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International students

International students

The UvA community is becoming increasingly international, bringing more English-taught education.

tijdlijn

Kirsty McHenry | Europe has become unwelcoming for internationals outside of the EU

1 juli 2026 - 14:26

Kirsty McHenry | Europe has become unwelcoming for internationals outside of the EU

In the last column of Kirsty McHenry for Folia she looks back on her experience as an international student at the UvA and transitioning into being an ‘expat’. She argues the unjust treatment of international students from outside of Europe. ‘I wonder what ideas were lost with those who were n...

LSVb: Internationals face increasingly complex housing problems

22 juni 2026 - 12:59

LSVb: Internationals face increasingly complex housing problems

The Dutch National Student Union (LSVb) sees a growing accumulation of problems among international students. This is one of the key findings of the Housing Hotline Report 2025, which has been published for the seventh time in a row.

UvA resumes exchange programme with Hungary following EU decision

5 juni 2026 - 07:30

UvA resumes exchange programme with Hungary following EU decision

Starting in September, the University of Amsterdam will once again be able to host Hungarian students through the Erasmus+ exchange programme. The sanctions imposed by the European Union on Hungarian universities in 2022 are set to be lifted.

UvA structurally allocates one million euros for Dutch language courses for internationals

19 mei 2026 - 11:59

UvA structurally allocates one million euros for Dutch language courses for internationals

International UvA students will be able to take Dutch language courses much more affordably from 2027 onwards. Following pressure from the student council, the Executive Board (CvB) decided to increase the university’s annual budget for the language courses fivefold: from €200,000 to €1 milli...

Video | “To feel good, you have to find a place where it’s also okay to be sad”

1 april 2026 - 13:00

Video | “To feel good, you have to find a place where it’s also okay to be sad”

The World Happiness Report shows that Dutch people – especially young people – have been feeling less happy in recent years. The Netherlands now ranks seventh, its lowest position ever. Do international students also feel less happy in Dutch society? A look at friendship, homesickness, and the e...

UvA recruits abroad online, despite agreements between universities

25 februari 2026 - 07:45

UvA recruits abroad online, despite agreements between universities

Despite joint agreements among Dutch universities to stop recruiting students abroad, the UvA continues to do so through online advertisements. Data from Meta and Google show that the university is running paid campaigns in several countries on Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

Kirsty McHenry | How do you integrate as an international in the Netherlands?

12 februari 2026 - 13:00

Kirsty McHenry | How do you integrate as an international in the Netherlands?

In recent years, Dutch politics has fluctuated between warm embrace and cold rejection when it comes to international students, writes columnist Kirsty McHenry. “This inconsistency makes it difficult for international students to trust that they will ever truly feel at home here.”

Han van der Maas | Psychology gets off with a scare

4 februari 2026 - 13:00

Han van der Maas | Psychology gets off with a scare

Friday 30 January was a special day: not only was the new UvA chair announced, but a coalition agreement was also presented that included the end of the mandatory Dutchification of Psychology. “But opponents of English-language higher education will continue to make their voices heard,” writes c...

Coalition agreement: 1.5 billion for education and science “A historic step”

30 januari 2026 - 16:07

Demonstration against education cuts in Utrecht.

With a structural investment of 1.5 billion euros in education and science, previous cuts will be reversed. The coalition also wants to focus on an international university again. This is evident from the coalition agreement “Aan de slag” (Let’s get to work) presented by D66, CDA and VVD this ...

Open letter: “Replace UNL internationalisation plans with genuine self-direction”

23 januari 2026 - 08:52

The Roeterseiland campus

The current plans for self-regulation by UNL are “counterproductive” and overshoot their mark, states UvA director Ingmar Visser in an open letter to the informateur. Visser, supported by a broad coalition of unions and faculties, pleads for the use of existing instruments such as a separate num...

UvA still popular with international students – but for how long, is the question

13 januari 2026 - 08:00

UvA still popular with international students – but for how long, is the question

The number of international students at the UvA increased only slightly this year. While it is often assumed that this is due to the government’s discouraging policy, there may be another reason: other European countries are successfully attracting international students and are also offering more...

The ephemeral nature of friendship as an international student

7 januari 2026 - 11:25

International friends: they’re gone before you know it

Friendships are important to prevent you from feeling alone, especially for internationals. But international students in particular tend to move on after a while. Gone are the friendships, observes columnist Kirsty McHenry.

