Federal Council decides CEEPUS extension: new opportunities for students!
Federal Council decides CEEPUS extension: new opportunities for students!
On April 10, 2025, the Federal Council unanimously voted for the extension of the Central European Exchange Programs for University Studies (CEEPUS). This significant program promotes the exchange of students, teachers and administrative staff between Austrian universities and universities in Central, East and Southeast Europe. The existing Convention, Ceepus-III, expires at the end of April and will be replaced by Ceepus-IV from May 1, 2025. For the years 2025 to 2029, around 4.78 million euros are planned for CEEPUS, such as OTS
The network, which is strengthened by CEEPUS, combines teachers and students in the fields of basic and applied sciences. One focus is on MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology), of which 60 % of all Ceepus scholarships are awarded. In addition, 53 % of the scholarships go to women, which promotes gender equality in the university area. The Member States alongside Austria include Albania, Romania, Serbia and Hungary
goals and interdisciplinarity of the program
CEEPUS pursues the goal of promoting knowledge exchange and division of experience among the participating countries. According to ceepus.info it should also be about developing innovative research approaches, especially in agriculture in order to reduce pollution. The main motivation of the network is the development of environmentally friendly solutions to combat pests and diseases, through the use of plant -based pesticides that are obtained from waste.
In Ceepus programs at partner universities,students can study abroad or do internships, which supports the mobility of students in all fields and study cycles. Flexible time management also enables this for short -term stays. These aspects are similar to the goals that are defined in the mobility projects of the Erasmus program, such as erasmus+ describes.
The mobility campaign also promotes the integration of employees in the university sector and contributes to the creation of a European educational area that has global reach and strengthens social inclusion and civic Engagement. Universities are asked to introduce environmentally friendly procedures and to promote digital administrations.
improvements in transport policy
In addition to the CEEPUS decisions, the Federal Council also voted to amend a European Convention on the work of the driving personnel employed in international road traffic (AETR). These adjustments should be the steering and rest periods for cross-border professional drivers: modernize inside and increase traffic safety. Minister Minister Peter Hanke emphasized the relevance of climate neutrality in transport policy. A ratification of the border contract with Liechtenstein, which affects an area of 239 square meters in the area of the Egelsee, was also decided to cope with the challenges of the modern border situation.The initiatives show how international cooperation and research focuses on both the university area and transport policy can be improved. Barbara Holzleitner, Minister of Science, emphasized the central role of CEEPUS for scientific cohesion in Europe, pointing out the need for continuous and sustainable mobility.
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| Ort | Egelsee, Österreich |
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