Following the previous government’s lead, Minister Bruins intends to limit the intake of international students by allowing fewer English-taught programmes. His plan includes a review of all programmes in the Netherlands, granting exceptions in cases of labour market shortages, locations in shrinking regions and “international uniqueness”. However, Bruins writes that he will be strict, stating that “the exception shouldn’t become the rule”.
Unrest
“This is yet another blow to us”, says UM President Rianne Letschert. “We’ve been struggling with this issue for three years, and we still don’t know where we stand. A while ago, the government said they would make a number of exceptions for English-taught programmes, stating that regional circumstances would play a significant role. But now the minister wants to limit the number of exceptions. We’ve had discussions with him, and he claims to understand UM’s unique position. But does this mean we won’t be affected? This letter doesn’t answer that question. It doesn’t say, ‘The combination of being located in a shrinking region and having a unique profile means you can continue to offer programmes in English.’ This uncertainty is causing unrest among existing staff, as well as international and Dutch high school students exploring their options, regional mayors, local officials, businesses – you name it.”
Budget cuts
“It feels like the ground is being pulled from under us. On top of the measures to limit the intake of international students, severe cuts to research funding are planned, which will impact UM significantly. The axing of starter grants will hit us twice as hard because – like the two other young universities, Tilburg and Twente – we received additional grants to make up for a historically lower level of research funding.” She describes the situation as an “attack from the government”. “I believe the ministry has a responsibility towards us. Almost every page of the coalition agreement mentions innovation, and how important the government deems it to be. Yet what do they do? Deal out blows like this. I understand the need for budget cuts – all sectors will have to contribute – but if these cuts undermine the fundamental tasks of universities, I consider that poor governance.”
Goodwill
Bruins ultimately aims to save €293 million by reducing the intake of international students, expecting universities to take the initiative through “self-management”. Letschert will need to consult with administrators from other universities to determine who will offer which programme in which language. This will require goodwill and compromise. According to Letschert, these discussions have been ongoing for quite some time. “Each university will have to absorb a hit, but I hope they recognise that we at UM are being impacted in many ways.”
Danger zone
How many UM programmes are in the danger zone? What does the future hold for a programme like Psychology, which is offered in both Dutch and English in Maastricht? “The Dutch version focuses more on the clinical side, while the English version emphasises the neuroscientific side. They each have a distinct profile. The same goes for Dutch Law and the English-taught European Law School – they’re two completely different programmes.” However, Letschert acknowledges that every university will defend their own programmes in this way, “which only makes sense”.
Demonstration
What is the next step? Waiting is not in Letschert’s nature. She urges everyone to join the demonstration against education cuts in Utrecht on 14 November. “We as the Executive Board will participate as well. It’s important to involve staff and students in this; we need to collectively show that this is a threat to us.” She is also working on a second plan (yet to be fully developed), the first being the Education Manifesto sent to the government earlier this year by UM and other educational institutions in Limburg, along with the province and core municipalities, calling for tailored regulations.
Wendy Degens