How Dutch students are influenced by their international peers

16 december 2025 - 12:11

Students during a lecture

Political views, relationships, or even marriage: Dutch students who shared their lecture halls with international peers appear to have been influenced by this in various ways even years later. This is shown by research conducted by UvA PhD candidate Stanislav Avdeev.

First-year students plummets hardest at FGw due to absence of international students

19 november 2025 - 15:00

First-year students plummets hardest at FGw due to absence of international students

This year, the Faculty of Humanities is seeing the sharpest decline in enrollment of the entire UvA, mainly due to the absence of international students. English-language bachelor’s programs are therefore the hardest hit. “Foreign students are being deterred.”

How the internationality of Amsterdam is driving out Sinterklaas

14 november 2025 - 15:00

How the internationality of Amsterdam is driving out Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas will set foot ashore again this weekend, but there is little sign of his arrival in the capital. In an increasingly international Amsterdam, the old Dutch tradition is slowly giving way to an international Christmas spirit, professor Peter Jan Margry also agrees.

For the first time in ten years, the number of students at the UvA is declining

12 november 2025 - 06:00

For the first time in ten years, the number of students at the UvA is declining

This year, fewer first-year students enrolled at the UvA than in previous years. This means that the student population is declining for the first time in ten years. In particular, fewer Dutch students and students from outside Europe enrolled. The percentage of international students in the total s...

Restricting international students causes hefty damage to economy

13 oktober 2025 - 14:32

Restricting international students causes hefty damage to economy

The government’s restrictions on international students will deal a significant blow to the Dutch economy, The total value of the economy will decline by more than €4 billion, according to calculations by UvA’s research institute SEO.

More American students enrolled at the UvA this year

8 oktober 2025 - 11:37

More American students enrolled at the UvA this year

Significantly more American students applied at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) this academic year. The political situation in America is making the country less attractive to students. “Tuition fees are also cheaper here.”

How can you cycle safely through Amsterdam as a newcomer? The cycling professor gives advice

18 augustus 2025 - 09:20

Meredith Glaser

Teenagers speeding by on fat bikes, confused tourists on the cycle path, or parents on cargo bikes who think they own the road. With more bikes than residents, Amsterdam’s cycle traffic can be quite intimidating for newcomers. That’s why Folia asked cycling professor Meredith Glaser for some tip...

Why English-language education in psychology ís a good idea

13 mei 2025 - 12:50

UvA’s psychology building on Roeterseilandcampus.

Since last month, there has been a nationwide revolt among psychologists, who have turned en masse against the proposal by the umbrella organisation Universities of the Netherlands to abolish the English-language bachelor’s programme in psychology. The plan is shrouded in misunderstandings, accord...

Abolition of English-language bachelor’s programmes “unjust, misdirected and naïve”

29 april 2025 - 11:55

REC campus, with building-G for psychology ath the right.

A group of academics and students from the psychology department have issued an open letter calling for the reversal of the decision to abolish the English-taught bachelor’s programme, as planned by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science, following a proposal by the organisation UNL.

English-language education in the bachelor’s programme in psychology is nonsense

24 april 2025 - 08:00

REC campus, at the right the psychology-building.

Alarm bells are ringing everywhere about the abolition of English-language bachelor’s programmes in psychology. But there is no need for all the fuss, because abolition is logical, according to psychologist Iris Breetvelt.

Universities suffer another disappointment: minister sees no point in cancelling language test

23 april 2025 - 19:01

REC, at the right the Psychology-building.

During a debate with the House of Representatives this afternoon, Minister Bruins of Education, Culture and Science indicated that he will not be cancelling the controversial language test for foreign-language programmes (Tao) from the upcoming Internationalisation in Balance Act (Wib). The abolitio...

What is the benefit for the Netherlands of an English psychology programme?

17 april 2025 - 15:43

Psychology students on Roeterseiland campus.

On Tuesday afternoon, the University of Amsterdam announced its intention to end its English bachelor’s programme in psychology as part of a joint “sacrifice” by Dutch universities to get the language test (TAO) scrapped. The decision was not well received, but why do we actually train English...

UvA ends English-language bachelor’s degree in psychology

15 april 2025 - 22:00

UvA ends English-language bachelor’s degree in psychology

The Executive Boards of various universities in the Randstad area, including the UvA, are taking the plunge and discontinuing ‘under condition’ the English-language bachelor’s in psychology. This was announced by college president Edith Hooge on Tuesday afternoon.“Everything we have worked f...

