“At this moment, there are no indications that large groups of students are missing out as a result of a numerus fixus in an English-taught program,” Letschert writes in response to the parliamentary questions. According to her, many students choose to pursue their studies elsewhere of their own accord.

In doing so, she confirms what program directors had previously emphasized: that the vast majority of Dutch students who want to study in numerus fixus programs are able to do so. According to Letschert, on average about five percent of Dutch applicants do not pass the selection process for their first-choice program.

Where Van Dongen’s column focused mainly on regional students—classmates of his son—who were not directly admitted, MP Boomsma broadened the issue. He argued that the high number of international applicants reduces the chances of Dutch students in some numerus fixus programs.

In response to the question of whether it is not the primary task of the Dutch government to ensure access for Dutch students to these programs, Letschert says that the Netherlands can actually make good use of international talent.

Legislative proposal

She does note that the number of applications for popular programs is rising sharply, with growth mainly coming from international students, according to her. “It is also very difficult to steer application numbers. However, within certain limits, it is possible to intervene in who is admitted.” She points to the proposed option of a numerus fixus for non-EEA students. This measure is part of the Internationalisation in Balance Act, which is still under consideration.

If that option is adopted, universities would be able to decide for themselves whether to use it, Letschert said. “It is not possible to require institutions to make use of this.”

In response to several questions, she continues to emphasize that most Dutch students who want to pursue these programs are able to do so. According to Letschert, for some technical programs there are also alternatives available at other Dutch universities. “So in the Netherlands, there is always sufficient capacity to train students for the engineering sector.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor