University of Groningen welcomes 2300 international students

On Thursday 1 September the University of Groningen will welcome more than 2300 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 will include Peter den Oudsten, the mayor of Groningen, and prof. Sibrand Poppema, president of the university.

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. The day will end with live music, 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 5,500 now. In addition to these students, there are about 800 students here for a shorter stay, for instance as exchange students.

More information

• Website Welcoming Ceremony
• Maarten Dikhoff