Dutch Parliament Rejects Language Test for English Programmes, Wittenborg President Weighs In

Tweede Kamer Votes Against Language Test for English-Taught Higher Education

The Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) has voted against the proposed Language Test for Other Language Courses (TAO), a government measure aimed at limiting the expansion of English-taught programmes in Dutch higher education.

The ANP (Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau) and NL Times reports that universities and universities of applied sciences welcomed the decision, saying the test would have caused unnecessary bureaucracy and hindered the recruitment of international students.

The TAO would have required all bachelor’s programmes offered entirely in English or another foreign language to undergo a mandatory language quality test and justify why instruction could not be provided in Dutch. The measure was intended to protect the Dutch language in higher education and reduce the increasing number of English-taught courses at universities and universities of applied sciences.

However, universities and universities of applied sciences, alongside several political parties, opposed the proposal. They argued that the test would create unnecessary bureaucracy, hinder the recruitment of international talent and limit student choice. Following assurances from institutions about self-regulation, the majority in the Tweede Kamer voted to scrap the TAO requirement.

Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins welcomed the decision, saying the self-management plans of educational institutions made the test less necessary while preserving the Dutch language and enhancing the chances of international students staying in the country.

Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, commented on the outcome: “It has no direct impact as Wittenborg was exempted anyway. However anything that is good for international students in Dutch higher education is good for Wittenborg. Additionally, our students joining the first-year bachelor’s programme offered at OnCampus Amsterdam will have more certainty about the possibility of progressing to the University of Amsterdam after gaining their Propedeuse certificate.”

On the balance between promoting the Dutch language and maintaining international accessibility, Birdsall said:   “We have always maintained that a basic to good knowledge of working Dutch is essential for success in the Netherlands. It’s important for international students looking to remain after their studies.”  

He added a message to prospective international students: “The Netherlands remains open and welcoming for international students coming to study here.” 

WUP 30/05/2025 
by James Wittenborg 
©WUAS Press