12th-17th century: Founding of Utrecht University

In the late Middle Ages, other schools were founded in Utrecht. While the Domschool came to the end of a notable period, the Hieronymusschool (Hieronymus School) started to attract many pupils. Founded in 1474 by the Brothers of Common Life, the Hieronymusschool introduced humanism into Utrecht teaching.

A resolution by the Utrecht Council, adopted in 1470, which opened the possibility for considering the establishment of a university in Utrecht, remained without result. Young men still had to go to universities abroad in order to be trained as lawyers, theologians or doctors.

When Utrecht turned Protestant in 1580, the city government confiscated the extensive library of the episcopal Chapter and the books were taken to the city library, which later became the university library.

In 1634, the City Council founded an 'Illustrious School', which in 1636 was officially turned into Utrecht University for the purpose of awarding academic degrees. The opening took place on 26 March 1636, which until today has been the day on which Utrecht University commemorates its foundation. The university only counted a few dozen students, seven professors and four faculties: Philosophy (offering a propaedeutic degree programme to all students), Theology, Law and Medicine.

In those days, studying was mainly reserved for men. Anna Maria van Schurman (1607-1678) was the first Dutch woman for whom an exception was made. She took her theology lectures with Professor Gisbertus Voetius sitting in an alcove, hidden by a curtain.