Student intakes increase

10% increase in new students at the University of Twente

30 August 2009

"Universities are unable to handle the increased intake of new students", screamed the headlines after the IB-Group (Informatie Beheer Groep) announced the initial student pre-enrolment figures. A record number of students pre-enrolled for a bachelor’s programmes at Dutch Universities. The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) called the increase 'dramatic' and expected financial and organizational problems. But what about the University Twente’s intake? How many new students are we expecting and can we handle it?

A record number of students enrolled at Dutch universities this year. Compared to last year, an average overall increase of 20% in student numbers, which is speculated as another effect of the financial crisis. Young people tend to study, rather than seek work during difficult financial times.

The University of Twente had more than 1,500 pre-enrolments. That is an increase of almost 10%, which is substantial even though it is below the national average. Spokesman Paul van Tongeren emphasized that the Executive Council was to be extremely pleased with the number of enrolments. "Of course we are pleased with the increasing numbers of students enrolling at the University of Twente, although we are not yet sure of exactly how many students will be actually on campus. Our University, of course, is worth it. We are concerned about the state contribution per student, which has remained stagnant for years now. We are not expecting short term problems, but if this trend continues, the governmental grants should also increase. The Netherlands should remain a strong knowledge economy."

Our Electrical Engineering programme is leading the way with an increase in student numbers of 106%. Wouter Olthuis, Educational Director of Electrical Engineering, is extremely satisfied about the numbers of enrolments. "Of course we are pleased with the numbers, but that's not only good for us, it's also great for Dutch industry. Suitable qualified electrical engineers are in great demand."

What is the reason for this sudden growth? "It is hard to say. This year we increased our publicity, which could partially explain the increase. However, we'll be sure to investigate the reasons for this explosive growth."

Our Communication Studies department is also growing. They are expecting about 25% more students, according to the preliminary IB-Group figures. Menno de Jong, Educational Director of Communication Studies, is pleased with the numbers, but realises they are not yet final. "This appears to be a national trend, and throughout the Netherlands social science programmes like Communication Studies are popular. However, the University of Twente is trailing slightly behind the national trend."

The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) stated earlier that there could be organizational problems and a shortage of classrooms and lecturers. Despite the number of students doubling, Olthuis does not foresee problems for his department, "We have been monitoring these predictions for years." De Jong agrees, "We now have the ideal student numbers for our current available capacity."

Although the IB-Group shows a clear increase in student numbers, it is still not certain how many students will start studying at the University of Twente. A number of students have enrolled for more than one programme and at more than one university. The exact figures are expected in early October.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science