The Dutch Ministry of Education has taken a proactive stance in addressing the concerns of international students in the Netherlands, particularly those feeling unwelcome due to challenges such as overcrowded facilities and housing shortages[^1]. This response comes in the wake of survey results published by de Volkskrant, which highlighted the difficulties faced by these students amid debates on proposed measures to limit their enrollment[^1]. The ministry expressed regret over these sentiments and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for global talent, emphasizing the importance of international students to the country’s educational system and economic growth[^1].
Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf has been at the forefront of these efforts, engaging directly with international students to understand their concerns[^1]. These discussions have shed light on the apprehensions surrounding potential cuts to English-language courses and reduced admissions, which could significantly impact the future of international students in the country[^1]. In response, Dijkgraaf has proposed the “Internationalization in Balance” Bill, aimed at creating a sustainable balance between the value of internationalization for Dutch education and the accessibility of this education to all students[^1]. This legislation seeks to address issues such as overcrowded classrooms and excessive workloads for educational staff, which have been exacerbated by the increasing number of international students over the past decade[^1].
Furthermore, Dutch universities, under the guidance of Universities of Netherlands (UNL), have agreed to take steps to reduce the intake of international students and increase the use of the Dutch language in their study programs[^1]. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the challenges associated with the rising international student population while maintaining the Netherlands’ status as a popular study destination[^1].
The ministry is currently awaiting advice from the Advisory Division of the Council of State (Raad van State) on the bill[^1]. Once received, the bill will be sent to the House of Representatives, with the aim of implementing it as soon as possible in the second quarter of 2024[^1]. This legislative effort represents a significant step towards achieving a balance that benefits all students in the Netherlands, ensuring that the country remains an attractive and welcoming place for international talent[^1].
### Citations
[^1]: https://erudera.com/news/ministry-of-education-dijkgraafs-bill-aims-to-strike-balance-that-benefits-all-students-in-netherlands/
