Cabinet gives universities control over international intake

Dutch universities will regulate their own foreign student enrollment and teaching languages under an amended internationalisation bill.

What changes: The cabinet removed the proposed central foreign-language education test from the Wet Internationalisering in Balans (Internationalisation in Balance Act), leaving language choices to individual institutions. Programmes will in principle be taught in Dutch, unless another language provides societal value based on labour market demand, regional circumstances, international orientation, or unique research needs.

The details:

• Higher education institutions will use self-regulation agreements and enrollment caps on non-Dutch courses where necessary.
• Schools will offer Dutch language classes and career preparation to encourage foreign graduates to stay and work.
• The policy aligns with a broader talent strategy to recruit and retain workers for crucial sectors.

What is next: Following public consultation and advisory reviews, the cabinet plans to submit the amendment to the Raad van State (Council of State) before the end of 2026.

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