Language tests for new university students

The Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam is considering introducing Dutch language tests for all its first year students, reports Wednesday’s Volksksrant.

Students who fail will have to take extra lessons to achieve the required level and will not be allowed to start their second year untill they have passed the test.

VU chancellor Lex Bouter told the paper that he was shocked at the results from language tests taken by 11,00 new students this year. Almost 30% failed the test.

Bouter said he is also considering an English test for graduates who want to take their Masters degree. Some 60% of the VU’s Masters courses are in English and tests here too have shown that language levels are very poor.

Source: DutchNews.nl, 31 January 2008