The development of internationalization in Polish higher education institutions is currently a priority for every university. One of the most effective ways to accelerate this process is through close cooperation with foreign academic centres, by forming a joint European University. The University of Economics in Katowice (UEKat), fully aware of this need and the opportunities that participation in such an alliance provides, took on this challenge and, together with nine other universities, obtained the status of a European University within the BAUHAUS4EU alliance last year. This international initiative takes a comprehensive approach to fostering a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and culturally enriching future through education, combining local traditions with global challenges. However, the consortium — as a multifaceted platform for collaboration — requires support and the implementation of additional activities to ensure lasting, integrated cooperation among partners. This project comprises a package of synergistic and complementary actions that will enhance our University's institutional capacity and international cooperation potential, thereby contributing to the development of the Alliance.

The following initiatives are planned:

1. Intensifying student mobility, particularly through international internships;

2. Developing and strengthening staff competences through training for academic teachers and administrative staff, and job shadowing, Staff Week;

3. Supporting doctoral students;

4. Building long-lasting, integrated project teams within horizontally structured work packages;

5. Strengthening the University’s and the Alliance’s presence on the international education market, through participation in the EAIE conference and international education fairs in Azerbaijan.

The activities planned in the project are intended for a broad group of beneficiaries, including students, doctoral candidates, and staff members from all partner institutions within the alliance. All activities will be implemented in accordance with horizontal policy principles, with a focus on increasing accessibility for persons with special needs — including ensuring architectural accessibility, promoting gender equality and non-discrimination, and applying environmentally friendly solutions (e.g., energy efficiency).

The project "UEKat in BAUHAUS4EU – developing the University’s potential for a European University for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive regions" is financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the "Support for European Universities" program, with a total budget of PLN 967,602.00.

Project implementation period: 1 October 2025 – 31 May 2027
Implementing unit: Internationalization Office