Recognised Quality

Code of Conduct international student higher education

The Code of Conduct intends to contribute as a quality tool to the ambitions of the Dutch government and the educational institutions regarding internationalisation as a means to turn the Netherlands into an attractive destination for knowledge and development. The Code was an initiative of the umbrella organisations of higher education: the VSNU, Vereniging Hogescholen, the NRTO and SAIL.

In May 2006 the Code of Conduct International Student in Dutch Higher Education came into effect. Since September 1, 2017 a new version is valid in replacement of earlier versions. After an evaluation took place, the umbrella organisations 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 contains agreements which (the umbrella organisations 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.
By signing the Code of Conduct, the institutions of higher education oblige themselves to offer international students education of good quality. The institutions guarantee the quality of the information provision and education to these students. An independent National Commission is appointed to monitor the compliance of the institutions of higher education which have signed the Code. One way of effectuating this is to handle petitions that have been submitted based on the provisions of the Code of Conduct. Furthermore, the Commission may take the initiative to launch a research; this is inextricably linked to its capacity as a supervisor. The Commission can make recommendations and has the authority to take other measures. For more information about the National Commission, please see the annual reports, research reports and decisions on complaints.

You can find the code of conduct here.

Complaints and objections

In respect of complaints concerning all programme related matters (i.e. BSN faculty, staff, procedures, facilities, examiners, (assessment of) examinations etc.). First, the student must contact the registrar/student counsellor in order to find an acceptable solution.
Any party concerned believing that a higher education institution has not acted in accordance with this Code of Conduct can lodge a petition with the National Commission in writing.

For further details about BSN’s complaints and objections regulations, please read Article 5.1 of our Education and Examination Regulation (EER).

For further information about the Code of Conduct, please also see the website www.internationalstudy.nl.