STARS EU launches new BIP offering to promote European academic mobility and collaboration

A group of students during the BIP Local Markets event held at the Polytechnic University of Braganza (Portugal).

STARS EU is announcing part of its academic offer for the 2025/2026 year, with the launch of 13 Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) – short training courses combining virtual learning with in-person teaching that foster innovative, collaborative learning in an international context. This edition includes highly topical themes such as generative artificial intelligence, sustainable architectural design, mobile programming, emotional education, and the development of video games linked to cultural heritage.

Targeted at both students and teaching and research staff from the alliance – as well as from other universities – the BIPs are organised by various partner institutions and aligned with STARS EU’s priority areas (Digital Transformation and Social Value and Well-Being). The programmes will take place between October 2025 and June 2026.

The search functionality for BIPs (Blended Intensive Programmes) within the STARS EU website has been optimised to enhance user experience. With the introduction of specific filters—such as organising university, subject area, delivery mode, and target group—users can now access the academic offer more easily and efficiently. This improved system enables students and staff to quickly identify and select the programmes that best match their interests and academic goals.

Students at one of the activities organized at the BIP Future LabCamp, hosted by the Krakow University of Technology (Poland).The academic offer for students includes programmes such as Climate Responsive and Sustainable Building Design, focusing on sustainable architectural solutions and energy strategies; Digital Manufacturing, which promotes hands-on learning using digital manufacturing tools; and Game Development with VR & AR, centred on creative experiences in the development of virtual environments with a local and social approach.

Virtual reality, mobile tech and video games

Other offerings include Heritage in Video Games, aimed at the creation of educational games that interpret local cultural heritage; Game Development with VR & AR, which explores the creative development of immersive experiences using virtual and augmented reality technologies; and Mobile Programming and Technologies, focused on mobile apps for Android/iOS, data security, and programming with Flutter.

Family photo of the BIP on health developed at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands).

Students from the BIP Smart Grids event held at the University of La Laguna (Spain).

In the area of social value and well-being, students will be able to explore two different domains. On one hand, Emotional Education, a programme addressing emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and practical strategies such as dance, music, and virtual reality. On the other, Theories in Translator Training, a BIP through which participants will learn about translation and intercultural interpreting, with a strong focus on critical text analysis.

Focusing more on business, the new programme also includes Business Simulation and Financial Analysis – business simulation and financial analysis, including the preparation of strategic reports – and Management Decisions and Business Simulation, a training course on strategic decision-making in areas such as marketing, finance, and human resources.

AI and knowledge transfer

Among the programmes aimed at academic staff are BIPs such as Critical Thinking in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence, focused on critical thinking, the foundations of AI, and its ethical implications; Job It Up! aimed at employability, personal development, and transversal skills; and Knowledge Transfer Academy, which explores the role of universities in innovation and technology transfer to society.

Students at the BIP Doing Business in Europe workshops held at the Bremen University of Applied Sciences (Germany).

The programmes offer between 3 and 6 ECTS credits and allow participants to apply for Erasmus+ funding to cover travel and accommodation costs. This format reinforces the alliance’s commitment to a more inclusive, accessible higher education system that is closely aligned with the challenges of the 21st century, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the alliance, “BIPs are a strategic opportunity to promote interdisciplinary learning and strengthen the bonds between our university communities.” With this new edition, STARS EU reinforces its commitment to education that combines academic excellence with pedagogical innovation and social impact.

Interested individuals can find full information and registration contacts at starseu.org/upcoming-bips/.