UNWE Achieved a Record Number of Mobilities for the Academic Year 2024/2025 and Increased Interest in International Educational Opportunities
The UNWE reports extremely successful implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme during the last project period. For the first time in the history of the University, the number of mobilities implemented exceeded those initially approved within the project – 235 mobilities implemented compared to 220 planned. It is a clear evidence of the academic community's growing interest in international educational opportunities according to the UNWE Vice-Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov.
A total of 126 students took advantage of the Erasmus+ Program, 72 of them studying at foreign universities and 54 doing internships in an international environment. This highlights the students' desire to gain experience in both academic and professional environments. Particularly impressive is the activity of Doctoral students – 22 participants took part in short-term mobility programmes lasting between 5 and 30 days. This is a relatively new format within the programme which enables young researchers to establish scientific contacts and work on joint projects with partner universities.
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| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, and the Director of the International Affairs Directorate Dr. Milen Markov /from the left tothe right/ together with the Directorate team |
A total of 109 teaching and staff mobilities were implemented grouped as follows:
- 66 teaching mobilities, including 50 places initially approved – a clear sign of the increased interest of teaching staff in international cooperation and exchange of good practices;
- 43 staff mobilities for training purposes, including 40 planned – an indicator of the growing desire of administrative and academic staff to develop professionally in an international context.
Over the academic year 2024–2025 the UNWE has become increasingly attractive to students from other universities and their number has increased to 238 incoming students, of whom 110 has participated in long-term mobility /for one semester or for the entire academic year/, and 128 - in short-term mobility, which confirms the University's role as a preferred partner among the European higher education institutions. The University hosted and organized a mixed intensive programme with participants from nine universities, partners in the ENGAGE.EU initiative – an evidence of its active international engagement.
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"Achieving more mobility than planned is not only an achievement but also an evidence of the successful coordination of the Erasmus+ Programme. The increased interest among undergraduates, Doctoral students, lecturers and staff shows that the international opportunities are perceived as a valuable tool for personal and professional development", emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov.
"These results not only confirm the UNWE's position as an active participant in the European educational space, but also outline the potential for even broader participation in future project cycles. The successful implementation of the mobility programmes creates new horizons for the University and opens doors for expanded partnerships with higher education institutions in Europe and beyond", outlined the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.
For the academic year 2025–2026 our university has clear and ambitious objectives for the Erasmus+ Programme:
- 130 mobilities for undergraduates and Doctoral students with a focus on increasing the participation of Doctoral students. Such activity has a direct positive impact on the University's research activities and ranking.
- 55 teaching mobilities and 45 staff training mobilities. During February 2025 all teaching and administrative mobility places were filled through an internal competition, which shows an exceptional interest and commitment.
UNWE plans to use the Programme as a tool for creating innovative curricula, including double degree programmes, as well as joint Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes with European partner universities. This will expand the academic opportunities for students and enhance the University's international visibility and competitiveness.
The academic year 2024–2025 ended successfully within the Erasmus+ Programme, both in terms of the number of mobilities implemented and the increased participation of all target groups. With the planned expansions and new initiatives, our university continues confidently on its path to establishing itself as a leading international academic partner and an engine of innovation in the education.
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About the Student Mobility
There are two types of mobility: mobility for study purposes and mobility for practical purposes.
Student mobility for study purposes lasts one semester or more/(from 3 to 12 months/ and takes place at a partner university in the European Union or outside it. The UNWE's partner universities can be seen HERE. To find the most suitable programme or university for you, it is a good idea to consider the following in advance:
- the training programmes offered by the partner university and how closely they match your study programme at the UNWE;
- the language of teaching at the host institution.
One of the biggest advantages of student learning mobility is that it gives the opportunity to gain experience from another country, another university and way of studying, a different culture, and all without paying a tuition fee at the host institution. You continue to be a student of the UNWE, and after your return the credits received by you in the relevant subjects will be recognized by our university.
For students willing to acquire new skills and professional knowledge we recommend applying for student mobility for practical purposes. To take advantage of this opportunity you must state your interest and strictly follow the instructions given to you by the employees from the UNWE Mobility Division, International Affairs Directorate. The permissible duration of student mobility for the purpose of practice can vary between 2 and 12 months.
The Erasmus+ Programme provides financial support to enable students to acquire innovative knowledge, new skills and intercultural experiences that could be invaluable when applying for a job.
If all of this sounds good to you, but you don't know where to start, please:
Step 1: Read the information about the Erasmus+ Programme on the UNWE website.
Step 2: Check if you are eligible for student mobility for study purposes or student mobility for practical purposes.
Step 3: Follow the guidelines and deadlines and apply with the necessary documents at:
Incoming Students, e-mail: [email protected]
Outgoing students, staff mobility, e-mail: [email protected]
International Credit Mobility /KA171/, e-mail: [email protected]
