University of Groningen welcomes 1800 international students

On Thursday 27 August the University of Groningen will welcome more than 1800 new international students. They will be officially welcomed with speeches, an information market and drinks in the Martinikerk and in the Academy Building. Speakers at the Welcoming Ceremony this year will include Peter den Oudsten, the mayor of Groningen, prof. Sibrand Poppema, president of the university, and prof. Elmer Sterken, rector magnificus.

Every year, the University of Groningen welcomes students from some 115 countries. The Welcoming Ceremony is an important and highly regarded introduction for them. The University of Groningen Welcoming Ceremony was voted the best in the Netherlands by foreign students several times.

Programme

After the official Welcoming Ceremony in the Martinikerk, there will be an information market about student facilities and societies at the Academy Building. The information market will also cover practical matters such as study support, insurance, opening a bank account, health care, etc. A lecture will teach the students more about studying and living in Groningen. The international student association ESN will host workshops about studying and living in Groningen. The day will end with live music, dancing, drinks and snacks.

Over 5,000 international students

The number of international students and staff at the University of Groningen is increasing every year. This is a development that the University is encouraging in every way it can: by improving the facilities, extending the number of programmes taught in English and by strengthening its international position. The number of ‘regular’ international students (studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) has risen yearly by ten percent in recent years, to over 5,000 now. In addition to these students, there are about 700 students here for a shorter stay, for instance as exchange students.

More information

• Website Welcoming Ceremony
• Samantha Janssen