The government plans to introduce two new titles: PD and EngD, short for “professional doctorate” and “engineering doctorate.” The draft legislation is now available online for public consultation.

It is especially the first title that raises questions for the VVD. The liberals are skeptical about formally recognizing applied university doctorates, as became clear in a parliamentary debate with the Minister of Education, Culture and Science this month.

More than a hundred participants

In a national pilot, 26 universities of applied sciences are currently offering PD programs. The first candidates started in 2023, and more than a hundred are now participating. However, their doctoral programs are not yet legally recognized.

The VVD is not convinced that such recognition is necessary. Member of Parliament Martin de Beer warns of confusion and “title inflation” if multiple doctoral titles enter circulation. He submitted a motion calling for the government to await the outcome of the pilot, which runs until 2029.

A more radical motion came from the group led by Markuszower and Mona Keijzer, which sought to immediately rule out the introduction of an applied doctorate altogether.

The VVD also supported that motion. Both motions were additionally backed by the SP, BBB, PVV, 50PLUS, and FvD. However, these parties do not hold a majority, meaning that for now, Minister Rianne Letschert can continue working on the legislation.

Relief

For the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, this outcome will likely come as a relief. The organization had feared that the House of Representatives might block the proposal at an early stage. Last week, it issued an urgent appeal to lawmakers not to rush into a decision.

The two-year engineering doctorates at universities are expected to lead to the official title “engineering doctorate.” This proposal appears to face less political resistance; at least, the VVD motion does not mention this title.

Political groups

Still, uncertainty remains for universities of applied sciences. The fact that the cabinet may submit the bill does not guarantee it will be adopted. If parties such as JA21, the SGP, and the Markuszower group join the critics, a majority against the proposal could suddenly emerge.