Previous editions

NEWS FROM ACA

Charting the way towards comprehensive mobility: ACA event on 8 September

Inclusion, sustainability and digitalisation are among the top policy priorities for mobility that have been known and debated in the sector for the past three years. While many higher education institutions across Europe are about to develop their institutional strategies and approaches in line with these new...

ACA statement on the roll-out of the European Universities Initiative

The European Commission is about to roll out the European Universities Initiative (EUI) based on the lessons learnt from the 41 alliances supported in the first (2019) and the second (2020) calls for proposals and based on discussions with key stakeholders and national experts. ACA is an active...

Norway: Diku becomes Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills

ACA’s member The Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku), Skills Norway, and Universell, as well as parts of Unit and the Norwegian Centre for Research Data (NSD), have merged on 1 July 2021 into a new organisation – the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The...

DAAD and GIZ agree on closer cooperation on SDGs

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Association for International Cooperation (GIZ) are expanding their cooperation based on a renewed memorandum of understanding. DAAD and GIZ have been working together since 1993, and the cooperation has grown continuously...

Looking back at long-standing collaboration between Austrian and Asian HE

In 1994, universities in Austria, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam formed The ASEAN European Academic University Network (ASEA-UNINET). With the goal of promoting the continuous internationalisation of education and research. Today it consists of more than 80 universities from 18 different...

EUROPEAN POLICY

Switzerland – no transitional arrangement at the start of Horizon Europe

On 14 July, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation issued a statement clarifying that Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, until further notice. Although...

The European Skills Agenda: where we stand after one year

Last summer the European Commission (EC) presented the European Skills Agenda. The agenda consists of 12 actions aimed at fostering sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience based on ambitious objectives for upskilling and reskilling. To date, the EC has rolled out nine initiatives and will present proposals on the remaining three before the end of...

R&I funding update: EU budget 2022, NextGenEU & new national targets

EU funding for research and innovation (R&I) remains at the core of public debate and policymaking. On 14 July, the EU Council presented an amended version of the 2022 budget, proposing EUR 425 million cut to Heading 1 ‘Single Market, Innovation and Digital'. This cut...

European Innovation Scoreboard: Performance improves in the EU

The European Commission released The European Innovation Scoreboard 2021, a measurement of innovation performance. The European Commission released the European Innovation Scoreboard 2021, a measurement of innovation performance. On average, innovation performance has increased by 12.5% since 2014. There is...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Canada adds Latin American and Caribbean to expedited student visa programme

Canada announced a significant expansion of its Student Direct Stream (SDS) on 9 July 2021, with students from seven new countries throughout the Americas now eligible to participate in the expedited programme for Canadian study permits. Students from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil,...

California State Universities’ local enrolment: pandemic persistence and retention trends

In the most recent budget proposal of California State (CalState), three universities in the public state university system: UCLA, UC Berkley, and UC San Diego will be required to increase in-state enrolment over the next five years if passed. The...

DAAD supports research on Germany's colonial past

The German Academic Exchange Service is promoting the reappraisal of German colonial rule in countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific with the ‘German Colonial Rule’ scholarship programme, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The programme will fund up to...

Higher fees for EU students in the UK

EU citizens planning to study in British universities could expect up to three times higher tuition fees from the next academic year because of Brexit, analysis of the latest editions of The Knowledge Partnership’s 2021-22 course and tuition fee databases...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

Horizon Europe calls for Proposals

Following the publication of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2021-2022, the first calls for proposals for Horizon Europe have been launched. The programme for 2021-2017 has a budget of EUR 95.5 billion. Horizon Europe consists of three pillars: Excellence Science Global Challenges...

PUBLICATIONS

Universities UK International Short-Term Mobility Long-Term impact.

Universities UK International (2021). Short-Term Mobility Long-Term impact. Universities UK International (UUKI) published the report called “Short-term mobility long-term impact”, which explores the inclusive international opportunities of short-term mobilities (less than four weeks) by assessing current participation, impact, and good...

Management Education and Automation

Tsang D., Kazeroony H. (ed.) (2022) Management Education and Automation. Routledge Management Education and Automation explores international management education in light of exponential development of artificial intelligence, big data, demographic shifts, expansion of robotic utilization in many economic sectors, aging...

How does the world view Germany?

Outside View - International Perspectives on Germany in Times of Corona. DAAD, GIZ, Goethe-Institut (2021) The study ‘Outside View - International Perspectives on Germany in Times of Corona’ is a joint project of the most recognised intermediary organisations in the field...

Career Pathways for International Students

Esaki-Smith, Anna (2021). Career Pathways for International Students. American Council on Education This publication investigates how many international students travel abroad pursuing a higher quality of education. Many have headed to Anglophone destinations, particularly the United States and the United...

Adapting Higher Education Teaching for an Online Environment

Stone, R., Glover, I. Adapting Higher Education Teaching for an Online Environment. SAGE Publishing As higher education is increasingly confronted with technology and digitalisation, this book has been published for busy academics of all subject disciplines who have been asked...

CONFERENCES

Conferences

August 5th – 6th 2021 ICISE010 2021: 15. International Conference on Inclusive and Special Education More Info September 1st – 3rd 2021 HOW POWERFUL IS PLACE? More Info September 28th – 1st October 2021 2021 EAIE Community Exchange: virtual conference & exhibition More Info October 5th –...

IN FOCUS

NextGenerationEU: national plans for knowledge development

On 31 May, the Council received green light on the Own Resources Decision, which establishes how the EU budget is financed, from all 27 member states. As national ratifications were completed in record five months, the European Commission could start...

NEWS FROM ACA

Save the date – Towards comprehensive mobility approaches – 8 Sep 2021

How to make international student mobility more inclusive? How to reduce the carbon footprint of physical mobility and create greener options? How to develop good-quality, digitally-enhanced models, that complement existing formats? These questions, and many alike, have been driving the...

Welcome AMEUP!

ACA is delighted to welcome the Croatian Agency for Mobility and EU programmes (AMEUP) as its new member organisation! AMEUP is responsible for the implementation of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes as well as for informing and counselling...

New round of insightful exchanges via ACA’s TPGs

In the past few weeks, a new round of Thematic Peer Groups (TPGs) – select groupings bringing together experts from ACA member organisations to discuss themes of direct relevance for their activities and to enhance capacities – were organised by...

ACA calls for Switzerland’s association to Erasmus+ & Horizon Europe

On 11 June ACA issued a statement pleading for the start of negotiations for Switzerland’s association to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. The formal association to both programmes would be highly beneficial for all programme countries and for Switzerland,...

