Research for Higher Education Institutions Regarding the Assessment of Non-Dutch Language Education

“You cannot expect an international student who comes to work with us to be proficient in Dutch,” stated former ASML CEO Peter Wennink in 2023. Wennink made this remark in response to political calls for Dutch universities to offer courses exclusively in Dutch.

The Internationalisation in Balance Bill (WIB) is now under discussion in the House of Representatives. Its aim is to significantly reduce the number of courses taught in English at universities and higher education institutions. This could not only impact the Dutch and regional economy but, according to universities and colleges themselves, eliminating English-taught lecturers would also lead to severe teacher shortages in certain disciplines.

As part of the WIB, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) has proposed the introduction of the Assessment of Non-Dutch Language Education (TAO). To offer an undergraduate degree entirely in another language, institutions must seek approval from the Committee on the Efficiency of Higher Education (CDHO) and the Minister. A programme may be granted approval based on one of the following four criteria:

• Programmes in regions with population decline;
• Programmes addressing labour market shortages;
• A programme offered at only one location;
• A programme with an inseparable international character.

For higher education institutions, it is crucial that as many of their programmes as possible meet these criteria.

This necessitates research into the labour market and economic context of undergraduate programmes. Educational institutions must clearly demonstrate the significance of English-taught education for the national and regional economy and labour market.

How Can Panteia Support You?

Are you an educational institution seeking support for the Assessment of Non-Dutch Language Education for your existing programmes? Do you need to demonstrate the economic importance of international programmes and students, or prove the macroeconomic viability of a new programme? Panteia is the right partner for you.

Economic Impact Analyses

For universities and universities of applied sciences, Panteia has conducted research into the economic impact of their institution, with a particular focus on its international character. To quantify this economic footprint, Panteia has developed the EIGI (Economic Impact of Large Institutions) model.

The economic footprint is measured in terms of (gross) added value and contribution to employment, based on:

• Direct spending effects, such as consumption by staff and students and investments in fixed assets (e.g., university buildings), which generate added value and jobs.
• Indirect effects, which are also calculated to provide a comprehensive analysis.
• Panteia’s model is partly generic but can be tailored to specific aspects, such as the impact of English-taught programmes on the economic influence of an institution.
• Panteia collects all relevant data from both internal and external sources and structures this into aggregated key figures.
• Final deliverables include a detailed report and an infographic, summarising the findings in a clear and accessible manner.

Labour Market Research for Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences

Panteia has conducted labour market research for higher education institutions for many years. We support universities and colleges in the process of submitting a macro-efficiency application for a new (or variant of an) academic programme to the CDHO. Our services include:

• Job vacancy analyses, focusing on:
  • Alignment with relevant professions
  • Required education levels
  • Preference for English or Dutch language proficiency
  • Regional distribution of demand
• Surveys among employers
• Surveys among prospective students
• Comprehensive support for CDHO applications

Additionally, Panteia has conducted research on English-taught programmes in general for several universities of applied sciences.

Contact Us

Would you like to find out how Panteia can support your institution? Get in touch with us!