The remarks stemmed from a recent proposal from Dutch Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf to make Dutch the main language of instruction in educational programs, with only limited exceptions.
The remarks stemmed from a recent proposal from Dutch Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf to make Dutch the main language of instruction in educational programs, with only limited exceptions.
The Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands has expressed concerns about the government’s proposal to prioritize the Dutch Language as the medium of instruction and regulate the number of international students.
The research university, also known as TU/e, posted on its website that its preference for English aligns with the requirements of the labor market, particularly the high-tech industries in the Brainport region. It added that English is currently the predominant language of instruction in most programs.
The remarks stemmed from a recent proposal from Dutch Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf to make Dutch the main language of instruction in educational programs, with only limited exceptions.
In response, the university affirmed the great value of its international classroom model, which prepares future engineers for the global job market.
The faculty is concerned that shifting to Dutch-language programs could undermine their mission. English-language education at TU/e, along with its Challenge-based Education model that involves students from diverse nationalities, fits perfectly with the universal nature of the scientific and high-tech industries.
Implementing Dutch-language education poses practical challenges for TU/e. A significant portion of its course materials and over half of the faculty are international. This global representation is not accidental but a strategic choice to attract top lecturers from around the world. In addition, offering English-language courses has played a crucial role in drawing top international talent to the university. This influx is vital because the local student population alone cannot meet the growing demand for more engineers, it stated.
TU/e’s concerns extend beyond the academic sphere. The proposed modifications have the potential to unsettle the university’s international community, which is an invaluable part of its academic society.
Although the minister’s proposal has yet to be finalized in administrative agreements and enacted into legislation, TU/e plans to use this period to actively advocate for its international approach. Despite the upcoming changes, the university remains dedicated to serving students’ interests, contributing to the economy of the Brainport region, and addressing societal challenges.