ACA part of groundbreaking European network on ISM

ACA is glad to announce it will take part – along experts from member organisations CMEPIUS, DAAD, and EDUFI, as well as many other experienced practitioners and established researchers – in a network for interdisciplinary research on international student mobility...

Inclusion: what can we learn from the youth sector?

In this month’s Inclusion Think Piece, Tony Geudens, Inclusion and Diversity Officer at the SALTO-YOUTH Resource Centre is walking us through supporting people with fewer opportunities and the process of strategy making in the field of inclusion, based on his...

EDUFI: new appointments and report on global cooperation

The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) published a summary report of the first annual reports of the projects funded under the Higher Education Institutions Institutional Cooperation Instrument (HEI ICI) in 2020-2024. Administrated by EDUFI, the HEI ICI programme supports...

IIE Covid-19 report: rise in applications and face-to-face plans for US universities

The Institute of International Education (IIE) has published its latest Covid-19 Snapshot Survey Series, which was completed by 414 higher education institutions (HEIs) accounting for around 44% of all international students enrolled in the 2019/20 academic year. 43% of institutions...

DZS: student mobility experience and third Czeducon

Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) carried out a qualitative research devoted to the experience of participants in bilateral and multilateral mobility programmes: AKTION, AIA, CEEPUS and the EEA Funds. The aim of the in-depth interviews was...

NAWA is launching the fifth edition of the Polish Returns NAWA programme

Polish Returns NAWA is a prestigious programme of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. It creates attractive conditions under which scientists of Polish origin can come back and take up research at Polish scientific and higher education institutions. In addition, programme...

Virtual exchange in the CEEPUS Programme: the experience of some member countries

Faced with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic the countries involved in the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies tried to give an adequate response to the drastically decreasing number of implemented mobilities. First measures were already taken...

DAAD: new office in Jordan and funding to support UN SDGs

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) increases its presence in the Middle East: the new DAAD regional office in Jordan’s capital city Amman was officially inaugurated in June. Over the past few years, the role of the Middle East as...

EUROPEAN POLICY

Launch of Horizon Europe work programme 2021-2022 and synergies with Erasmus+

In a long-awaited announcement by the sector, the European Commission adopted the main work programme of Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2022, shortly before the EU Research and Innovation Days on 23 and 24 June 2021. The work programme outlines...

Slovenian EU Council Presidency: what’s in it for higher education?

On 1 July 2021, Slovenia will take over from Portugal the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Slovenia will continue implementing the joint 18-month programme of the Trio Presidency "Taking forward the Strategic Agenda" and will focus its...

EU member states Parliaments calibrate their vision for the European Education Area

On 31 May 2021, the European Parliament’s CULT Committee held an exchange of views on the European Education Area (EEA) with national and regional parliaments of the current Council Presidency Trio, composed of Portugal, Germany, and Slovenia. CULT Chair, Sabine...

Towards Europe’s “digital future” that fits university needs

In June, the European Commission made further progress by acting on one of Ursula von der Leyen’s priorities for “a Europe fit for digital future”. Two new overarching initiatives – a European Digital Identity and a Data Act – will...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Finnish accessibility plan for higher education

The accessibility plan for Finnish higher education has been published this month. The plan reviews how social, regional and linguistic equality is realised in Finnish higher education. While the plan presents both objectives and policies for promoting accessibility for everyone...

International students eligible for financial assistance in Australia

On 3 June Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australians who have had their hours of work and income significantly affected due to state lockdowns, will be eligible for a temporary COVID Disaster Payment. This support will be available for Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible working...

Downward trend in the number of EU academics staying in the UK

According to the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, more than 600 EU academics living in the UK went to work in an institution overseas in 2019 in comparison to 2015, when only 340 EU academics moved to...

Ireland’s plan for the safe return to campus in the autumn

Earlier this month, the Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, presented the Plan for a safe return for further and higher education and research in 2021/22. The government has committed to an increase...

G7 nations strengthen collaboration on scientific research

On the occasion of the Cornwall Summit on 11-13 June, , the G7 nations pledged to boost international collaboration on scientific research by signing the G7 2021 Research Compact. The main goals outlined in the document are to collaborate on...

German higher education: anchoring the qualification of refugees as a permanent task

On the occasion of World Refugee Day on 20th of June, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) highlights the success of German higher education institutions in qualifying and integrating refugees. Around 30,000 refugees are currently enrolled in specialised studies, several...

Czechs in favour of students going abroad

A new survey on the topic of Czech society's attitudes towards student mobility programmes conducted by Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) shows that Czechs are in favour of study exchange stays and internships abroad. The survey, which...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

Horizon Europe calls for proposals

Following the publication of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2021-2022, the first calls for proposals for Horizon Europe have been launched. The programme for 2021-2017 has a budget of EUR 95.5 billion. Horizon Europe consists of three pillars: Excellence Science...

PUBLICATIONS

DAAD Annual Report 2020

DAAD. (2021). DAAD Annual Report 2020. DAAD. Bonn, Germany. The Annual Report provides information about the most important projects, current statistics and an overview of the tasks of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The DAAD has granted academic and research funding...

Internationalisation at home - developing global citizens without travel

UUKI. (2021). Internationalisation at home - developing global citizens without travel. Universities UK. This report focuses on international activities delivered at home and aims to show the beneficial impacts of these. Most activities tend to be based on-campus, in local communities, or via...

 The impact of COVID-19 on higher education: a review of emerging evidence

Farneel, T., Matijević, A.,  & Schmidt, N. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on higher education: a review of emerging evidence. NESET This article indicates the all-encompassing impact the COVID-19 pandemics has had on higher education institutions. It highlights these impacts specifically; teaching and...

Governing the discourse of internationalization in the USA: the influence of higher education professional associations

Deuel, R.P. Governing the Discourse of Internationalization in the USA: The Influence of Higher Education Professional Associations. High Educ Policy (2021).   This paper focuses on the influences that Higher education professional associations (HEPAs) have as well-established agents of knowledge production in shaping higher education policies...

 Leadership transitions in universities: arriving surviving, and thriving at the top

Kennie, T., & Middlehurst R. (2021). Leadership transitions in universities: arriving surviving, and thriving at the top. B/W Illustrations.  This book focuses on a healthy system of transitions at the top of higher education institutions. There are typical procedures that occur, in which, senior managers get...

