New PhD scholarship system postponed

Not before a clear distinction is made between paid PhD students who teach and PhD students who do not, secretary of state for education Halbe Zijlstra can get appoval for his new PhD scholarship system plan.

The introduction of the PhD scholarship system, moreover, should not be at the expense of the number of teachers in higher education. In addition, the government has to inform the parliament about the effects of the PhD scholarship system after its introduction.

The House of Representatives approved a motion by member of parliament Jesse Klaver (GroenLinks) including these conditions yesterday. A motion with the request not to introduce the PhD scholarship system at all, by members of parliament Tanja Jadnanansing (labour party PvdA) and Jasper van Dijk (SP), was postponed.

The approval of the motion of Jesse Klaver does not mean that the scholarship system will definitely be introduced. The Socialist Party SP and the Labour Party pulled out their withdrawal proposal out of strategic considerations. “In 2008, a majority of the House approved a motion on PhD students. Only the Party of Freedom (PVV) voted against it. But Liberal party VVD and Christian Democrats CDA have changed position on the issue now. We did not get the impression that a new motion would lead to a majority, and you can submit a motion only once. First we are going to talk with CDA and VVD”, explains member of parliament Jasper van Dijk. Perhaps when the political tide turns favorable, the politicians will request it again.

_Advertentie.