Dutch government policy regarding internationalisation in higher education is changing. Therefore new legislation Internationalisation in Balance Act (Wet Internationalisering in Balans – WIB) is being launched. One of the effects of this legislation could be the phasing out of some English taught bachelor programmes. This might be amongst others the International Bachelor in Psychology (IBP). However there is still much uncertainty.

The WIB is new legislation from the Dutch government aiming to ensure a balanced approach to internationalisation at universities and universities of applied sciences. For more information, please visit: Aiming for a balanced internationalisation of universities and universities of applied sciences | News item | Government.nl

The proposed plan to phase out the IBP – the bachelor Psychology specialisation taught in English – is due to an agreement made between the Universiteiten van Nederland (UNL - Dutch universities): reduction of international students in psychology, economics and business studies. It is not related to the content or quality of the programmes.

No, the quality of the Bachelor Psychology programme with both Dutch and English specialisations is known to be excellent. Therefore, the proposed plan to phase out the English specialisation is in no way a consequence of the quality of the programme.

The current proposed plan allows new students to start with the IBP programme in the academic years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. After this the programme may gradually be phased out. However there is still much uncertainty.

If the IBP is phased out, there will be no immediate changes. The programme will continue to run for at least the next few years. Our guiding principle is that every student currently enrolled – or starting in the coming years – is able to complete their degree; without unnecessary stress or disruption.

In case the IBP will be phased out, the university is committed to maintain the same high standards of education and student support for IBP students.

It is not necessary to learn the Dutch language in order to follow the IBP programme. However if you want to prepare yourself for a long term future in the Netherlands there are language courses being offered at Leiden University.

Yes, all Dutch university programmes, including Psychology, are accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders). Accreditation is regularly reviewed and renewed. Since Leiden University offers one Bachelor Psychology programme with both Dutch and English specialisations, the programme will remain accredited and reviewed even after the English specialisation has ended.

Yes, you are still welcome to apply for a master’s degree after obtaining your bachelor’s degree.

The WIB and the proposed plan do not concern master’s programmes; Psychology will keep offering a mostly English taught master’s in Psychology and research master’s in Psychology programme.