Start of the Academic Year

The annual festive celebration of the Start of the Academic Year takes place in the Dom Church on the first Monday of the new academic year.

Aside from a welcoming speech on behalf of the Executive Board, there will be prominent speakers who are passionate about the world of education and/or research. In addition, various annual prizes and rewards are being presented, such as student awards and honorary doctorates.

The programme will be concluded with a reception.

  • Next celebration

    • 1 Sep

      Start of the Academic Year 2025-2026

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      The annual celebration of the start of the academic year of Utrecht University will take place at 1 September 2025.
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Dick Boetekees
Procession of professors at the Dom square

Start of the Academic Year 2024-2025

On 2 September, the mayor of Utrecht, Sharon Dijksma, talked about how Utrecht as a city of human rights is working towards a city where everyone counts. We also announced the winners of the two student awards.

Watch the video