CONFERENCES

Conferences

Conferences July 5-July 9 Virtual GI Forum 2021 with the thematic focus on Citizen Science More info July 7-8 Higher education: improving health outcomes, transforming lives More info July 12-July 14 1st Annual Equity in Education Conference...

IN FOCUS

ACA Strategic Summit 2021 – highlights

On 6 May 2021, ACA hosted its first annual Strategic Summit, a high-level event bringing together over 40 leaders from 24 internationalisation funding agencies (many of them ACA members) from Europe and the United States. The distinguished participants discussed issues...

NEWS FROM ACA

ACA's inclusion agenda: May updates

In case you’ve missed it, on 28 May we published the May Think Piece on Supporting higher education institutions to develop strategic plans for more inclusive mobilities, authored by Valérie Van Hees, Coordinator, and Dominique Montagnese, Inclusive mobility expert, both from the Support Centre for...

Sneak peek into UniWELiS findings on support needs and services for mobile academics

Earlier in May, the ACA team presented preliminary findings of a large-scale study on the needs of international researchers, lecturers and PhD students in support services combined with the analysis of the existing institutional approaches to offering personalized assistance to...

Diku: new Director General for the new Directorate for Higher Education and Skills

On 21 May new Director General, Mr Sveinung Skule, was appointed for the new Directorate for Higher Education and Skills that Diku will merge into as from 1 July 2021. The new directorate will consist of the Directorate for Internationalization...

The state of Finnish science diplomacy and development needs evaluated

A report on the state of Finnish science diplomacy and development needs provides a broad overview of science diplomacy globally and discusses key arenas and actors relevant to Finland. The report identifies current challenges and discusses the potential of anticipatory...

New Team Finland Knowledge programme launched by EDUFI

The purpose of the newly launched Team Finland Knowledge (TFK) programme is to create and strengthen cooperation between Finnish higher education institutions and selected the target regions and to design new operating models for cooperation. The programme funds educational cooperation...

What's new in the Czech Republic Alumni programme

Fostering cooperation and relations with international alumni is one of the priority tasks of the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) in the field of supporting the internationalization of Czech higher education. Through its Czech Republic Alumni...

DAAD's upcoming seminar on micro-credentials in the EHEA

In the wake of an increased speed of technology progression, society and the labor market demand increasingly complex skills. The disruptive nature of certain technologies can quickly devalue once-acquired knowledge and enforce reskilling and upskilling efforts. In this context, education...

EUROPEAN POLICY

Formal adoption of EU research, education and culture programmes

Two regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council were published on 28 April 2021 and 20 May 2021, respectively, marking the final adoption of the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes (“Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and...

Council greenlights the full roll-out of the European Universities Initiative

On 17 May 2021, the Council adopted conclusions on the European Universities initiative (EUI) - Bridging higher education, research, innovation and society: paving the way for a new dimension in European higher education. Following the two pilot calls in 2019...

EU’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation

On 18 May 2021, the Commission adopted a Communication on its Global Approach to Research and Innovation, Europe's strategy for international cooperation in a changing world. With this document, the EU aims to take a leading role in supporting international...

EC publishes an Inclusion and Diversity Strategy for Erasmus+

A joint Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy has recently been published to support the implementation of the Inclusion and Diversity, currently a top horizontal priority in the two programmes. These implementation guidelines aim to establish common...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Norwegian strategy for international cooperation on research and higher education

Against the backdrop of Covid-19 and the climate crisis, international cooperation within research, innovation and education is more important than ever. The renewed Norwegian Panorama Strategy, therefore, comes timely. "Panorama" is the government's strategy for cooperation on research and higher education...

Erasmus+ remains attractive for German students despite Covid-19

German students are going abroad in the context of the Erasmus programme, wherever this is possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. 8,765 students embarked on a stay abroad in the international summer semester (starting in January 2021), according to the preliminary...

Dutch universities under pressure

Dutch universities expect more registrations for the Bachelor’s programmes in the coming academic year. Forecasts show that the numbers of applications will increase by around 5%. Last year the number of registrations grew by 13%. The number of students has...

Spanish recovery and resilience plan: spotlight on universities

In May 2021, the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) presented its plan for the participation of universities in the recovery and resilience mechanism to the Government. The aim of this plan is to include Spanish universities in the...

ACE study on impact of Covid-19 on US colleges and universities

The American Council on Education (ACE) has published the second part of its survey on Covid-19. This survey analyses college and university presidents’ responses to the challenges caused by the pandemic. The first part of the survey was published in...

Finland cuts public funding for research as of 2023

Earlier this month, the Finnish Government published the public finance plan for 2022-2025. The Minister of Education and Culture announced its plans to cut science budget by EUR 35 million from 2023 on, as part of the EUR 370 million...

World Bank support for Ukrainian universities

On 5 May 2021 the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 200 million project, “Ukraine Improving Higher Education for Results”, which will help boost the quality, efficiency and transparency of the Ukrainian higher education system. The project...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

Call for applications for the selection of members of the EIC Board

The European Innovation Council (EIC) launched a call for expression of interest for the new EIC Board. Under the Horizon Europe legislation, the Board will advise on the EIC strategy, work programme and thematic portfolios in order to maximise the...

Erasmus+ Programme: Call for proposals 2021

The first call of the new Erasmus+ programme has been published. This call for proposals covers the following actions of the Erasmus+ Programme: Key Action 1 Learning mobility of individuals, Key Action 2 - Cooperation among organisations and institutions, and...

PUBLICATIONS

Education and youth in post-Covid-19 Europe – crisis effects and policy recommendations

Van der Graaf, L., Dunajeva, J., Siarova, H., Bankauskaite, R. (2021) Education and Youth in post-Covid-19 Europe – Crisis Effects and Policy Recommendations. European Parliament, Policy Department for Structural and Cohesion Policies, Brussels. The COVID-19 mitigation measures in Europe caused...

Socially responsible higher education. International perspectives on knowledge democracy

L. Hall, B., Tandom, R. (2021). Socially Responsible Higher Education. International Perspectives on Knowledge Democracy. Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands. Socially Responsible Higher Education: International Perspectives on Knowledge Democracy shares the experiences of a broadly representative and globally dispersed...

International higher education scholarships and fellowships for social justice: the role of foundations

Talha-Jebril, S., Martel, M. (2021) International Higher Education Scholarships and Fellowships for Social Justice: The Role of Foundations. Institute of International Education. This paper explores philanthropy's role in funding international scholarship and fellowship programmes committed to reducing long-standing disparities in...

