University of Twente confirms commitment to top-level student athletes

Top-level student athletes at the University of Twente can continue to count on structural support in combining top-level sport and a study career in the coming years. In collaboration with NOC*NSF and 29 other higher education institutions, the university has signed the Flexible Education and Top-Level Sport Agreement.

The agreement will be implemented through the new Flexible Education and Top-Level Sport Action Plan 3.0 (FLOT 3.0), which focuses on the educational and career prospects of top-level student athletes. The action plan contains concrete agreements on flexible education, personal study guidance, financial support and knowledge sharing between higher education institutions and sports organisations. These agreements are in line with the University of Twente's ambitions to optimally facilitate top talent—both within sport and in an academic and social context.

During the national signing ceremony last Friday, Marc van den Tweel, Managing Director of NOC*NSF, emphasised the importance of the collaboration. ‘The action plan gives future sporting talents the certainty that they will be supported in their ambitions in all areas.’ He also expressed his gratitude to the signatory institutions for their continued commitment to top athletes who are also students.

This joint effort creates a solid foundation that enables top athletes to develop at the highest level, both athletically and academically. A dual career gives students the opportunity to achieve athletic success and develop important social and professional skills. In this way, they continue to inspire the Netherlands with the power of top-level sport and innovation.

Broadly supported collaboration

The signing follows the FLOT 3.0 Declaration of Intent, which was ratified at the end of September by, among others, the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, Universities of the Netherlands and NOC*NSF. The action plan is also actively supported by the Ministries of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).

More information about the Top-level Sport and Top-level Culture Regulations.