What is a BIP

  • Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) is a new format of Erasmus+ mobility (under the KA131 call).
  • Every BIP combines online teaching with a short period of physical mobility (usually of five days duration).
  • By combining online sessions with a short trip for face-to-face teaching, this innovative format opens up opportunities for international study to new groups of students.
  • Each BIP is developed, organized, and taught by academics at three partner universities (see the regulation below).
  • BIPs should involve existing courses and operate as COILs or introduce new courses that deal with global challenges. The latter demands the interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration of students and academics.
  • BIPs can be organized for students and staff; they refer to all the study cycles.
  • BIPs are rigorous academic teaching modules recognized by the European Commission.
  • BIP corresponds to at least 3 and up to 6 ECTS credits; the participants will receive a certificate showing this.
  • Recognition of these ECTS credits as part of your study programme depends on the policies and procedures of each member university.
  • When you spot a BIP that interests you, contact your home department’s study counselor, academic advisor, or international coordinator. Your eligibility to participate and receive Erasmus+ funding depends on local and European rules.
  • A bilateral agreement between the BIP Institution and a learning agreement should be signed, and the Erasmus+ paperwork with your home university should be completed.
  • Participating students will receive a mobility grant of 73 EUR per day of physical mobility (5 days).

Rules about BIPs

  • Read the HMU rules on how to organize and participate in a Blended Intensive Program – click here.
  • Read the European Commission manual for BIPs – click here.

Frequent Asked Questions for BIPs

Q1: am I eligible to attend a BIP?

To be eligible, participants must be enrolled at their home university at the time of application and throughout the course delivery. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for the BIP because of your status at your home university (part-time or exchange students, etc), please check with your home university’s website or International Office.

Q2: How do I apply? What are the steps after I have been selected?

  1. As soon as you spot a BIP that interests you, contact your programme coordinator at your home university to check whether this can be part of your study programme.
  2. You will be notified of the outcome of your application at the latest one month after the student’s application submission deadline (nomination).
  3. Sign a learning agreement and complete the Erasmus+ paperwork with your home university. Your home institution’s International Office will contact you with details of the required processes and documentation for your funding, including the signature of your Grant Agreement and insurance.

Q3: I have received a number of ECTS credits from a completed course. Can they be recognized and how?

Recognition of the acquired ECTS credits as part of your study programme depends on the policies and procedures of each member university. Please contact your home institution’s International Office, which will provide this information to you.

Q4: What happens with the ECTS credits if I do not finish the BIP?

If the course is not completed (i.e. completion of all aspects of the course – attendance, assessment, or participation in mobility), then ECTS will not be awarded.

 

Useful links to find an available BIP