In recent years, a rumor has circulated that the Dutch language has become mandatory for all university programs in the Netherlands, particularly impacting international students and English-taught courses. This rumor, fueled by social media discussions and international media coverage, stems from proposed changes to Dutch higher education policies aimed at addressing the rapid influx of international students and the increasing use of English in academia. As of July 2025, the reality is more nuanced than the rumor suggests. This article clarifies the origins of the rumor, the actual policies implemented, and their implications for Dutch universities and international students.

Origins of the Rumor

The rumor that Dutch has become mandatory at Dutch universities emerged from a series of policy proposals and debates starting around 2023, when the Dutch government began addressing concerns about the “anglicization” of higher education. With approximately 122,287 international students enrolled in Dutch higher education in 2023—representing 15% of the total student population—the rapid growth of English-taught programs raised concerns about student housing shortages, crowded lecture halls, and the declining use of Dutch in academia.

In June 2023, then-Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf proposed the Internationalisation in Balance bill (Wet internationalisering in balans, WIB), which aimed to make Dutch the default language for bachelor’s programs, with at least two-thirds of course content taught in Dutch unless exemptions were justified. This proposal sparked widespread discussion, with some interpreting it as a mandate for all university programs to switch to Dutch, fueling rumors that English-taught programs would be phased out entirely. Social media posts and international news outlets amplified this narrative, with headlines suggesting that international students would be “forced” to learn Dutch to study in the Netherlands.

The rumor gained further traction in 2024 when Education Minister Eppo Bruins, Dijkgraaf’s successor, announced stricter regulations under the WIB, emphasizing Dutch as the “norm” in higher education. A post on X by @MinisterOCW on October 15, 2024, stated, “We make the Dutch language the norm again in colleges and universities,” contributing to perceptions of a mandatory shift to Dutch. These announcements, combined with reports of budget cuts and plans to reduce international student numbers, led to speculation that Dutch proficiency would become a universal requirement for all students, including internationals.

The True Story: Policy Changes in 2025

As of July 2025, the Dutch language has not become mandatory for all university programs, nor are international students universally required to learn Dutch to study in the Netherlands. Instead, the Dutch government and universities have implemented a series of measures to balance internationalization with the preservation of Dutch language and culture, while addressing practical challenges like housing and funding. Below is a detailed overview of the policies and their implementation based on recent developments:

1. Dutch as the Default Language for Bachelor’s Programs: The WIB, enacted in 2024, mandates that at least two-thirds of the curriculum in most bachelor’s degree programs at Dutch universities must be taught in Dutch, effective from the 2025-2026 academic year. However, no more than one-third of bachelor’s courses can be taught in another language (typically English) unless a program receives an exemption from a special commission and the education minister. Exemptions are granted for:
   • Programs in border regions or areas with declining populations.
   • Courses addressing labor market shortages (e.g., engineering or sciences).
   • Programs offered at only one institution in the Netherlands.
   • Programs with an “inherently international character” (e.g., international relations).

   This policy does not eliminate English-taught programs but ensures that Dutch-taught options are available for major programs like psychology and economics. For example, in April 2024, Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) reported that four bachelor’s programs had switched entirely to Dutch, 35 English-language programs added a Dutch track, and 27 programs introduced a numerus fixus (enrollment cap) for English tracks.

