Student Mobility in the Netherlands

Introduction ATA is not a HE Institution General developments (Bologna Process Country Report) Student Mobility Factors Student Mobility Measures for Improvement Netherlands Policies on Mobility

General Developments (1) : Dutch system was based on 42 credits a year (credits normally being abbreviated with 'SP', which means "StudiePunt", in English: “Study Credit”). A full academic year comprised 42 SP : Credits have been based on the European Credit Transfer and accumulation System scheme only. (60 ects/yr) The introduction of the two main cycle structure (bachelor-master), involving 60 ECTS credits per year, started in the academic year 2002/ % of all higher education programs are offered in a two cycle structure (apart from the PhD- third cycle). The Diploma Supplement is widely in use and is in the process of becoming mandatory.

Student Mobility (1) Internal Mobility: ECTS replaced domestic credit system According to a 2004 study, mobility into the Netherlands (i.e. by foreign students) is influenced by: - visa and residence permit problems - availability of scholarships - existence and amount of tuition fees - recognition issues - language issues - Information & Transparency offered on the above

Student Mobility (2) Mobility from (i.e. Dutch students going abroad) the Netherlands is influenced by: - possibility to retain student support during exchange programs - availability of institutional scholarships - availability of scholarships as part of mobility schemes: * national (e.g. Huygens) * EU mobility schemes (e.g. Erasmus) * International mobility schemes (e.g. Fulbright) - recognition issues - language issues - Information & Transparency offered on the above

Measures to improve mobility (1) Special measures to improve mobility from the country – During the EU presidency the ministry took the initiative to study the situation of portability of loans and grants in Europe. Special measures to improve mobility into the country – In 2004 the process of granting visas to enter the country for study have been improved: Foreign students, or staff on a short term exchange scheme, receive their residence permits in due time The cost of extension of the residence permit has been decreased to 50 EUR The total visa and residence permit fees for a five year study decrease from 1620 EUR to 624 EUR After graduation the graduate is entitled to stay another 3 months in the Netherlands to find a job.

Measures to improve mobility (2) Transparency & Information: from personal & institutional to various source - Code of Conduct: int’l students rights - Nuffic: (grant finder) / nuffic.nl - BAMA Transfer: Transfer years / bamas.nl

BA-MA transfer in NL

NUFFIC Grant Finder

Netherlands Mobility Policies Policy Makers: - Ministry - VSNU: Dutch University Association (Rector’s Conference) - Student Unions - CHEPSA, Nuffic, CPB, e.a. Some Focus Areas: - Renew partnerships of Uni’s with Nuffic and NLMFA - Establish Netherlands Education Support Offices abroad - Attract innovative immigrants - Portability of loans and joint degreed - Code of Conduct

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