UvA critical of feasibility of screening foreign students

14 maart 2025 - 08:30

UvA critical of feasibility of screening foreign students

To prevent espionage and knowledge theft, the cabinet wants to screen all foreign students who work with ‘sensitive knowledge’. Because it will be years before the measure is implemented, the responsibility for screening now lies with the universities themselves. The UvA has raised critical que...

Chinese students in the Netherlands under pressure to uphold family reputation

7 maart 2025 - 10:30

Rachel*, a Chinese PhD student, at Bushuis

What if your choice of study not only determines your future, but also your family’s honor? Research shows that Chinese students deal with upholding their family's reputation when they decide to study abroad, including in the Netherlands. A Chinese professor, researcher and student provide a glimp...

Inspection: Human Geography and Planning is lawfully allowed to be in English

27 februari 2025 - 12:44

English as the main language.

According to the Education Inspectorate, the programme in social geography and planning at the UvA is allowed to be taught in English. English-language programmes have been under scrutiny since Education Minister Eppo Bruins wants to reduce them with the Balanced Internationalisation Act.

The university must be international, UvA academics argue in book

21 februari 2025 - 15:04

International students during the Summer School at the University of Amsterdam in 2017.

Internationalisation at Dutch universities is on the decline. And that is at the expense of the quality of education and research, academics argue in the book Universitas: Why Higher Education Must Be International, which will be launched on Tuesday at Spui25. An interview with UvA professor of poli...

Kirsty McHenry | Life in the big city as an international student

17 februari 2025 - 14:22

Kirsty McHenry | Life in the big city as an international student

Columnist Kirsty McHenry moved from a tiny village in Ireland, where everyone knows her name, to Amsterdam. It took some time to settle in, to say the least. “Without the reassuring network of enforced proximity to fall back on, I had to rely on my personality alone to make friends.”

Han van der Maas | The ban on English in bachelors is far more disastrous than the cuts

26 november 2024 - 11:47

Han van der Maas | The ban on English in bachelors is far more disastrous than the cuts

The ban on English in higher education is way worse than the cuts, writes columnist Han van der Maas. “It throws us back decades, causes massive reorganisations and puts the economic development of the Netherlands at great risk.”

For Humanities the new internationalisation law will be disastrous

23 oktober 2024 - 14:27

For Humanities the new internationalisation law will be disastrous

With the tightening of the Internationalisation Act, almost all English-language bachelor’s in the Randstad are at risk. The Faculty of Humanities sees a dark future for the faculty. “Limiting international students is disastrous.”

Minister further tightens new Internationalisation Act

16 oktober 2024 - 12:59

Minister further tightens new Internationalisation Act

In a parliamentary letter, Minister Bruins (OCW) further tightened his proposed Internationalisation Act, which has been widely criticised. He also wants to increase the so-called ‘stay opportunity’ of internationals.

Dutch classes at UvA: “Employees feel hot breath new law down their necks”

11 oktober 2024 - 14:27

Dutch classes at UvA: “Employees feel hot breath new law down their necks”

The Dutchification of universities is increasing the pressure on international staff to master Dutch. And that is working anything but motivating, according to a visit to the Dutch class. “International staff are worried about their place at the university.”

Switch to full Dutch-language education comes at a cost of prosperity

8 oktober 2024 - 16:12

Switch to full Dutch-language education comes at a cost of prosperity

A switch to full Dutch-language education would shrink the university sector by 8.6 per cent. This is according to research by Groningen scientists. Incidentally, the Dutch government does not want a complete switch to Dutch-language higher education, but mainly wants to put a check on the advancing...

Number of UvA employees taking Dutch language courses rises

4 oktober 2024 - 14:00

Number of UvA employees taking Dutch language courses rises

The Dutch language course at the UvA is becoming increasingly popular. Last September, the Institute for Dutch Language Education (INTT) even had to cancel course participants. With the announced Internationalization in Balance Act (IBA), the demand will only further increase.

Government programme: cabinet pushes through Internationalisation in Balance Act

13 september 2024 - 15:58

Government programme: cabinet pushes through Internationalisation in Balance Act

The coalition programme of the Schoof government is ready, the higher education page contains predictable news: there are going to be big cuts, but the so-called Sector plans remain intact. Selection at the gate remains “unabatedly possible”.

