On Monday 5 September all Dutch universities will be starting their academic year. This time the Opening of the Academic Year (OAY) has a specially festive aspect because this year the first of the new government investments are reaching universities. Shortly before summer, universities of applied sciences, research universities and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science signed their Administrative Agreement to put this into practice. The universities are now starting to use these investments to restore their base and to offer more room to talent – by reducing work pressure and arranging more research time. In addition, the universities aim to increase their contribution to solving the major challenges facing society. This includes, among other things, a greater emphasis on knowledge valorisation and on Lifelong Learning.

So this will be an important year for Dutch universities. Each university is presenting its own programme with speakers, music and a preview of the coming academic year. We are happy to be starting the new academic year together: after all, you study and research together with other people. So we warmly invite you to attend one of the OAY events. By the way, at most universities the OAY is taking place in a hybrid form. Besides the opportunity to physically attend the OAY at all universities, many universities are also offering a livestream. 

Are you curious to know how the universities will be celebrating the start of their new academic year on 5 September? It’s easy to come along in person or to log on to one of the livestreams! The Dutch universities warmly invite you to attend. The overview included below shows you where the various activities are taking place and which speakers will be speaking when. We hope to see you there.

You can use the links in the following timetable to sign up for the Opening of the Academic Year and to participate online. You can add your comments on Twitter via #oay2022 & #oay22.