The University of Luxembourg has decided on a language policy

The Minister of Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, has responded to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Tom Weidig on the role of languages in the educational programmes of the University of Luxembourg. In her reply, the minister confirmed that the university continues to follow the principle of multilingualism, but that the structure of language teaching changes depending on the programmes and their international orientation.

Most Bachelor's programmes are taught in French, as it is traditionally used in Luxembourg school education. However, German and English are also strongly present. In some programmes, German plays a key role, while in others it gives way to French and English, depending on the requirements of specific industries.

For example, in the Bachelor of Mathematics, German has never been the main language of instruction. The whole programme has always been built around French, which is in line with the tradition of teaching mathematics in the country's secondary schools. At the same time, some courses are taught in English to increase the international appeal of the programme.

Despite this, the university employs German-speaking lecturers who can support students in German and supervise their research projects if necessary.

Previously, the MA Contemporary European History required German and French, which limited the number of applicants. However, from the 2012/2013 academic year, the German language requirement was removed to make the programme accessible to a wider range of students.

The results showed that it is easier for German-speaking students to adapt to learning in French and English than for French-speaking students to master German and English at once. Nevertheless, German remains an important part of the programme and students can write their Master's thesis in German. In the last 10 years, about a third of graduates have chosen German for their research papers.

The University reaffirms its commitment to multilingualism. More than half of the bachelor programmes use German as one of the languages of instruction. In some disciplines (e.g. law), French and English dominate due to industry specifics and labour market requirements.

All new programmes are designed to meet national and international needs so that graduates are competitive in both the local and global labour market.