From the Free State to the Netherlands: CUT Radiography students Ms Lydia Tselane and Ms Rearabetswe Malatji depart from Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein for their International Exchange Programme at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. The exchange marks an exciting milestone in their academic journey, offering invaluable international learning experiences and opportunities to broaden their professional horizons.

Two Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Radiography students, Ms Rearabetswe Malatji and Ms Lydia Tselane, have been selected to participate in the prestigious Optimax International Exchange Programme at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands from 13 to 25 July 2026.

The students, who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic programme within the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, will join an international network of healthcare professionals and students committed to advancing radiography practice, patient safety, and research collaboration.

The Optimax initiative was established to strengthen partnerships between institutions across different countries and to create opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, skills, and best practices in healthcare. The programme focuses on enhancing patient safety, advancing expertise in various radiography modalities, and promoting professional ethics in healthcare environments.

For Malatji and Tselane, the exchange programme presents a unique opportunity to gain valuable international exposure while engaging with peers and experts from the Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Through research-based activities and collaborative learning, they will explore innovative approaches to medical imaging and healthcare delivery in diverse settings. This opportunity reflects CUT’s commitment to academic excellence and global engagement, enabling the students to deepen their professional expertise, broaden their perspectives, and gain first-hand experience of cutting-edge radiographic practices alongside peers from leading European institutions.

Beyond personal growth, the exchange programme will strengthen international academic partnerships and promote collaborative research in radiography and healthcare sciences. The knowledge and insights gained abroad will enable the students to contribute meaningfully to improved healthcare services upon their return.

As ambassadors of the Central University of Technology and South Africa, Malatji and Tselane will showcase the talent, dedication, and academic excellence of CUT students on an international stage.

The students’ participation in the programme reinforces CUT’s reputation as a globally engaged institution that fosters innovation, international collaboration, and the development of graduates equipped to make meaningful contributions to healthcare locally and abroad.