Nuffic
On the 11th of January 1952, a group of university curators gathered to establish Nuffic. Their goal was to organize English education for students from developing countries that had recently gained independence. Prince Bernard of the Netherlands served as the first official president for two years. The Institute of Social Studies emerged within this new organization to handle development cooperation tasks. This institute became independent in 1956 but left behind the core mission of managing scholarship programs.
Freddy Weima held the Director-General position until April 2021 when he departed to lead the Dutch Association of Primary Schools. Titia Bredée took over the role from August 2021 through December 2024. Marco Schouten assumed leadership in August 2025 following her tenure. Sander van den Eijnden previously led the organization before leaving in the spring of 2012 to become President of the executive board at the Open University of the Netherlands. These leaders navigated relationships with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture & Science and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout their terms.
Since 1958 the organization has been involved in recognizing international diplomas and comparing different education systems. Efforts to support educational cooperation in Europe grew significantly during the 1980s. Both The Hague and Brussels established stimulation programs including the Erasmus Programme during that decade. Nuffic now manages programmes ordered by the European Union and third parties while encouraging international experience for students of all ages. The focus remains on strengthening the reputation of Dutch higher education and scientific research alongside stimulating capacity building in developing countries.
Queen Wilhelmina moved to Het Loo Palace prompting Nuffic to relocate to Noordeinde Palace until 1977. The organization currently occupies a former headquarters of the PTT (Post, Telegraph, Telephone) located on the Kortenaerkade in The Hague. This building is recognized as a national monument. The shift from Noordeinde Palace to this new location marked a significant change in physical presence for the institution. The current offices stand within a famous building that once served state-owned operations before becoming home to Nuffic.
In 2015 Nuffic merged with Europees Platform to expand its operational reach. The organization maintains important contract partnerships with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture & Science and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It cooperates with foreign partners, institutions, and governments to further its mission. These collaborations allow Nuffic to join and present knowledge and expertise across various sectors. The merger represents a strategic step toward enhancing international cooperation initiatives while supporting the Dutch knowledge economy.
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Common questions
When was Nuffic established and by whom?
Nuffic was established on the 11th of January 1952 by a group of university curators. Prince Bernard of the Netherlands served as the first official president for two years.
Who is the current Director-General of Nuffic and when did they take office?
Marco Schouten assumed leadership in August 2025 following the tenure of Titia Bredée. Previous leaders include Freddy Weima who held the position until April 2021 and Sander van den Eijnden who left in the spring of 2012.
What are the main functions and history of Nuffic since 1958?
Since 1958 the organization has been involved in recognizing international diplomas and comparing different education systems. Efforts to support educational cooperation in Europe grew significantly during the 1980s with programs like Erasmus.
Where is the headquarters of Nuffic located today and what building does it occupy?
The organization currently occupies a former headquarters of the PTT (Post, Telegraph, Telephone) located on the Kortenaerkade in The Hague. This building is recognized as a national monument and was once home to state-owned operations.
When did Nuffic merge with Europees Platform and why?
In 2015 Nuffic merged with Europees Platform to expand its operational reach. The merger represents a strategic step toward enhancing international cooperation initiatives while supporting the Dutch knowledge economy.