Zijlstra: “We are not in the position to take it slow”

In an interview with nu.nl, Secretary of State Halbe Zijlstra says he was forced to make a lot of changes to the education-system in the Netherlands because “nothing has been done for a long time”.

In order to increase the quality of Dutch educations and decrease the public debt, some major changes have been set in motion by Zijlstra. One example is the long study fine, against which students are protesting.

The low level of quality in Dutch education has been made clear by several cases of fraude and falsely given diplomas. Though Zijlstra doesn’t think many more false diplomas have been given, he expects more educations will be disapproved in the future. “And that brings a lot of hassle, because students will have to face the consequences. But has to be done when you find out an education does not meet the standard.”

Regarding the improvement of education abnd letting students pick up the tab for this, Zijlstra reacts dismissive: “We have to realize the government finances a great part of Dutch education. The answer to the students’ question on who pays the bill, is the tax-payer. But in times of economic cuts you also have to look at students.”  

After being asked whether or not the new social loan system in the master’s phase is a test to see if it can also be implemented in the bachelors phase, he says the coalition clearly states ‘master’s phase’. “However, the effectiveness of the social loan system will be evaluated and this will definitely shape political discussions in the future. But the decision on implementing it in the bachelor phase is to be made by the next cabinet.”  

Zijlstra says it is possible that students will be further affected by the economic crisis. He admits a lot of measures have already been taken, but emphasizes that the cost rise for second studies was an initiative of his predecessor.  “We are not in the luxury of taking it slow now. Future cabinets will look for further ways to optimize education.”

He expects universities will become more focused on certain areas of expertise. This might mean students will have to travel further but will receive better education. “Quality often means concentration”.

Click here for the full interview in Dutch.