Hard cuts and fewer foreign students: “It could lead to a wave of layoffs”

2 juli 2024 - 13:27

Hard cuts and fewer foreign students: “It could lead to a wave of layoffs”

The opposition is very concerned about the future of higher education, according to questions about a bill aimed at controlling internationalization. But even the governing party NSC still sees some obstacles.

Internationalization bill: Forced layoffs, no mandatory subject of Dutch, and other details

15 mei 2024 - 17:39

Internationalization bill: Forced layoffs, no mandatory subject of Dutch, and other details

Foreign-speaking staff may have to be fired if education switches back to Dutch, according to the new bill on internationalization. Also interesting: It will not be “compulsory” for foreign students to learn Dutch.

15 mei 2024 - 12:52

Dijkgraaf at UvA: “Do not combine the discussion on international students with a general one on migration”

19 april 2024 - 20:15

Dijkgraaf at UvA: “Do not combine the discussion on international students with a general one on migration”

The debate platform Room for Discussion is celebrating its 15th anniversary and has therefore invited several prominent scholars and policymakers to the Chesterfield for a discussion. Today it was the turn of Robbert Dijkgraaf, outgoing Minister of Education.

Council of State supports internationalization bill

16 april 2024 - 13:10

Council of State supports internationalization bill

The Council of State supports the “Internationalization in Balance” bill. However, it should clearly state that closing down studies in a foreign language is “an extreme measure.” In hbo, little needs to change, according to the council.

Minister accepts controversial fixus on English language education

9 april 2024 - 13:44

Minister accepts controversial fixus on English language education

It didn’t turn out as it should have, Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf thinks. But he no longer opposes the VVD amendment that allows a cap on foreign students, he informs the Senate.

Universities: 35 bachelor’s programs get Dutch language variant

5 april 2024 - 16:01

Universities: 35 bachelor’s programs get Dutch language variant

All major undergraduate programs will get a Dutch language track, universities have promised. That turns out to be 35 of them. Another four programs will be completely in Dutch.

Minister will not provide House with local English-language education plans

2 april 2024 - 15:33

Minister will not provide House with local English-language education plans

Fewer English-language programs? The House of Representatives will not be receiving any plans from individual universities and colleges for the time being, according to a recent letter from Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

Kirsty Mc Henry | International Students, an Invasive Species

27 maart 2024 - 09:55

Kirsty Mc Henry | International Students, an Invasive Species

The Netherlands’ changing attitude towards foreign students makes columnist Kirsty McHenry doubt her future in this country. “With the forthcoming government devising anti-immigration policy that promises to fix problems which immigrants did not cause, many in the country are already beginning t...

Wild proliferation of Dutch-language programs bad for students and treasury

22 maart 2024 - 10:07

Wild proliferation of Dutch-language programs bad for students and treasury

The Balanced Internationalisation Act forces universities to offer more Dutch-language education and limit the number of students in English-language programs. A bad plan, argues Marc Salomon. “Additional Dutch-language programs make education unnecessarily expensive.”

The cap on English-language courses of study won’t hold up, warns lawyer

21 februari 2024 - 15:28

The cap on English-language courses of study won’t hold up, warns lawyer

A numerus fixus on the English-language track of degree programs makes an indirect distinction based on nationality. And that is not allowed, warns Job Buiting, a former lawyer at the Ministry of Education.

Legislature once again gives higher education the right to ban foreign students

16 februari 2024 - 09:15

Legislature once again gives higher education the right to ban foreign students

The House of Representatives approved a special numerus fixus for foreign students on Thursday. A majority no longer wants to wait for the bill from outgoing Minister Dijkgraaf, which contains the same measure.

University plans are welcomed: “A turnaround”

12 februari 2024 - 16:00

University plans are welcomed: “A turnaround”

More Dutch students in undergraduate education and fewer foreign students? Initial reactions to universities' “self-direction” are positive.

Universities: Every major undergraduate program will have a Dutch-language variant

8 februari 2024 - 09:46

Universities: Every major undergraduate program will have a Dutch-language variant

Universities will create Dutch-language tracks for all major English-language bachelor's programs. Some programs will revert to Dutch altogether.

Education Council: “Back to the drawing board with the internationalization bill”

6 februari 2024 - 11:39

Education Council: “Back to the drawing board with the internationalization bill”

If it is up to the Education Council, Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf will have to further reconsider his bill that aims to put the internationalization of higher education on the right track. The current proposal creates too much uncertainty, says chairman Edith Hooge.

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