What does the UT organise for primary and secondary education?

Wednesday 11 February 2026

You’re probably familiar with our Open Days. But did you know that we do much more for pupils across the country to help ensure that future students end up in the right place? Although a visit to our beautiful campus during an Open Day makes a big impact, colleagues from Pre-U and Marketing & Communication are also involved in organising, for example, the WO-day, profile choice days, school visits, meetings with study counsellors, masterclasses and Science Labs.

In this bi-monthly joint update, you can read what we have been working on recently and what is coming up soon.

The UT in secondary education

School information sessions: M&C actively provides information sessions at secondary schools, delivered by students or colleagues. Did you know that in just three months, we visited no fewer than 118 schools? On some days, we were present at seven locations simultaneously to inspire pupils about our technical and social sciences programmes.
German schools: we have optimised our approach for Germany. Meanwhile, twenty new schools have joined where we will provide information sessions.
Deployment of student assistants in secondary education: In quartile 3, twenty student assistants will start working at various secondary schools through Pre‑U, often on a weekly basis. They support pupils and teachers with profile projects, give lessons, assist with curriculum development and contribute to school projects. According to research, this contributes to better learning outcomes and reduces teachers’ workload.

Pupils at the UT

Campus tours: In 2025, 224 prospective students participated in a campus tour. The tours are given by students of the SI.
WO-Day: On 12 February, we expect around 1,000 pre-university pupils and 60 parents on our campus. They will attend mini‑lectures given by UT colleagues and receive information about the transition from secondary education to university education.
Profile choice days: Around 1,000 pupils from thirteen different secondary schools took part in the Pre‑U profile choice days in November, December and January. During this interactive and inspiring day, they discover which profile suits them best.
Open Days: On 19 and 21 March, we will host our Open Days again. Preparations are in full swing, both organisationally and within the campaign team.
Science Labs and Masterclasses: Pre‑U’s regular educational activities are offered continuously. Pupils from Year 1 to 6 of pre‑university education can register individually for these interactive workshop afternoons and lesson series on campus. The activities are delivered by students and offered within four themes: Management & Society, Behaviour & Health, Engineering & Design, and Science & IT.
Girls’ Day: As part of a national initiative, Pre‑U will welcome more than 100 girls from Year 1 and 2 of pre‑university education to the UT on 14 April. They will be introduced to STEM, technology and IT in an informal, interactive and playful way, guided by UT scientists, students and industry partners.

Collaboration with schools

Campus visits by study counsellors: In November, the pre‑university counsellors network of Drenthe visited our campus, followed by the network of the East region in January. In total, around thirty counsellors got a behind‑the‑scenes look at our university.
Quarterly meetings with counsellors: M&C participates in several quarterly meetings of pre‑university counsellors in the East and Central Netherlands to share developments and answer questions.
Visits to partner schools: In recent months, Pre‑U and M&C jointly visited all partner schools in the region. These annual conversations provide valuable insights and help identify opportunities for further collaboration. Topics include vision on career development (LOB), educational innovations in schools, Pre‑U programmes and study choice activities for pupils. Want to know more about the partnership? Click here for more information.

Want to help?

Contribute yourself

Would you like to support our collaboration with schools? Do you enjoy inspiring young people about technology, social sciences or our beautiful campus? Then sign up as an ambassador.

Do you know a student who could contribute?

Pre‑U will soon launch a new traineeship in which students are trained to work at Pre‑U (3 to 5 hours per week alongside their studies, in the role of student assistant). Do you know Dutch‑speaking students with an affinity for teaching/pupils, presenting and/or guidance? Then please contact Laura Holsbeeke (l.holsbeeke@utwente.nl).

Do you have questions?

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