Dutch government gives greater autonomy to higher education institutions in internationalisation policies

The Dutch government has proposed giving universities and universities of applied sciences more control over their internationalisation policies, including the choice of language of instruction.

In a press release from 05/10/2026, the government announced a draft memorandum of amendment to the Wet internationalisering in balans (Balanced Internationalisation Act), which would abolish the foreign-language education test (Toets Anderstalig Onderwijs, or TAO). Under this test, the minister had to approve any bachelor's or associate degree programme taught in a language other than Dutch for more than one third of the programme.

The numerus fixus instruments included in the act, which allow institutions to cap the number of places on a programme, would remain unchanged.

This new focus on internationalisation is part of a broader talent strategy. According to the government, international students present an opportunity to attract, train and retain individuals in the fields most crucial to the future prosperity of the Netherlands.

Rianne Letschert, Netherlands Minister of Education, Culture…