Since its foundation, the University of Oldenburg has positioned itself as an open university, i.e. an open educational institution whose programmes appeal to very different target groups.

This is achieved through various formats, such as the guest lecture programme, for which interested parties (mostly from the region) can register and take part in open courses.

The opening movement includes activities that lead into the university (e.g. guest lecture programmes, Z-exams, permeability between the professional and higher education systems) as well as offers that take events out into the region (e.g. "Uni am Markt" in co-operation with the Oldenburg State Theatre or other lecture events organised by the "Science for the Public" department).