‘This master's was always what is known as a post-initial, non-government-funded programme,’ explains ITC programme manager Jeroen Verplanke. ‘We mainly recruited people from developing countries who already had some work experience. Students had to provide around €22,000 in funding themselves, for which they could often apply for a scholarship.’
Until around nine years ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was among those providing these scholarships, Verplanke explains, resulting in around 150 enrolments each year. ‘When the government gradually scaled that back, enrolments declined. In recent years, we have always had around 60.’
At the same time, according to Verplanke, there was considerable interest each year among bachelor's students from the EU and emerging economies. ‘But most of them changed their minds when they saw the price, because they couldn't get student finance for it.’
From September 2027, the programme will become part of the regular higher education system, meaning EU tuition fees will apply, Verplanke says. ‘This will make us more accessible to EU students who depend on DUO student finance. Students from outside the EU will still pay the old rate.’
According to Verplanke, this will not result in a loss of income for the faculty. ‘Quite the opposite. We will continue as before for non-EU students, but we will also attract Dutch and other EU students.’
He therefore hopes to see plenty of applications. ‘Whether it makes a difference is something we will only be able to say in a few years.’
