From 2026, lectures will only start after the official opening of the academic year and will run until December, followed by a two-week Christmas break. Classes will end by July at the latest, ensuring students have at least four weeks of summer recess.
This schedule is beneficial for both students and lecturers, says project leader Harriët Schelhaas, dean of the Erasmus School of Law. “Students have more flexibility to plan their studies themselves. They can also plan their holidays in advance, as there will be no classes for two weeks around Christmas and resits will take place earlier in the summer than they do now”, she explains. “For lecturers, this means no marking during holidays and more time for research.”
No extra holidays, but more self-study
Fewer weeks with classes doesn’t mean more holidays for students, emphasises Eefje Markus, manager of the Learning Innovation Team at the Erasmus School of Law. However, students will have the freedom to organise the classes-free weeks themselves. “For example, they can prepare for exams or study at their own pace.”
Schelhaas believes this approach will help reduce study pressure. “If students have more freedom to plan their studies, it will really help lower stress levels.”
Delivering education ‘in a smarter way’
Students will still be required to obtain sixty study credits per year. “But we are offering education in a smarter way”, says Schelhaas. This could include more online and self-study options or new forms of assessment. The exact details are still being developed.
“Faculties have the freedom to structure their teaching within the set period”, says Markus. For example, the Erasmus School of Law will offer two courses simultaneously over eight weeks, instead of the current schedule, which consists of eight blocks of five weeks, each featuring one course.
The law faculty will implement the new schedule in September. Some other faculties, such as the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, have already revised their curricula. As a result, fewer adjustments will be needed in the timetables to adhere to the shorter academic year.
I see shorter academic years, less classes therefore less guidance, more self study, more tuition fees and I can’t help but think this is all about money. Looking to give less and asking more of us.
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