In fact, a large majority of MPs are now so enthusiastic that the minister doesn’t even have to wait for the outcome of a pay-per-credit pilot project that is still ongoing. She has already been given the go-ahead to lay down a legislative basis for the plan.
Concerns
All this is the outcome of a joint motion by VVD and PvdA which has just been passed. The aim is to accommodate the needs of students who may not have the opportunity to study full-time, for example because they are running a business or caring for a sick relative. In such cases, flexible studying could provide a solution.
But not everyone is in favour. GroenLinks, SP and PVV voted against. All three parties are concerned that the plan will lead to veiled cutbacks and a shift towards an every-man-for-himself society, a case previously argued by one GroenLinks MP.
Experiment
Two universities of applied sciences and three research universities are currently taking part in the flexible study pilot: Windesheim, HU Utrecht, Tilburg University, Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam. There is already a real buzz surrounding the next phase of the pilot, with twelve higher education institutions eager to sign up.
The experiment will run until 2023, but a majority of the Dutch MPs wants the Minister to make a bill so that flexicurity studies will be possible at all universities of applied sciences and universities from September 2023.
