Defensity College

Defensity College was founded in 2015 by Ritmeester Hugo Goedhart, Luitenant-ter-zee der 1e klasse Erik Noordam, and Majoor Alfred van der Klijs. The idea emerged during a conversation in an Amsterdam bar when the founders noticed a decline in the visibility and societal connection of the Dutch Ministry of Defence (Defensie). To tackle this issue and make Defensie more appealing to academics, they created Defensity College. The program offers university and HBO students the opportunity to gain practical military experience while pursuing their studies.

Through this unique work-study program, Defensity College provides students with a meaningful part-time job where they not only contribute to national defense but also develop skills that are not typically taught in academic settings. The program is built on three key pillars: Work, Formation, and Study. Students are trained to become military personnel while maintaining their academic studies, creating a perfect balance between theory and practice.

Defensity College aims to foster a sustainable relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the future leaders of society. By offering students a chance to learn and grow in both military and academic contexts, the program strengthens the bond between the military and civilian sectors, preparing students for a wide range of careers.