Digital-age innovation in higher education. A do-it-yourself approach

Natriello, G. (2021). Digital-Age Innovation in Higher Education. A Do-It-Yourself Approach. Routledge. This book recounts the creation, development, and growth of an innovation unit within a major university. This single case study follows the development of the EdLab at the...

Mainstreaming the social dimension in the EHEA. Country and HEI SD profiles

Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF), and OeAD. (2021). Mainstreaming the Social Dimension in the EHEA. Country and HEI SD profiles. The publication provides country and HEI profiles from seven members of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) (in...

International student inclusion and success: public attitudes, policy imperatives, and practical strategies.

Matross, R., Spreitzer, S. (2021) International Student Inclusion and Success: Public attitudes, policy imperatives, and practical strategies. American Council on Education. In an increasingly interconnected world, the value of international students’ presence and participation in higher education has gained wide...

CONFERENCES

Conferences

Conferences 1-2 June Lifelong Learning Lab – National Training for Education Stakeholders Online More info 2 June Social Sciences and Humanities in Horizon Europe: diving into the opportunities Online More info 1-4 June NAFSA 2021 Online More info...

NEWS FROM ACA

Important news on inclusion

This month, ACA published the second article in the ACA Think Pieces series on Inclusion in International Higher Education: European Perspectives & Insights. The piece, titled Bridging the structural gaps in supporting inclusive mobility, is authored by the distinguished Christina Bohle,...

Diku: how has COVID-19 affected internationalisation of HE in Norway?

The Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku) – ACA’s Norwegian member organisation – has published a new report on how international education and research collaborations have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose...

Icelandic launch of next generation EU programmes managed by Rannis

Rannis serves Icelandic citizens as a one shop stop for all EU programmes in the fields of education, youth, culture and research. With a view to raise public awareness of these programmes and enhance synergies between them, a quadriple opening...

DAAD and OeAD: support for students and researchers at risk

ACA’s members DAAD and OeAD have started two very valuable initiatives supporting students (DAAD) and researchers (OeAD) at risk and with a refugee background. DAAD’s new Hilde Domin scholarship programme is intended to enable threatened students and doctoral candidates who...

NAWA’s support to students and scientists from Belarus and the Ulam programme

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) will manage three support programmes for students and scientists from Belarus on behalf of the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. NAWA will grant scholarships for academics from this country in...

DAAD’s new funding programme tackling climate and healthcare issues

The DAAD has launched a new programme to fund eight interdisciplinary ‘Global Centres’ to tackle global challenges. Half of these eight centres will conduct research into climate issues and the other half will research and teach on healthcare issues and...

CMEPIUS: launch of Erasmus+ and events

During the last two months, all main CMEPIUS activities were connected to launch of new Erasmus+ programme and call for 2021. National agency delivered online presentations of opportunities for higher education institutions (over 120 participants for every event) and offered...

EUROPEAN POLICY

EU public consultation on micro-credentials open till 13 July

On 20 April 2021, the European Commission opened a public consultation on micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability to hear the views of citizens, governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as of education, training and employment stakeholders. The recovery from...

New climate targets for EU27 and greening of higher education and mobility

On 21 April, the Council’s and the European Commission’s negotiators reached a provisional political agreement on the European Climate Law that will enshrine the EU’s commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050. The parties agreed to set in law a...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Canada: new pathway for permanent residence to 40 000 international graduates

Earlier this month, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco E. L. Mendicino, announced an innovative pathway to permanent residence for 40000 international graduates who “actively contribute to Canada’s economy”. This new pathway is part of a wider initiative...

THE Impact Rankings 2021

Times Higher Education (THE) has issued the third edition of its Impact Rankings evaluating universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s table which includes 1117 universities from 94 countries/regions is topped by the University of Manchester....

What makes foreign graduate students stay in Finland?

The most recent EUROSTUDENT VII study issued on 19 April 2021 examined the living conditions, studies, social background and livelihoods of students in higher education. One of the articles in the EUROSTUDENT VII series sheds a light on the reasons...

The Academic Freedom Index: signs of decline in most countries

The second edition of the Academic Freedom Index (AFi) has been published. In comparing the latest research with comparable results from a year ago (ACA March 2020), there are signs of decline in many countries. The survey showed the largest...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

HEI INITIATIVE: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education. Call for proposals

As part of HEI Initiative: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has announced a Pilot Call for Proposals, inviting higher education institutions to design activities that will improve their entrepreneurial and innovation...

Erasmus+ Programme: Call for proposals 2021

The first call of the new Erasmus+ programme has been published. This call for proposals covers the following actions of the Erasmus+ Programme: Key Action 1 Learning mobility of individuals, Key Action 2 - Cooperation among organisations and institutions, and...

PUBLICATIONS

DAAD: digital teaching in the wake of the corona pandemic

Due to the Corona Virus university teachers all over the world were faced with the challenge of converting their face-to-face courses to virtual formats within a very short time. In order to learn more about the situation of teachers, the...

Maybe it will be different abroad: student and staff perspectives on diversity and inclusion in student exchanges

Allinson,K., Gabriels, W. (2021) Maybe it will be different abroad: Student and Staff Perspectives on Diversity and Inclusion in student exchanges. SIEM Research Report. Erasmus Student Network AISBL The cross-cutting objective of the SIEM (Social Inclusion and Engagement in Mobility)...

Learner relationships in global higher education

Killick, D., Foster, M. (2021) Learner Relationships in Global Higher Education. Routledge. Providing the academic community with a robust and highly practical insight into the importance of implementing relationship building into the learning environment and experiences of all students, underpinned...

The making of early career higher education researchers

Aarnikoivu, M., Brankovic, J. (2021) The Making of Early Career Higher Education Researchers. Internationalisation of Higher Education. This article draws attention to the value of informal scholarly communities for early-career researchers in higher education studies. To this end, it provides...

Citizenship and lifelong learning monitor 2020

Frank, A. (2021) Citizenship and Lifelong Learning Monitor 2020: Civic Competences and Lifelong Learning for the Green and Digital Transitions, Is Europe Ready? Solidar, Brussels. The Citizenship and Lifelong Learning Monitor 2020, released by SOLIDAR Foundation is a research report...

Education and elitism: challenges and opportunities

Hughes, C. (2021) Education and Elitism: Challenges and Opportunities. Routledge. Education and Elitism discusses polemical debates around; privilege, private schools, elitist universities, equal access to education, and underlying notions of fairness. The overarching question that runs through the book is...

