Ghent University opens academic year 2025-2026

On Friday 19 September, the 2025–2026 academic year opened at 15:30 with the formal opening ceremony in the Ufo.

During this ceremony, the transfer of rectorship took place between Rector Rik Van de Walle and Vice-Rector Mieke Van Herreweghe, and Rector-Elect Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector-Elect Herwig Reynaert.

Rewatch the opening ceremony

Rectoral opening speech by Rector Petra De Sutter

Read Rector Petra De Sutter's opening speech

Speech by former Rector Rik Van de Walle

Read former Rector Rik Van de Walle's speech

Relive the ceremony

Rewatch the full ceremony in Dutch.

Take a look at the photo album of the opening ceremony.

Programme

• Speech by Rector Rik Van de Walle
• Panel discussion on the new Student Centre with Vice-Rector Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice-Rector-Elect Herwig Reynaert, a staff member of the Student Centre and a student
• Transfer of Rectorship between Rector Rik Van de Walle and Vice-Rector Mieke Van Herreweghe and Rector-Elect Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector-Elect Herwig Reynaert
• Inaugural address by Rector Petra De Sutter
• Musical intermezzos by violists Georgia Koumentakou and Natalia Kotarba (Strings for Talent)