English courses must demonstrate added value
English-language courses must be able to justify the added value of their language medium. If they are unable to do so, they must switch to Dutch within two years.
This is stated in a proposal by Minister Van Engelshoven (Education, Culture & Sciences) to implement the law on the working language of higher education. The proposal has not yet been sent to the House of Representatives. It is available online for consultation: anyone may comment on it.
The number of English-language study programmes has grown considerably, particularly in higher education. Only 14% of all university master’s programmes are only in Dutch. Ten percent are partly English-speaking, and more than three quarters are entirely in English.
Critics believe that the main motive of non-Dutch-speaking study programmes is to recruit international students, and this comes at the expense of the quality of education. Supporters maintain that they simply want to prepare students well for an international world.
The Government’s internet consultation (Dutch only) runs until 24 December. HOP
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