Far more university and college lectures should be available remotely for the general population to watch, according to MPs from the right-wing Liberal VVD.

The proposal would allow more people to benefit from university expertise and would also make it possible to combine studying with work or childcare, MP Dennis Wiersma said.

While conventional forms of education will continue, and direct contact between lecturers and students is crucial, remote learning would also allow more people to find out if a certain degree course was the right option for them.

In time, student fees could be cut as more people pay to study online, Wiersma said.

In addition, graduates could be given a ‘digital subscription’ which would allow them to keep following their key subjects and to keep up to date with the latest developments, he said.

MPs are due to debate higher education policy later on Monday.