Cabinet gives universities control over international admissions

The Dutch government has revised its draft higher education law to let universities manage foreign student numbers through institutional self-regulation.

The big picture: The adjusted Wet Internationalisering in Balans (Internationalisation in Balance Act) scraps a proposed centralised foreign-language assessment, fulfilling a parliamentary motion and coalition agreement terms. Higher education programmes will remain primarily taught in Dutch, but institutions can authorise another instruction language if it provides clear societal value.

Selection criteria:

• Labour market needs
• Regional circumstances
• International orientation of the curriculum
• Unique international value of the research field

Zoom in: Universities and hogescholen (universities of applied sciences) will set numerus fixus capacity limits on foreign-language tracks when required. Under agreements struck before the summer with Education Minister Letschert, institutions are also providing Dutch language courses and local job market preparation to encourage foreign graduates to stay.

Why it matters: Letschert stated that managing internationalisation helps the Netherlands benefit from global talent, especially in vital sectors highlighted by the national talent strategy that require specialised expertise to sustain economic growth.

What is next: The amendment memorandum is currently open for online public consultation and regulatory review, with the cabinet aiming to send the bill to the Raad van State (Council of State) before the end of 2026 ahead of parliamentary debate.

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