Students who want to study abroad have started their searches. The Netherlands remains the top favorite
Students who want to study abroad have already started submitting their applications. This year, the Netherlands remains their top preference, followed by universities in the United Kingdom, which had lost ground after Brexit.
Because many young people choose the Netherlands, authorities and universities there are looking for solutions to reduce the number of foreign students.
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Daria is enrolled in the European Studies faculty in Amsterdam. Currently in her third year, she notes that each year she observes minor adjustments designed to restrict the enrollment of international students.
Daria Ivan, student: "Since my first year of faculty, things have changed every year. Accommodation prices increase each passing year. It's true that they try to limit the number of international students, more so because a lot of people study in English and then leave the country after finishing their studies. They probably also want to get workforce and thus, are trying to impose learning the Dutch language".
The Association of Universities in the Netherlands, consisting of 14 universities, is working on a plan to reduce the number of international students.
Nona Colfescu, Educational Consultant:"This year, we noticed a complication in the application process. They request a lot of details about all subjects in high school, chapters, subchapters, a description. On another note, some programs have been removed in English; only Dutch remains, limiting the number of students who can apply. Denmark had the same strategy four years ago, and indeed, the number of international students decreased".
At least for now, the Netherlands remains the top choice for Romanians. Coming in second place in the list of preferences are universities in the United Kingdom, where some institutions have initiated scholarship programs to offset the rise in fees for young individuals from European countries.
Alexandra Bădescu, director at an educational consulting firm: "We can mention the University of Portsmouth, which reduced the tuition fee from £19,200 to £9,250 per year, Coventry University, which kept the tuition fee at £9,250. Greenwich offers a £3,000 reduction in the tuition fee for Bachelor's degree programmes".
However, tuition fees in the UK can exceed £40,000 per year, depending on the university and specialization. At many universities, admission is based on a portfolio, with the minimum grade at the baccalaureate being a condition.
Romanians also choose universities in Belgium, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Germany.
