Education | On campus if we can, online because we can

Within the frameworks set by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and the government, Tilburg University is working on scenarios to allow its academic education to continue on campus as much as possible in the academic year 2020/2021. In our opinion, physical proximity among the university community is an important part of academic education.

Tilburg University takes the following as points of departure.

We guarantee that we will offer ALL our education online for the first semester. However, in our opinion, physical proximity among the university community is an important part of academic education. Therefore, we strive to provide some small-scale classes (e.g., seminars) on campus if possible.

To help smooth the transition to higher education, priority will be given to first-year Bachelor’s students who are able to follow some components of their program on campus. These components will most likely be combined on 1 day per week. We encourage students to make use of this opportunity. However, if you are not able to come to campus, you are guaranteed to be able to follow these program components online.

How many small-scale educational activities will also be available for new (pre-) master students and our current bachelor and (pre-) master students, depends very much on the possibilities given to us by the Dutch government and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. These have a direct effect on our maximum capacity of the campus and public transport. These capacity calculations are currently being made.

In any case, keep in mind that education, activities and exams take place online for the most part, especially in the first semester. This means that you must have a stable wifi connection (pay attention to this if you are looking for a room!) and a suitable PC or laptop with up-to-date software. Make sure you meet the minimum requirements. Also make sure your table or desk and your chair are suitable for study, and that it is not noisy.

Whether exams can also be taken on campus, depends very much on the possibilities given to us by the Dutch government and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. These have a direct effect on our maximum capacity of the campus and public transport. These capacity calculations are currently being made.

On the page FAQ on coronavirus for students you can find more information about education and exams. This page contains the latest information.

We prioritize a safe and inclusive university community at all times, online and on campus.

Students are asked to study at home. As a result of the relaxation of the corona measures, extra study places will be available on campus as of August 31. Please note that the number of study places is still relatively limited, so reservation is required.

The contact between students and teachers is by e-mail. Students are not allowed to visit the department on campus.

Large-scale on-campus examinations are out of the question and the current forms of alternative/online exams as well as the revised exam schedules remain in force.

Outgoing exchange

To determine the impact of the coronavirus on foreign exchanges, the VSNU (Association of Universities in the Netherlands) has established a framework based on governmental guidelines. Within this framework, Tilburg University decides whether the exchange can proceed according to plan. The considerations are: a negative travel advice by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision of the partner university to cancel the exchange or in case a student withdraws from the exchange program.

Since students are not allowed to travel to countries with code red or orange, Tilburg University will check the status of destinations in EEA countries at the partner institution two weeks before the start of the academic year and, if necessary, cancel the travel. This assessment has now been carried out for destinations outside the EEA. Therefore, exchanges outside the EEA countries are canceled.

All students have the right to withdraw from the exchange program at any time.

All students selected for an exchange in fall 2020 are offered alternative scenarios. Certain deadlines may apply to this. If students sign up for one of the alternatives, the student should withdraw from the exchange program for procedural reasons.

Incoming exchange

After evaluating the relevant factors concerning the coronavirus, on July 1, 2020, Tilburg University decided that the incoming exchange program for students from partner universities in EEA countries can go ahead. Students can travel to Tilburg and complete the exchange physically, or they may choose to stay in their home country and complete the exchange online.

Tilburg University made the decision to cancel all physical incoming exchanges between Tilburg University and partner universities in non-EEA countries in the Fall 2020 semester.

Practical matters on (self-)quarantine

All students traveling from countries and regions mentioned on the following website of the Dutch government are strongly urged to self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. You are requested to stay in your accommodation during those 10 days and not to leave it at any time. More information about what self-quarantine means, can be found on the website of the Dutch government.

More information about (self-)quarantine can be found on the page FAQ on coronavirus for students.

FAQ on coronavirus for students

FAQ on coronavirus for prospective students