Rethinking student-teacher relationships in higher education: a multidimensional approach

Tormey, R. (2021) Rethinking student-teacher relationships in higher education: a multidimensional approach. Higher Education. Student-teacher relationships play an important role in both teacher and student experiences in higher education and have been found to be linked to learning, classroom management,...

Public Funding Observatory 2020/2021: part 2

Bennetot Pruvot, E., Estermann T., Stoyanova, H. (2021). Public Funding Observatory 2020/2021: part 2. European University Association. The European University Association has published the second part of its annual Public Funding Observatory report, providing a detailed analysis of long-term university...

CONFERENCES

Events & Conferences

Conferences 4 May EPICURtalks: Teaching and Learning under the Conditions of Digitalisation and Digitality Online More info 6 May EUA-EUNIS webinar: Information security strategies for higher education institutions Online More info 7 May Implementing the Global Convention: An...

NEWS FROM ACA

Dr Kai takes up office as DAAD Secretary General on 1 April

The German Science Manager Dr Kai Sicks takes up the post as Secretary General of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) on 1st of April. He replaces Dr Dorothea Rüland, whose term of office at the world's largest academic exchange...

DAAD: Baltic science network mobility programme for research internships

The Baltic Science Network Mobility Programme for Research Internships (BARI) is aimed at scientists in the Baltic Sea region. It offers doctoral researchers from the fields of life sciences, photon and neutron science and welfare state the opportunity to recruit...

EDUFI: Third follow-up recap on the impact of Covid-19 on HE student mobility

EDUFI (Finish National Agency for Education) has continued collecting data on the impact of COVID-19 to outgoing and incoming student mobility to Finland during spring semester 2021. The recent study states that the Finnish higher education institutions also had to...

DZS: Third annual CZEDUCON conference to take place in June

Czeducon, forum on international higher education, will be held on June 15 – June 17, 2021. This third annual conference organised by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS), bearing the subtitle (Un)prepared for Change? was originally...

Two new DAAD Centres of Excellence in Africa

Two additional centres of excellence with a focus on resource management have been selected by the DAAD: “Promoting Academic Capacities for Sustainable Agricultural Resources Use in West Africa (Pro-RUWA)”, run by University Kassel, and “Sustainable Operations for Resource Management and...

DAAD promotes academic freedom and academic exchange

On occasion of the publication of the latest Academic Freedom Index (AFi), the DAAD calls on politics, science and society to stand up for more academic freedom in Germany and worldwide. The index of the Berlin think tank "The Global...

Last but not the least, STUDY IN ACAdemy visited Latin America

On 24 March, the STUDY in ACAdemy online marketing webinar series visited Latin America, a region Czech universities have identified as of high interest. Despite Zoom fatigue and COVID lockdown, the webinar was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 40+...

New frontiers for research on Erasmus+ staff mobility opened by new ACA study

The first exploratory study based on the survey data of mobile staff captured in Erasmus+ Participant Report was released jointly by ACA and nine Erasmus+ national agencies (see the list below). The study, covering the reference period 2014-2019, offers both...

Study in Europe Webinar Series and Online Community

Over 55 participants from the national agencies of 23 different countries took part in the first webinar of the Study in Europe 3 webinar series organized by ACA on March 19. The webinar aimed at taking stock of the impact...

ACA members report continued challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic

On Friday, 12 March, ACA convened a meeting of the Covid-19 Impact Thematic Peer Group (TPG). This TPG is a forum for ACA members which meets regularly to share the current state of affairs in their countries about the pandemic...

ACA launches new “Think Piece” series for 2021 on inclusion in IHE

Following 2020’s successful run of ACA’s “Think Pieces” series The World after COVID-19, exploring the consequences on the international higher education sector, ACA has launched a new series of reflections from thought leaders around Europe on the theme of inclusion in...

What’s new in Brussels? – Key takeaways

On the 4-5 March 2021, the Academic Cooperation Association hosted its first ever fully virtual European policy seminar“What’s New in Brussels? Recent developments in European policies and programmes.” The goal of the event was to offer a birds-eye overview of...

Czech Republic: MICHE national level report

The report “Institutional Level Recommendations for Enhancing Internationalisation in the Czech Republic” was released at the end of February 2021 under the framework of the Monitoring Internationalisation of Czech Higher Education (MICHE) project, the latter funded by the Ministry of...

EUROPEAN POLICY

What’s next for the European Universities Initiative?

As 41 European Universities are trialing their new ambitious partnerships, the European Commission is preparing for the roll-out of the European Universities Initiative (EUI) under the budgetary period 2021-2027. For this purpose, the Commission is engaging in a series of...

Parliament’s forthcoming report on the EEA

On 15 and 16 March, the European Parliament’s (EP) Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) held its firstexchange of views on the forthcoming own-initiative report "European Education Area: a shared holistic approachto education, skills and competences". This report is among...

Erasmus +: Launch of the new work programme and programme guide

On 25 March, the European Commission launched its much-awaited Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027. Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, presented the new Erasmus + programme and the Work Programme 2021. This has also marked the publication...

Preparations for Horizon Europe’s implementation

As Horizon Europe is just one step away from its formal adoption, pending the European Parliament’s approval of the Council’s position adopted on 16 March, the European Commission is preparing for its implementation. On 16 March, the Commission adopted its...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Socially responsive leadership in IHE post-pandemic

Institute of International Education’s (IIE) latest publication – Socially Responsive Leadership for Post-Pandemic International Higher Education: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Implications – discusses major challenges in the implementation of internationalisation activities in higher education institutions (HEIs) after the Covid-19 pandemic...

Ireland temporarily allows non-EEA graduates learning remotely to access work visas

Since 2017, third level graduates from non-EEA countries who have been awarded a degree from a recognised third level education institution in Ireland may remain in Ireland for a period after their studies for the purpose of seeking graduate-level employment....

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

The QS in partnership with Elsevier has launched the world university rankings by subjects in 2021 earlier this month. 1 440 universities across 85 locations, covering 51 subjects in total were included in this year’s QS subject ranking. Among all...

Finland: Working life diversity programme

The aim of the programme is to ensure that companies and organisations benefit from diversity and that immigrants are able to find employment matching their skills and advance in their careers. The programme is strongly linked with the Government’s objective...

Wales: New International Learning Exchange programme to replace Erasmus+

The Welsh Government has presented a new international learning exchange programme. It will enable learners and staff, both from Wales and those who come to study or work in Wales, to benefit from international exchanges in a similar way to...

