| Anton de Kom University | |
| Native Name: | Anton de Kom Universiteit |
| Motto: | Kennis maken en kennis delen in duurzaam partnerschap |
| Mottoeng: | Creating and sharing knowledge in sustainable partnership |
| Established: | [1] |
| Chancellor: | Prof. Dr. Shanti Venetiaan |
| Students: | 3737 (2022)[2] |
| Website: | https://www.uvs.edu |
Anton de Kom University (Dutch; Flemish: '''Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname''') is the only university in Suriname. It is located in the capital, Paramaribo, and named for Anton de Kom, an anti-colonialist activist who was killed by the Nazis while in exile in the Netherlands.
Tertiary education in Suriname dates back to the 19th century. In 1882 there was already tertiary education provided at the Geneeskundige School and there also existed an organized juridical education (The Law-school), which was founded in the late forties. Furthermore, there were other para-university courses, namely the discipline to become a surveyor, dentist and pharmacist.
At the centenary of the Estates of Suriname in 1966, this organization took the important decision to cooperate with the government of Suriname to found a university. The proclamation was made on 1 November 1968, in the then still existing Theatre Star. Since then, the first of November is celebrated as Founders' Day.
Linguist Hein Eersel was appointed as the first chancellor of the University of Suriname.[3] The Faculty of Law opened first, and other faculties followed:
The university was closed from December 1982 until 17 October 1983,[6] when it was renamed after Anton de Kom.[7]
The Anton de Kom University of Suriname has the following faculties:[8]
The University Board is the highest governing body of the University and has the entire responsibility of the organization. Prof. Dr. Jack Menke is the current president.
There are five research centers doing research within their specific fields, and also rendering services to the community. The following are research centers:
Objective: promoting agricultural scientific education and research at the Faculty of Technological Sciences
Objective: executing research projects in the field of technology
Objective: promoting scientific education and research at the Faculty of Medical Sciences
Objective: supporting the development policy of the Surinamese government
Objective: executing social scientific research and rendering service
Foreign students who meet the relevant minimum requirements must master the Dutch language to be able to follow the classes. They may submit a petition to the Ministry of Education via the University Board.