In May 2006 the Code of Conduct International Student in Dutch Higher Education came into effect. Since January 1, 2024 a new version is valid in replacement of earlier versions. After an evaluation took place, the umbrella organizations agreed to a new version. The Code of Conduct is a joint initiative of the Dutch government and higher educational institutions. The result is an instrument of self-regulation. The Code of Conduct intends to contribute as a quality tool to the ambitions of the Dutch government and the educational institutions regarding internationalization as a means to turn the Netherlands into an attractive destination for knowledge and development.

The Code of Conduct contains agreements which (the umbrella organizations of) the institutions of higher education have developed to regulate the relationship with international students. The regulations are – for example – about the provision of information to international students and the minimum (language) requirements for admission to an institution of higher education.

According to Dutch immigration law, inclusion of an institution in the Register of the Code of Conduct is a precondition for attracting international students from outside the EU. On this website you can find the institutions that have signed the Code of Conduct, see Register.

The Rules and Regulations, which also can be found on this website, are an integral part of the Code of Conduct. In this document the competences of the National Commission are specified and it also contains provisions for the complaints procedure.

You can find the Code of Conduct and Rules and Regulations here.