The Faculty of Science and Engineering will no longer implement a numerus clausus for biology in the upcoming academic year. The process to request this has been halted at the last minute.
The enrolment restriction for biology students at the UG was introduced in 2022 when the programme suddenly faced a surge in applications. A letter was even sent to prospective students, warning them that the high numbers could jeopardise the quality of education.
Before the summer, the faculty had requested the university board to apply for a numerus clausus of 300 places for the academic year 2024-2025. However, they have now changed their stance.
Lower than expected
The actual number of students coming to Groningen is much lower than anticipated. Only 281 out of 1165 students who applied in 2021 actually enrolled. The following year, with a limit of 250 places, only 138 out of 749 enrolled. This academic year, there were 160 out of 610.
‘The faculty board now believes that maintaining the numerus clausus is neither necessary nor responsible’, writes vice dean Rob Timmemans to the university board. ‘A low intake poses a greater risk to the stability and quality of the biology bachelor programme than a higher intake.’
Moreover, if more than 250 students do come to Groningen, the faculty is now better equipped to handle it, thanks to a ‘significant’ increase in staff capacity.