Will there be a limit on the number of international students?
Will studying for international students become more expensive?
Will Dutch now become the main language of instruction?
Will UM offer courses in Dutch? What are the costs?
What is going to happen next?
UM is grateful for the richness and diversity provided by its international staff, students and study programmes—and the ensuing endless supply of inspiring stories.
Read these stories here.
Read more about internationalisation
Executive Board response to agreement on education budget cuts
The government and several opposition parties have agreed on a budget for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Higher education will be hit hard, although there are glimmers of hope. The total cuts to education and research have been reduced from €2 billion to just over €1.2 billion.
New protest against cuts on 11 December in Maastricht
At the end of November, we made our voices heard in The Hague, but we are not there yet! Next Thursday, the House of Representatives will vote on the education budget for the coming year. Even with a number of opposition parties at the negotiating table, the cabinet's plans remain a danger to our...
UM Language Centre's course in Social Dutch fosters connection in Maastricht
More and more international students participate in the Social Dutch language course at the UM Language Centre. The course is so popular, there's a waiting list and the local news has dedicated a news article and TV item to it.
Protest against austerity on 25 November
On 25 November, students and staff of universities and polytechnic universities will gather in The Hague to protest against the cuts to higher education. The demonstration had previously been scheduled on 14 November but was cancelled at the last minute. The cuts will jeopardise the future of...
Maastricht protest against budget cuts education and research
In times like these, where budget cuts threaten education and research, we are proud of our community. Despite the cancellation of the nationwide protest in Utrecht, students and staff took to the streets of Maastricht to let their voice be heard in a peaceful protest.
