BOUNDLESS EDUCATION: CUAS JOINS "EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY" ALLIANCE
The Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) is making history! In 2024, the university was accepted into the prestigious “European University” alliance, receiving funding of approximately 2.2 million euros. This membership strengthens Carinthia as an international educational hub, opening up new opportunities for both students and businesses in the region.
A MILESTONE FOR THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE UNIVERSITY
The designation as a “European University” under the European Commission’s “European Universities Initiative” brings new international possibilities to CUAS and the entire region. This initiative aims to foster sustainable and strategic cooperation among higher education institutions to transform the European Higher Education Area and develop cross-border solutions to societal challenges. CUAS is now a central part of the consortium "Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial, and Engaged European University" (ACE²A-EU). This alliance unites universities from nine European countries, including Portugal, Lithuania, and Spain, promoting cross-border collaboration. Together, they connect over 56,000 students, 3,200 staff members, and 29 research centers. This international exchange promotes knowledge transfer and creates a platform for innovative research and educational approaches to address global challenges.
BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS: STUDYING WITHOUT BORDERS
Students at CUAS benefit significantly from this new partnership: access to eight other European universities enables them to earn credits across borders, complete internships abroad, and connect with international peers. This makes their studies more flexible and international. Additionally, students can access exclusive research resources and programs from partner universities to enhance their education with valuable experiences that will benefit them in the global job market.
The ACE²A-EU alliance brings together universities from across Europe, including:
- Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Portugal
- Constantin Brâncusi University of Târgu Jiu, Romania
- Goce Delčev University, North Macedonia
- Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania
- Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV-Madrid), Spain
- Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
- Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
In addition to offering opportunities for students to go abroad, the project also aims to attract a significant number of students to Carinthia. Over the next four years, around 9,000 students are expected to participate in exchange programs.
A DRIVER OF ECONOMIC AND INNOVATION GROWTH FOR CARINTHIA
The European University alliance strengthens not only the educational landscape but also the economy and innovation potential of the region. With 2.2 million euros in funding, CUAS will drive targeted innovation projects in research and entrepreneurship. This is a win for the local economy and companies seeking highly skilled professionals and collaboration opportunities.
THE FUTURE IS INTERNATIONAL - AND CARINTHIA IS PART OF IT
With its acceptance into the European University alliance, CUAS proves that it is not only an educational hotspot for Carinthia but also a significant player in the international higher education space. The resulting opportunities – from new study options to economic growth – make the Carinthia region particularly attractive for international students and companies alike.