Nova Academy expansion: new partnership transforms lifelong learning landscape in Flanders
Nova Academy grows into a broad partnership of 10 higher education institutions and strengthens the lifelong learning mindset in Flanders.
Lifelong learning as the norm
In a society in constant transition, lifelong learning is becoming less and less of a choice and more of a necessity. Yet today there is still often the idea that learning stops after obtaining a diploma. Moreover, the wide range of training courses that already exist is not always clear. And Nova Academy is changing that.
Today, Nova Academy is taking an important step forward. What began in 2021 as a collaboration between three universities is growing into a powerful partnership of ten higher education institutions in Flanders. By now also involving colleges of higher education and specialised institutions, the range of courses on offer will become much broader and more diverse, as well as reaching more target groups.
With this expansion, Nova Academy not only wants to make learning more accessible to all interested parties. Together, the partners also contribute to a greater social goal: to promote culture change in Flanders, whereby continued learning becomes the norm.
"For many people, learning just starts all over again after their studies," the initiators sound. "Those who remain curious and feel that more is possible continue to develop. That is the essence of the lifelong learning mindset."
The ten partners in Nova Academy are now AP Hogeschool Antwerpen, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp Maritime Academy, HOGENT, Howest, Arteveldehogeschool, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, University of Antwerp and Ghent University.
A broad and accessible offer
The range of courses, pathways and learning experiences on offer in Flanders today is enormously diverse, but at the same time fragmented. It is not a lack of opportunities, but rather a lack of overview that is a barrier for many.
Nova Academy responds to this with a renewed digital portal that guides users through the extensive landscape. There are currently more than 800 courses on Nova-Academy.be, including more than 120 postgraduate courses and some 280 micro-credentials. In the latter, you obtain a certificate after a short course. From academic and long-term pathways to short, low-threshold "learning snacks" for personal development: the platform offers a range of opportunities for all those who want to learn, at any age, with and without higher education experience.
The platform helps visitors to find a first entry point and discover which options suit them, including through filters such as courses outside office hours, type of training or area of interest. This makes it easier to combine learning with work and family.
The cooperation between the ten partners goes beyond simply opening up offers on a revamped website. There is intensive cooperation on communication, policy and programming, with a clear long-term vision. The partnership also leaves room for further growth and openness, also towards the field.
Prof Jan Danckaert, rector of the VUB: "Lifelong learning is not a luxury, but a necessity in a society that is constantly changing. At the VUB, we want to empower people with knowledge and critical sense, at any point in their lives."
Tineke Sonck