2. No Mandatory Dutch for International Students: Contrary to the rumor, international students are not required to learn Dutch to enroll in English-taught programs. However, universities have tightened Dutch language requirements for Dutch-taught programs, requiring international students to pass exams like the Dutch NT2-II or equivalent (e.g., CNaVT PAT or PTHO) for admission to these programs. English-taught programs, which constitute 30% of bachelor’s degrees and 76% of master’s degrees, remain accessible without Dutch proficiency. The government encourages international students to learn Dutch to improve their integration and employability in the Dutch labor market, where only 25% of international graduates remain five years after graduation, partly due to language barriers.
3. Reduction in English-Taught Programs: Dutch universities, under pressure from the government, have scaled back English-taught bachelor’s programs by approximately one-third. UNL announced in February 2024 that no new English-language bachelor’s programs would be developed, and existing programs would either switch to Dutch or offer a Dutch track alongside English. For instance, psychology programs in the Randstad region are now primarily taught in Dutch, and some programs, like pharmacy at the University of Groningen, have fully transitioned to Dutch. This shift aims to prioritize access for Dutch students and address concerns about the declining Dutch language skills of native students, with reports indicating that three-quarters of Dutch university students struggle with academic Dutch writing.
4. Numerus Fixus for English Tracks: Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, universities can set separate enrollment caps for English-taught tracks without affecting Dutch-taught tracks, allowing them to limit international student numbers while maintaining access for Dutch students. This measure addresses the government’s goal of reducing international student inflows, which reached 20% of bachelor’s students in 2023-2024, exacerbating housing shortages and straining university resources.
5. Budget Cuts and Funding Concerns: The Dutch government has linked its language policy to budget cuts, planning to reduce financial support for international students starting in 2026. Universities that fail to limit international enrollment may face reduced funding per student, prompting institutions to prioritize Dutch-taught programs, which are less costly due to lower tuition fees for EU/EEA students. This has led to significant pushback from universities, with UNL Chairman Caspar van den Berg warning that the measures impose a “heavy administrative burden” and could harm the quality and international reputation of Dutch education.
6. Encouragement of Dutch Language Skills: While not mandatory, universities are increasingly promoting Dutch language proficiency for both domestic and international students. The WIB requires universities to improve students’ Dutch language skills “in the broad sense,” including through optional courses or integration programs. Some universities, like the University of Amsterdam, offer Dutch language courses through their Institute for Dutch Language Education (INTT), particularly for students transitioning to Dutch-taught programs.

Implications for Dutch Universities and International Students

The policy changes have significant implications for Dutch universities and their international visibility, particularly for institutions like Leiden University (leidenuniv.nl), which rely on English-taught programs to attract global talent. The reduction in English-language courses could impact their rankings in global indices like the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, where Leiden ranks 73rd in 2025. Critics, including Leiden’s President Annetje Ottow, have expressed concerns that strict language criteria could “impoverish education” and deter international talent, potentially violating EU treaties on free movement.

For international students, the changes mean fewer English-taught bachelor’s programs and potentially higher tuition fees, as the government considers raising fees for non-EU students. However, English-taught master’s programs remain largely unaffected, as their international focus aligns with the global academic community’s use of English as a lingua franca. Students interested in Dutch-taught programs must invest in language preparation, which may take up to a year for beginners, though German-speaking students can often achieve proficiency in two months through intensive courses.

Debunking the Rumor

The rumor that Dutch has become mandatory at all Dutch universities is a misinterpretation of the WIB’s goals. The policy does not eliminate English-taught programs or require all students to learn Dutch. Instead, it prioritizes Dutch as the default language for bachelor’s programs while allowing exemptions for programs with international or labor market relevance. The government’s motivation is threefold: to ensure educational access for Dutch students, address practical challenges like housing shortages, and improve the retention of international graduates in the Dutch labor market by encouraging Dutch language skills.

The rumor has been exacerbated by sensationalized media coverage and vague social media posts, such as those on X suggesting a complete shift to Dutch. In reality, universities retain autonomy to offer English-taught programs under specific conditions, and international students can still access a wide range of programs without Dutch proficiency. However, the push for Dutch-language tracks and enrollment caps reflects a broader effort to balance internationalization with national priorities.

As of July 2025, the rumor that Dutch has become mandatory at Dutch universities is inaccurate. The Internationalisation in Balance bill and related policies aim to restore Dutch as the primary language for bachelor’s programs while preserving English-taught options for specific cases. These changes address local concerns about housing, funding, and language proficiency but have raised concerns about their impact on the international competitiveness of Dutch universities. For international students, the landscape remains welcoming, with ample English-taught programs, particularly at the master’s level, and opportunities to learn Dutch for those seeking deeper integration. By understanding the true scope of these policies, students and institutions can navigate the evolving Dutch higher education system with clarity and confidence.