Student - March 3, 2011
University will pay Halbe levy
In the short run, the university will continue to finance the second year of the social master's programme, and absorb the first study delay fines for this group of students. Martin Kropff gave this assurance this afternoon to 250 Leeuwenborch students in a meeting concerning the education plans of the cabinet.

The planned implementation of the Halbe levy from September onwards will lead to an additional problem. Leeuwenborch students who take just one more month to graduate will be considered as 'long term students' and get a fine of 3000 euros. This fine, too, will be borne by the university, so that social sciences students get the same treatment as beta-students. The conditions have yet to be formulated, but 'as long as we continue to offer a two-year master's programme, we will treat students in this way', Kropff said.
Will the two-year programme remain? The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation has now indicated that it will not finance this two-year variant. The question therefore arises as to whether this programme can be fitted into one year. A steering committee headed by Prof. Arther Mol will examine the possibilities and consequences. 'Will students take the two-year master's if the study grant is replaced by a social loan system?' Kropff wondered.