Starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, the University of Groningen (UG) will be able to impose a numerus clausus (enrolment cap) on specific tracks within study programmes.
This will allow the university to limit the number of students in international tracks, as desired by the government.
Until recently, a numerus clausus could only be applied to entire programmes. This posed challenges for programmes with both English-language and Dutch-language tracks, especially when an overwhelming number of international students enrolled, as seen at the psychology study programme. In such cases, Dutch students could be displaced if student numbers need to be restricted.
An amendment by Lower House member Martens-America (VVD) enables this change in advance of the Internationalisation in Balance Act.
Additional tool
‘It’s an extra tool to prevent Dutch students from being displaced’, says rector magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen. ‘This measure stems from the political debate on the issue, though opinions may vary on the actual situation. But it helps regulate incoming student numbers.’
She isn’t worried the change itself will have a negative impact on the international community. ‘That is caused by the way politicians are handling the issue. We are already seeing a decline in international student numbers, which we deeply regret.’
The measure will also apply to other programme tracks that differ in content but share the same final learning outcomes.