For students

The core of ECIU University is a challenge-based approach – a model where students, teachers, and researchers collaborate with businesses and society to solve real-world challenges.

Why should you participate in ECIU University?

Gain international experience

Get the opportunity to study at various European universities in the way that suits you. Go on an exchange for a semester, meet up for a few days, or participate online.

Collaborate with businesses and organisations

Work together and expand your network within the private, public, or non-profit sectors.

Make a real difference

Gain first-hand experience and the opportunity to contribute to real societal change.

What is Challenge Based Learning?

At ECIU University, a challenge-based model called Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is used. CBL is a student-driven approach, where students take responsibility for their challenge, define the problems they want to work on, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to solve the challenge. Teachers guide and facilitate the team culture, help students manage the tasks, and enable them to develop innovative thinking.

CBL model for ECIU
CBL model for ECIU

How does ECIU University work?

Built on challenges and shorter courses

One or more challenges in the form of real-world problems are provided by business and public partners (such as cities, regions, etc.) and address issues that are important for achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Students work in international and interdisciplinary teams, alongside a team facilitator (known as a "teamcher"). The team explores the challenge and proposes solutions that may then be implemented in practice.

A shorter course
, or micro-modules as they are called within ECIU University, includes both digital components and possibly a physical component that can provide additional skills in a specific area, such as foreign languages, artificial intelligence, or sustainable urban development.

Challenges and micro-modules vary in length, from 1-2 days to an entire semester. Many challenges offer university credits (ECTS), and micro-modules can provide between 1 and 15 ECTS. All ECIU courses (micro-modules and challenges) that offer credits are recognised as higher education. Whether these can be included in your study programme must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, just like other courses taken outside your study programme.

What challenges and shorter courses are available?

All active challenges and shorter courses (micro-modules) are available on the ECIU website.
Read more: ECIU challenges and micro-modules

How do I apply to ECIU University?

You need to be a registered student at LiU to apply for a challenge or micro-module. All applications are made through the ECIU University website, where you will also need to create an account.

Can I receive a scholarship?

You can receive a scholarship in two different ways: either through ECIU centrally if you go on a short exchange (maximum five days) or through Erasmus+ if you go on a longer exchange. The amount of the scholarship depends on your destination and the number of days you are away.

Get in touch!

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ECIU@LiU

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You can stay updated by subscribing to receive ECIU University’s newsletter, which is sent out regularly.

Read more: ECIU University newsletter

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