Antwerp University UA expects to have to save around 14 million euros annually by 2030 daily Gazet van Antwerpen reports and the news has been confirmed by the UA. The university will have to make do with significantly less funding, while costs continue to rise. ‘I don't expect any programmes to disappear, but certain specialisations with few students could be discontinued or merged,’ says Rector Herwig Leirs.
The savings at Antwerp University do not come as a surprise. Earlier the Flemish government announced plans to reduce the basic funding of all Flemish universities and colleges by 46.3 million euros annually, which will also have consequences for Antwerp University.
‘There are a number of savings that have been in effect for several years. For example, the number of students has increased, but the subsidy for higher education has not increased accordingly,’ says Rector Herwig Leirs.
High costs for old buildings
Like other sectors, the university will have to make do with fewer resources, but costs continue to rise. ‘The costs of maintaining our heritage are particularly high. We have around 100 buildings, most of which date from the 1970s and are worn out. They need to be renovated or demolished,’ says Leirs.
The university estimates that it needs around 20 million euros per year to maintain the buildings and carry out minor repairs. ‘But we only receive 7.5 million per year from the government, which is insufficient. So we will have to use cash from our operating funds, which we will then no longer be able to use for education and research.’
No mass redundancies
The consequences remain to be seen. ‘I don't expect any courses to disappear, but certain specialisations with few students could be discontinued or merged,’ says Leirs.
‘We do not foresee mass redundancies. However, people who retire or whose temporary contracts expire may not be replaced.’
Thomas More University College is also planning a gradual reduction cutting 150 jobs, mainly through retirements and natural wastage.
Precise savings plan by June
Over the coming months, the university will examine how the savings will be implemented. ‘The faculties and central services are looking at how they will cope with the savings and which tasks they will no longer be able to perform.’
‘We will start drawing up a plan in the spring, and we expect it to be ready by June,’ the rector said.