OeAD: Additional funding for APPEAR, higher education cooperation programme

APPEAR is a joint programme of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and OeAD with the aim to implement its strategy for support of higher education and research for development on an academic institutional level in the ADA’s southern priority countries...

Australia: Borders remain closed for international students

Australia’s borders will be remained closed for international students until 17 June. Quarantine facilities provided by the Government are reserved for Australian citizens returning home and international students will not be able to make use of these until at least...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

Erasmus+ Programme: Call for proposals 2021

The first call of the new Erasmus+ programme has been published. This call for proposals covers the following actions of the Erasmus+ Programme: Key Action 1 Learning mobility of individuals, Key Action 2 - Cooperation among organisations and institutions, and...

PUBLICATIONS

Funding your research in Germany

An updated version of the DAAD brochure on funding opportunities for international researchers "Funding your research in Germany" has been published. The brochure presents a selection of funding programmes for German and foreign academics run by the most important research...

Future of Cooperation with the United Kingdom - Ten theses

The UK's withdrawal from the EU and the "Erasmus+" programme has profound implications for the international exchange and cooperation relations of German universities. The DAAD presents ten theses on how academic relations with partner institutions in Britain can be shaped...

Soft power in the European Union’s strategic partnership diplomacy: the Erasmus Plus programme

Ferreire-Pereira, L. and Mourato Pinto, J. (2021) Soft Power in the European Union’s Strategic Partnership Diplomacy: The Erasmus Plus Programme. In: Ferreira-Pereira L.C., Smith M. (eds) The European Union's Strategic Partnerships. The European Union in International Affairs. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham....

Women in higher education: has the female advantage put an end to gender inequalities?

UNESCO IESALC. (2021) Women in higher education: has the female advantage put an end to gender inequalities? UNESCO. Paris, France. In this report, UNESCO IESALC reviews some available global data on the topic of women in higher education, taking into...

Higher education's response to the Covid-19 pandemic

Council of Europe. (2021) Higher education's response to the Covid-19 pandemic - Building a more sustainable and democratic future. Council of Europe Higher Education Series No. 25. Public health was the immediate concern when the Covid-19 pandemic struck in Asia, then...

A global approach to research, innovation, education and youth

EUA. (2021) A global approach to research, innovation, education and youth. Brussels, Belgium. This EUA policy input aims to inform the upcoming European Commission Communication on a global approach to research, education, innovation and youth. Expected in April, the Communication...

Reimagining the higher education student

Brooks, R. and O´shea, R. (2021) Reimagining the Higher Education Student. Constructing and Contesting Identities. Routledge. Drawing on the perspectives of scholars and researchers from around the world, this book challenges dominant constructions of higher education students. Given the increasing...

Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through education abroad

The Forum of Education Abroad. (2021) Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through Education Abroad. Carlisle, USA. These guidelines serve to direct the education abroad sector toward social, economic, and environmental sustainability by connecting the Standards of Good Practice for...

Impact assessment for institutionalised European partnerships under Horizon Europe

European Commission. (2021) Impact assessment for institutionalised European partnerships under Horizon Europe. Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union. This Impact Assessment Study intends to assist with the preparation of the European Partnerships under Horizon Europe. Its primary objective is...

The quality evaluation and enhancement of UK transnational higher education provision 2021-22 to 2025-26

QAA. (2021) The Quality Evaluation and Enhancement of UK Transnational Higher Education Provision 2021-22 to 2025-26. Transnational education (TNE) is education delivered in a country other than the country in which the awarding institution is based. It can be delivered...

The science of citizen science

Vohland, K. et al. (2021). The Science of Citizen Science. Springer. Cham, Switerzland. This open access book discusses how the involvement of citizens into scientific endeavors is expected to contribute to solve the big challenges of our time, such as...

EUniQ pilot evaluations

The main aim of the EUniQ project is to develop and test a Framework for the Quality Assurance of European Universities. This Framework has been developed by the EUniQ project partners in consultation with European Universities. The Framework has been...

Approaches in learning and teaching to promoting equity and inclusion

EUA. (2021) Approaches in learning and teaching to promoting equity and inclusion. Brussels, Belgium. This 2020 EUA Learning & Teaching Thematic Peer Group paper explores how universities can best support inclusion and equity and accommodate the different backgrounds, needs and...

CONFERENCES

Events & Conferences

Conferences 8-9 April Applied Research International Conference on Education, Literature & Language London More info 13-14 April International higher education forum 2021: keeping higher education global Online More info 14- 20 April EARMA Digital conference Online More info...

NEWS FROM ACA

ACA’s upcoming Think Pieces – final Covid-19 reflection and NEW inclusion-focused series

In the spring of 2020, ACA quickly responded to the emerging global pandemic by publishing The World After COVID-19: ACA Think Pieces, a periodical series of reflections from European thought leaders in higher education internationalisation about the impact of the...

New trainee joining the ACA team

Aicha Hefiela joined ACA this month as a trainee. She contributes to research-based policy advice by preparing policy notes for each thematic peer group meeting. She also contributes to the dissemination of research-based knowledge to non-academic organisations through developing sensitisation...

New DAAD branch office in Colombia

The DAAD is strengthening its presence in South America. At the end of January 2021, a new DAAD branch office was opened in Colombia's capital Bogotá. The branch office also assumes regional responsibility for Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela. Germany is...

DZS: new initiative to promote international education programmes

DZS Ambassadors is a new initiative launched by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) to further promote opportunities for studying, volunteering, and working abroad. The ambassadors will share their first-hand experiences and knowledge to inspire and...

Movetia: a kit for greener mobility

In line with the “Developing greener mobility” publication (See ACA Newsletter – April 2020), Movetia’s Higher Education Division has developed a kit intended for international relations offices in higher education institutions with a view to promoting mobility and reducing CO2...

DAAD: new paper on sustainable mobility

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has just presented its working paper on “Sustainable Mobility”. This document formulates lines of action to adapt internationalisation of higher education to protect climate. It provides a framework of orientation for future mobility to...

DZS presents its sustainability strategy

DZS has prepared its first strategy for sustainability. Social responsibility has long been among DZS' top priorities as a crucial part of the organization's values, but they now aim to ensure that these principles are portrayed in their operations and activities...

ACA webinar on the future of European higher education cooperation with the UK

On 10 February 2021, ACA organised an internal webinar for member organisations to exchange with Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International (UUKi) on the future of cooperation in higher education and student mobility post-Brexit. This was an excellent opportunity to learn,...

