Internships that are a mandatory part of an Educational programme should not be paid, according to Education Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA).
The minister spoke on Thursday in the Flemish Parliament in response to questions from Kristof Slagmulder (Vlaams Belang) and Line De Witte (PVDA).
Last week, the Flemish Student Association (VVS) advocated for a mandatory reimbursement for internships paid by employers. In sectors lacking sufficient funds, universities or the government could intervene. VVS claims that unpaid internships make Flanders an exception in Europe.
However, Demir stated this situation is unlikely to change soon. She emphasised that education is meant to gain knowledge and skills to prepare for the job market.
Exceptions include internships during the fourth phase of the bachelor’s degree in nursing and internships for general practitioners and specialist doctors. Nonetheless, expenses incurred during the internship, such as travel costs, can be reimbursed.
According to Demir, the focus should remain on learning opportunities rather than on work performance. She warned that if students were paid, internships might emphasise productivity, putting learning opportunities at risk. Consequently, the value of internships could be significantly diminished.
Slagmulder saw merit in Demir’s argument. "I support the concern that the primary goal of internships – providing students with valuable and targeted learning opportunities – would be lost if they were used as temporary solutions for staff shortages," he said.
However, De Witte disagreed with the Minister's stance. "VVS is not asking for a large sum of money," she said. "They are not demanding a salary for interns but a fair compensation for students who are currently struggling with costs."
The Flemish Student Association is a group which represents the interests of higher education students in Flanders and Brussels. Members of the board are elected yearly by student councils.
