The University of Groningen is set to welcome its first cohort of students into a brand-new bachelor’s degree programme devoted entirely to the Frisian language. This marks the first standalone undergraduate course in the Netherlands dedicated to the nation’s second official tongue.
Programme overview
- Duration: Three years of full-time study.
- Curriculum: Frisian linguistics, literature, sociolinguistics and regional history.
- Location: Lectures and seminars will be hosted in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland province.
- Intake: The university expects around 30 students in the inaugural year.
Boosting regional identity
Officials hope the degree will strengthen Frisian cultural heritage and promote the language’s use in education, media and public life. “Frisian is more than a dialect; it’s a cornerstone of our identity,” said a spokesperson for the provincial government.
Funding and collaboration
The new programme benefits from combined support by the Friesland provincial council and the national Ministry of Education, which have together committed over €1 million in start-up funding. The university has also partnered with local cultural organisations to enrich the syllabus with guest lectures, study trips and immersion activities.
Looking ahead
Students enrolling this autumn will join a growing community of Frisian speakers and researchers dedicated to preserving and revitalising the language. Organisers are already exploring master’s-level follow-up programmes and research opportunities to ensure Frisian remains vibrant for generations to come.