Tell us how you engage with society!

We are currently mapping activities linking international aspects of higher education with society. We are interested to hear about all kinds of initiatives in different settings, varying from short-term projects to well established partnerships, both in education and research. To...

Towards needs-based support for mobile academics

ACA is looking for support to enhance assistance to mobile academics via a new study of personalised needs and experiences of international researchers and PhD students. As pre-announced in January (ACA Newsletter – January 2021), ACA has launched an online...

EUROPEAN POLICY

Council Resolution – new Strategic Framework for Education and Training 2030

On 18 February 2021, the Council of the European Union approved the new Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030). The framework sets 5 strategic priorities for...

Scotland and Wales may not remain in Erasmus+ after UK’s withdrawal

After nearly 150 Members of European Parliament signed an open letter to the European Commission asking them to identify an avenue though which Wales and Scotland could re-enter the Erasmus+ programme, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has determined...

EP CULT Committee meeting – February highlights

On 24 and 25 February the CULT Committee met and voted, amongst others, on a resolution asking for a stronger European Union digital education policy leading to an inclusive access to digital education across the Member States. The Resolution comes...

Launch of Horizon Europe and the first ERC calls

On 2 February, the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU officially launched the Horizon Europe programme. Equipped with a budget of ca. EUR 95 billion, the ninth European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) is guided by...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Digivision 2030: new Finnish digitalisation project

All Finnish higher education institutions jointly launched the Digivision 2030 project. In line with the Finnish common policies adopted for reforming continuous learning and with the strong support by the Ministry of Science and Culture, this project aims at restructuring...

Enhancing digital dimension of international HE – good practice from Switzerland

In a constantly changing world in the grip of a pandemic, new exchange formats have been developed and proposed within higher education institutions. Agility and innovation are at the very heart of this transition, founded on greater accessibility to inter-cultural...

Czech Republic: more international students, less short-term mobilities

With the global expansion of COVID-19 came the expectation of a negative impact that the pandemic is likely to have on the number of international students at Czech higher education institutions. However, the latest data from the Czech Ministry of...

Italy’s new government features new leadership in education & research

The President of the Italian Republic, Georgio Mattarella, appointed former Head of the European Investment Bank Mario Draghi as Prime Minister of Italy on the 13 February 2021. Draghi will lead a technocratic administration with broad national support in the...

Update of UK’s international education strategy

Earlier in February, the UK released a new International Education Strategy (IES). An update of the 2019 strategy was deemed necessary due to changed conditions - mainly COVID-19 and the consequences of the Brexit negotiations, which, on the UK’s insistence,...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

Work as an expert for the European Union

Work as an expert for the European Union The European Commission just published a call which invites interested professionals to register in the database of external experts. The European Union Institutions appoint external experts to assist in the evaluation of...

DZS: call for International Higher Education Experts

The Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) is launching a call for experts for the Monitoring Internationalisation of Czech Higher Education (MICHE) project. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, DZS has...

ERC Starting Grants

Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD and a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply for this opportunity. Applications can be made in any field of research, as the ERC's...

PUBLICATIONS

EU-UK relations after Brexit: what the deal means for universities

EUA (European Universities Association). (2021) Briefing: EU-UK relations after Brexit: what the deal means for universities. EUA. Brussels, Belgium. This briefing offers an overview of the implications that the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) coordinated by the EU and...

Reshaping International Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Nixon, P., P. Dennen, V., Rawal, R. (2021) Reshaping International Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Routledge. This volume provides a broad examination of how technology and globalisation have influenced contemporary higher education institutions and how moves towards internationalisation within...

Toward Greater Inclusion and Success: A New Compact for International Students

Glass, C., A. Godwin, K., Matross Helms, R., (2021). Toward Greater Inclusion and Success: A New Compact for International Students. American Council on Education. Washington, USA. This paper explores the imminent rise in international student enrolment to Higher Education Institutions...

The Impact of COVID-19 on Erasmus Mundus Programs: Student and Practitioner Voices

Schueller, J. & Colus, F. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Erasmus Mundus Programs: Student and Practitioner Voices. The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted international education across the globe, with many Erasmus programs postponed or interrupted. In Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree...

Third European Education Summit: Event report

European Commission. (2021) Third European Education Summit: Event report. Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union. This paper discusses the European commission adopted initiatives; the European Education Area Communication and the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027). This aims at; building...

Towards a European graduate tracking mechanism

European Commission. (2021). Towards a European graduate tracking mechanism. Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union. This report is published and disseminated within the Member States and other EEA countries, as well as to the relevant EU agencies. It is...

The Impact of Virtual Exchange on Student Learning in Higher Education

EVOLVE Project - EVOLVE Project Team (2021). The Impact of Virtual Exchange on Student Learning in Higher Education: EVOLVE Project Report. This report presents the findings of one of the studies carried out by the Erasmus+ KA3 project EVOLVE. Situated...

DAAD - Career booster experience abroad

DAAD. (2021). Die Bedeutung von Auslandserfahrung für den Karriereerfolg von Hochschulabsolventen auf dem deutschen Arbeitsmarkt. DAAD. Bonn, Germany. Exchange semesters, research stays, and internships abroad make it easier for university graduates to enter and advance in the German labour market....

The HSI Monitor 2019/2020 - Focus on digitalisation and internationalisation

The Higher Education Internationality (HSI) Monitor 2019/2020 presents current indicators, trends and diagrams on the internationalisation of German higher education institutions. The aim of the joint project of the DAAD, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), the German Research Foundation...

DAAD welcomes position paper of the German Council of Science and Humanities

The DAAD welcomes the position paper published by end of January 2021 by the German Council of Science and Humanities (WR) on impulses from the Corona crisis for the further development of the science system in Germany. The paper analyses...

CONFERENCES

Events & Conferences

ACA Events 4 - 5 March 2021 “What’s new in Brussels?” Online More information Online Events 2 March 2021 Webinar: Protecting universities’ data, staff, and students during digital transformation More information 2 March 2021 Erasmus Skills Webinars: The role of...

NEWS FROM ACA

CZELO will connect Czech institution with Europe

In February DZS (Czech National Agency for International Education and Research) will open Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research in Brussels (CZELO). The office will follow in the footsteps of the Czech Liaison Office for Research, Development and Innovation which has been...

