UM and the political debate on 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. As the most international university in the country, UM follows developments closely and, in the interest of the university and the region.
Below you will find all relevant information surrounding the topic.
Student communication
- 3 February 2023 - Message for our students
- 21 December 2022 - Update – UM and the political discussion about internationalisation
Also read this position paper with information about the UM as Socio-economic powerhouse for the Netherlands in Europe

UM President Rianne Letschert wants to keeps UM staff informed about the actions and visions of UM through this blog series. (intranet)
Rianne Letschert: “Damage for UM and region if language plans go ahead”
Politicians in The Hague are burdening Maastricht University with a huge problem if Dutch is to be given a (too) dominant position in (most) bachelor’s programmes. This would jeopardise the role of the university – founded at the time to provide the province with a new impulse and a new future after the closure of the mines – as an economic driving force, says President of the Executive Board Rianne Letschert in an interview with university newspaper Observant. In this interview, she elaborates on UM's vision on the political debate on internationalisation in education in a clear and accessible way.
News
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Outcomes of emergency debate on increase in international students
Thursday, February 2, 2023Read more on the emergency debate on increase in international students. For now the suspension of active recruitment remains in force.
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UM and the political debate on internationalisation
Thursday, December 22, 2022Internationalisation 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. As the most international university in the country, UM follows developments closely and, in the interest of the university and the region, the institution continues to ask for tailor-made solutions in the event of any regulations limiting the intake of foreign students.
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‘Our European positioning fits like a glove'
Tuesday, February 1, 2022The new UM president, and former rector magnificus, Rianne Letschert leaves no room for doubt. She is delighted with the choice to profile the university as the European university of the Netherlands. Maastricht University forms an international and predominantly European community in a region wedged between three borders. This makes the region in itself a European economic, social and cultural living lab.