Universities propose measures to rebalance internationalisation
Universities take steps to manage influx of international students
The Dutch universities will be taking their own measures to manage the influx of international students and improve Dutch language skills among these students. In doing so, the universities are anticipating the Balanced Internationalisation Act . With these concrete measures, the universities will address current issues while preserving the benefits of internationalisation, with an eye for regional differences. What does this mean for Utrecht University?
International students and staff are essential to Utrecht University (for context, also see the facts and figures at the bottom of this text). Their presence contributes to an inspiring academic environment. Students learn to look beyond their own borders, gain different perspectives, learn to cooperate in an international context, and improve their language skills - a great foundation for the internationally oriented job market.
Preserving benefits, addressing issues
With the proposed plans, Utrecht University (UU) wants to preserve the benefits of internationalization, and continue to welcome international students and employees. At the same time, the goal is to address current issues. The intended measures will now be discussed within the university. Ultimately, legal control instruments are essential for better control of the influx. Therefore, it is important that the Balanced Internationalisation Act (Wet Internationalisering in Balans, WIB) will be made final so that there is a clear framework for the proposed actions.
- In principle, the working language of Bachelor programmes at UU is Dutch. For the 4 English-language Bachelor programmes (out of a total of 46), the possibility of having tracks in Dutch is being explored in cooperation with other universities.
- More bilingual Master's programmes, allowing students to choose their preference. UU will do this by providing a fifth of the 48 Master's programs in English (out of a total of 78) with tracks in Dutch. This will be done within ten years. This will be followed by a maximum number of students for the variants in English.
- Reducing the influx of international students by continuing to focus on quality in recruitment. The focus lies on offering good information and expectation management among prospective students (e.g. regarding housing). The effect of this can already be seen in the decrease in the number of applications from international students.
- Administrative communication is always in Dutch, and additionally in English if required for functional reasons. All council documents are bilingual.
- Promoting Dutch language skills among employees and students by offering the free language and culture course "Getting to know (the) Dutch". The possibility of a course offering Dutch for non-native speakers at A1, A2, B1 and B2 levels is also being explored. International council members will be offered a receptive Dutch course at C1 level. A good command of the Dutch language makes it easier for graduates to stay in the Netherlands. It increases the so-called stay rate.
Facts and figures - internationalisation at UU
- UU has a diligent language policy (intranet only, PDF), with bilingualism as the starting point for the entire university.
- In principle, the working language of Bachelor programmes at UU is Dutch. As a result, the number of foreign-language Bachelor’s programmes is limited. Out of a total of 46 Bachelor's programs, UU has:
- 4 fully English-language Bachelor's programmes;
- 5 target language programmes (German language and culture, etc.);
- 7 programmes with tracks in English in addition to tracks in Dutch.
- About 60 percent of UU master's programmes are in English (48 out of 78). This attracts international students and faculty members. UU does this because of the value it brings to academia and/or the labour market.
- At UU, about one in seven students is of international origin; about 15 percent. The university greatly values this diverse student population. Of the international students, three-quarters are from the EU; UU is required by law to admit this group.
- About 21 percent of UU employees are international - 79 percent of UU employees are of Dutch origin.