1 June 2026 Articles

A new partnership transforms the lifelong learning landscape in Flanders

Nova Academy evolves into a partnership of ten higher education institutions and will strengthen the lifelong learning mindset in Flanders.

On Friday 29 May 2026, the official launch of the expanded Nova Academy took place at Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Brussels. What started in 2021 as a collaboration between three universities has grown into a strong partnership of ten Flemish higher education institutions, including the Institute of Tropical Medicine, with the mission to promote lifelong learning. Our General Manager Ann Peters represented ITM at the festive event.

Continuous learning as the norm

In a society that never stops changing, lifelong learning is shifting from a personal choice to a genuine necessity. Yet the idea that learning ends with a diploma is still widespread today. Moreover, the vast range of courses already out there can feel overwhelming to navigate. And that is where Nova Academy is making a difference.

This spring, Nova Academy is taking a significant step forward. Nova Academy started in 2021 as a collaboration between three universities, and in 2026 it expanded into a strong partnership of ten higher education institutions in Flanders. By also involving universities of applied sciences and specialised institutions, the course offering becomes far broader and more diverse, and reaches a much wider audience.

With this expansion, Nova Academy ambitions go beyond making learning more accessible. Together, the partners are working toward a greater social goal: driving cultural change in Flanders, where lifelong learning becomes the norm.

For many people, learning truly begins after they finish their studies,” say the partners. “Those who stay curious and feel that more is possible, keep growing. That is the essence of the lifelong learning mindset.

The ten partners in Nova Academy are now AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp Maritime Academy, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Howest University of Applied Sciences, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the University of Antwerp and Ghent University. The official launch took place on Friday 29 May at Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Brussels in the presence of the rectors and directors of the respective institutions.

Bruno Broucker, Head of Education Office: “Lifelong learning is about keeping up with the times in a changing world. It’s an opportunity to grow, rediscover yourself and create new possibilities.”

Özge Tunçalp, Executive Director: “At the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, lifelong learning underpins our vision of equal opportunities for a healthy life for everyone, wherever they are in the world.”

A broad range of courses

The range of courses, programmes and learning experiences in Flanders is very diverse today, but also fragmented. The barrier for many isn’t a lack of opportunities, but a lack of clarity.

Nova Academy addresses this with a redesigned digital portal that guides users through the extensive landscape. Currently, there are more than 800 courses on Nova-Academy.be, including over 120 postgraduate programmes and around 280 micro-credentials.

From in-depth academic programmes to short, accessible ‘learning snacks’ for personal development: the platform offers a wide range of options for anyone wishing to learn, at any age. ITM’s advanced master’s course’s, postgraduate certificate programmes and continuing education courses are also featured on Nova Academy.

There is intensive collaboration among the partners in the areas of communication, policy and programming, with a clear long-term vision. The partnership also leaves room for further growth, including towards the professional field.

Check out Nova Academy

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