DAAD fosters student exchange with Israeli start-ups

The programme, which is named ´New Kibbutz´, offers students of all academic backgrounds and types of higher education institutions in Germany around 50 scholarships for internships of 2-6 months in several start-ups in Israel. ´New Kibbutz´ will be funded with EUR...

New DZS Promotional Campaign

The new DZS Spot walks you through the world of international education. This clip showcases all areas of international education and cooperation DZS is involved in. The Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) isn’t just responsible for administration of Erasmus+ and...

Norway partners with ACE on COIL

American Council on Education (ACE) has joined forces with the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku) in order to strengthen the resilience of partnerships among their respective higher education institutions (HEIs) in the context of...

ACA kicks off new peer exchange platform for members

ACA’s most recent General Assembly in November 2020 saw the launch of five new fora created for members to have a space for in-depth discussion of specific issues highly relevant to the field of international higher education in the coming...

New dates for ACA’s “What’s New in Brussels?” – 4-5 March 2021

Since 2004, the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) has hosted a successful start-of-the-year European Policy Seminar (EPS) for colleagues working in the field of the internationalisation of higher education - What’s New In Brussels? Recent developments in European policies and programmes....

Farewell to Dr. Dorothea Rüland – Secretary General of DAAD

After ten years at the helm of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as its Secretary General, Dr. Dorothea Rüland will be retiring at the end of this month, following a culminating career of over four decades in international higher...

HARNO incorporates the Archimedes Foundation in Estonia

On 1 January 2021, the merger process behind the creation of the Estonian Education and Youth Authority (HARNO) was completed through the transfer of remaining activities – the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps agency – from the Archimedes Foundation,...

UniWellS – all set to probe into mobility support services challenges and needs

January has been a busy month for the UniWellS partners preparing the launch of a survey of mobile academics in Central-Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Validated through a series of focus groups and interviews earlier this month, this...

EUROPEAN POLICY

Portugal’s EU Presidency agenda for higher education

Following the EU Presidency’s takeover on 1 January (see ACA Newsletter-Education Europe, December 2020), Portugal has started its work under three main priorities: a European recovery boosted by green and digital transition, a strategic autonomy of Europe and the implementation of...

European Parliament’s CULT committee unanimously backs Erasmus+ provisional agreement

Votes from all 29 members of European Parliament’s (EP) CULT committee have confirmed on 11 January the provisional agreement on the upcoming Erasmus+ programme that the EP and Council negotiators reached in December 2020. The 2021-2027 programme is worth EUR 26...

UK update – no to Erasmus+, yes to Turing & search for creative solutions

At the end of December 2020 the news came that the UK and the EU failed to reach a compromise under the Withdrawal Agreement negotiations to secure UK’s participation in the Erasmus+ programme post-Brexit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced, contrary...

NATIONAL EDUCATION AND THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Norway builds strong partnerships with Eurasian universities

Fridtjof Nansens Institute published the report on the implementation of the Eurasia programme in 2015-2021. This programme is managed by ACA’s member, the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku). The portfolio of 62 projects,...

Germany – More international students, fewer international first-year students

According to the snapshot survey published by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the total number of international students in Germany rose from approximately 319,000 students in the winter semester 2019/20 to approximately 330,000 students in the current winter semester,...

Political & programme update from the Finnish Ministry of Education and EDUFI

On Thursday 17 December 2020, the President of the Republic appointed Member of Parliament Jussi Saramo as Minister of Education. Saramo is a member of Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) which currently comprises part of the coalition government led by Prime Minister...

Dramatic shift in U.S. international HE policy on day 1 of Biden presidency

U.S. Government policies regarding international higher education changed on the very first day of the new administration of President Joseph R. Biden. On 20 January 2021, President Biden repealed a controversial travel ban policy established by former President Trump that...

Movetia update: Strong commitment for Switzerland's association to Erasmus+

Switzerland's association to the new generation of the Erasmus+ programme is strongly advocated by key stakeholders. Swiss parliament bodies such as the Foreign Affairs Committees and the Science, Education and Culture Committees as well as the Swiss Conference of Cantonal...

German support to the European Universities initiative - second round

In January, 25 German higher education institutions (HEI) were selected for the second round of the German national support programme for the EU initiative "European Universities". With the national accompanying programme "European University Networks (EUN) - national initiative", the German...

PUBLIC TENDERS AND CALLS FOR PROPOSALS IN THE EU

Bologna Hub Peer Support project – Call for Higher Education Institutions

The project Bologna Hub Peer Support, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aims at fostering the implementation of the Bologna key commitments at higher education institutions (HEI) throughout the European Higher Education...

PUBLICATIONS

Tackling racial harassment in higher education

Universities UK. (2020) Tackling racial harassment in higher education. November 2020. Universities UK. This report is a new set of recommendations designed to decisively tackle racial harassment as part of efforts to address racial inequality in UK higher education. The...

Eurydice - National Student Fee and Support Systems in European Higher Education

Eurydice. (2020). National Student Fee and Support Systems in European Higher Education 2020/21. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. This report presents a comparative overview of the main features of national student fee and financial support systems in European...

Reimagining Academic Career Assessment: Stories of innovation and change

Saenen, Bregt et al. (2021) Reimagining Academic Career Assessment: Stories of innovation and change. European Universities Association. This report and the accompanying online repository bring together and analyse case studies in responsible academic career assessment. Gathered by EUA, together with...

New DAAD impulse paper on German-Russian academic cooperation

DAAD. (2020). New DAAD impulse paper on German-Russian academic cooperation. DAAD, Bonn. With the impulse paper "The German-Russian Roadmap: Potentials - Challenges - Cooperation Experiences", the DAAD compiles and evaluates experiences from different scientific disciplines and looks at the framework...

Facts and Figures on the academic mobility in Germany and worldwide

DAAD. (2020). Facts and Figures on the academic mobility in Germany and worldwide. DAAD, Bonn. The research paper “Wissenschaft weltoffen” - a central source of information on student and researcher mobility - is now available in English. In five chapters,...

The added value of internationalisation in vocational and higher education

Kommers, S., Jan Hobbes, H., van Gaalen, Adinda. (2020) The added value of internationalisation in vocational and higher education. Nuffic. The Hague. This analysis presents an overview of studies currently being conducted on the added value of internationalisation in vocational...

CONFERENCES

Events & Conferences

ACA Events 4 - 5 March 2021 “What’s new in Brussels?” Online More information 22 April 2021 Innovation through internationalisation. How international cooperation and mobility foster innovation in higher education Zürich, Switzerland More information Conferences 4 February 2021 Progressing...