About Tilburg University
Tilburg University is at the heart of society. We want to have a positive impact on society and to help shape that society. With our high-quality research and inspiring and character-building education, we contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable society. This focus has been in Tilburg University’s DNA since its establishment in 1927.
Our society is facing great challenges in the coming years, including climate change, digitalization, poverty, inequality, and an aging population. Tilburg University contributes to understanding and, wherever possible, to solutions to these social issues. Our research and education are characterized by a strong emphasis on the relationship of and between people in society.
In our community, personal contact and smallness of scale are key. This is reflected in our green, compact, and lively campus where interaction is central, but which also offers peace and quiet for reflection and personal development.
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Wim van de Donk
Rector MagnificusOurs is a university to be proud of! On a vibrant campus, keen and committed lecturers, researchers, students, and support staff form a close-knit community. We have been that community for nearly a century, and we are fired up to put our knowledge, skills, and character to use for the good of society - in the city, the region, the Netherlands, Europe, and even the world. In interdisciplinary collaborations, we are pioneering solutions to many of today's pressing societal challenges such as hunger, poverty, broad prosperity, and energy transition.
Research
The issues facing society today can only be answered with deep knowledge of the social sciences, economics, law and governance, humanities, and theology, and by using the opportunities created by digitalization and the knowledge how these developments impact present-day society. We need these strong disciplines and up-to-date knowledge to be able to collaborate on a multidisciplinary basis towards groundbreaking solutions.
Education
Our students are trained to look at issues from various perspectives as well as the social context. We offer our students flexibility to make their own choices. Besides gaining knowledge and developing skills, there is room in our curriculum for character building. In this way, students develop a strong moral compass, having been trained as critical thinkers who act with responsibility for the benefit of society.
Collaboration
Tilburg University has a culture of collaboration and co-creation, at local, regional, national, and international levels. For instance, we are a partner of ENGAGE.EU, a European alliance of ten universities focusing on social change. We invest in a multidisciplinary approach and co-creation between (social) partners and our university. Only when we use our knowledge to actively contribute to social challenges have we successfully fulfilled our role.
in 2024
including 45 Master's programs
since 1927
Source: Annual Report 2024
See how Tilburg University is doing in international rankings.
Towards Tilburg University’s centenary
'Weaving Minds & Characters' describes Tilburg University’s strategy and what we think it takes to prepare our university for the next century. Our strategic plan has been designed based on our values of Curious, Caring, Connected, and Courageous.
Tradition and history
Tilburg University has a long history, rich in tradition. The history and academic heritage page highlights Tilburg University’s history. In addition, we honor different annual academic traditions, including the Opening of the Academic Year and our Dies Natalis (anniversary). There is also an annual Broad Prosperity Day in collaboration with the Province of Noord-Brabant. In 2027, we will celebrate our centenary. Take a look at the program of anniversary activities around ‘100 years together'.
Another important tradition are the awards and distinctions. We honor exceptional merit in education and research that contributes to social impact, academic progress, and innovation. With our awards and distinctions, we celebrate individuals who develop new ideas and solutions for today’s complex issues.
Working at Tilburg University
Would you like to pursue a career at Tilburg University? With your work at our socially oriented university, you help advance both science and society.