International Peer Learning Activity: “Comprehensive Policy for Comprehensive Internationalisation”

28 April 2026, 9:30 - 17:00

UAS Technikum Wien, Höchstädtplatz 6, 1200 Vienna

The Peer Learning Activity “Comprehensive Policy for Comprehensive Internationalisation” gathered participants from the BFUG Working Group on Internationalisation and Mobility as well as participants representing national higher education institutions (HEIs).

Internationalisation and mobility have been overarching and cross-sectional topics of EHEA discussions since its inception, with interdependences and links to policy discussions in learning and teaching, social dimension, quality and quality assurance and building trust between national HE systems. A strong focus on domestic learners and supporting them in acquiring international and intercultural competences has led to an emphasis on outgoing mobility. More recently, demographic and economic developments draw attention to internationalisation through attracting incoming (degree) mobile students but also questions of balanced mobility between countries.

At the same time, higher education institutions are encouraged to intensify (international) cooperation, while competing for funding and domestic as well as foreign students. Public funding for higher education stagnates in many higher education systems despite national policies demanding more action from HEIs in implementing them.

This PLA provided room for discussion in these areas of tension between cooperation and competition as well as diminishing resources and requirements for action. The following topics were addressed:

• Balanced mobility with preliminary results of the EU Study on Balanced and Inclusive Learning Mobility
• Degree mobility and labour market considerations
• Activities to support the implementation of the Austrian National Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy for Higher Education (HMIS2030)
• Implementation of national policies on the institutional level