Opening Academic Year

Monday, 31 August | 15:00
Muziekcentrum, Enschede

On Monday 31 August 2026, we will come together to celebrate the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year. This year’s opening is extra special, as the University of Twente celebrates its 65th anniversary! You are welcome from 2 p.m. at the Muziekcentrum in the centre of Enschede. The official programme will start at 3 p.m. You can register for the event by clicking the link below. Following registration, you will receive a QR code with which you will be able to enter the Muziekcentrum.

For 65 years, the University of Twente has been shaped by people who dare to take initiative, see new opportunities, and act upon the ideas that they have. That is why the theme of this anniversary year is Courage.

During the opening of this academic year, we will mainly hear stories from our alumni. We will reflect on the past,  but above all we will look ahead: to the opportunities that are presented to us, the challenges that we will be facing, and the role that we can play in handling them. What does the future require of us? And do we have the courage to accept the challenge?

We are proud that UT alumna and Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, Heleen Herbert, will deliver this year’s keynote address. The programme also includes the presentation of the Van den Kroonenberg Oeuvre Awards and the Graduation Awards 2026, as well as inspiring talks by four other alumni. There will also be live music by the Bartenders Reunion.

We look forward to welcoming you so we open the new academic year together!