A Tilburg University graduate in International and European Law could not get an academic pay classification because her Belgian employer does not recognize her diploma. The recognition procedure has been running for a year and a half already.
The introduction of the bachelor's-master's structure has not yet led to the acceptation of all study degrees by all employers abroad. Two weeks ago, the Dutch Maastricht University announced that it would start legal proceedings against the Flemish region, where a student in Culture and Social Studies was rejected by Antwerp city council for not having an acceptable diploma.The recognition procedure, in the course of which three universities have to decide about the quality of the master's thesis, has taken nine months so far.
"This is an example of medieval protectionism. Flemish universities judging our Dutch diplomas; it is not of this time", said rector Gerard Mols in Maastricht's university weekly Observant. Maastricht is taking the case very seriously, and will take it to the European court if necessary.
Also a Tilburg University student is fighting a long battle to get her diploma accepted in Belgium. Dean of the Law faculty Randall Lesaffer: "The problem in Belgium is that when the bachelor's-master's structure was introduced, the old regulation was lifted, without being replaced with a new one."
Lesaffer, who is originally from Belgium, has raised the matter with Flemish politicians. "But, unfortunately, this has been fruitless", said Lesaffer. "I will now contact Maastricht so that we can take steps together."
Also the Association of universities in the Netherlands, VSNU, is concerned. The Belgian refusal could also become a problem for students in other Dutch study programmes. Tilburg has 15 master's students and 25 bachelor's students from Belgium. |
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