Study abroad from home with the Virtual Exchange Credit Programme from Unite!

The European university Alliance Unite! offers students at the University of Lisbon an innovative opportunity for academic internationalisation through the Virtual Exchange Credit Programme (VECP). This exchange programme allows students to take online courses, while earning academic credits without the need for dislocation abroad in partner international universities.

VECP allows students enrolled at University of Lisbon online courses offered by partner universities within Unite!’s network, earning academic credits and enriching their academic journey with an international dimension, all without having to physically travel abroad.

The programme was created in July 2020 in response to academic mobility challenges and aims to:

increase virtual mobility of students between partner universities;
promote academic inclusion regardless of the geographic or economic situation of the students;
support the academic paths of international students;
facilitate access to specialised knowledge through innovative online courses;

In addition to providing a flexible alternative to the traditional mobility, VECP is described as a complement that can enrich the academic experience and prepare students for future opportunities for mobility.

How it works

Students remain enrolled at University of Lisbon, by selecting one or more open virtual courses from the Unite! course catalogue, which currently includes subjects in areas such as, project management in software engineering, microcontroller design laboratories, intercultural competence, and language and cultural courses. Credits earned can be recognised in the study plan, subject to prior approval from the relevant university or academic department.

Registration and credits recognition

Participation is open to all students at the University of Lisbon that wish to include international experience in their academic curriculum. Before signing up, it is recommended that students consult the possibility of ECTS credit recognition in their study programme, with their academic or mobility office.

An international experience from home

VECP represents an accessible, flexible and global way of internationalising the academic background, amplifying horizons and promoting intercultural, linguistic and technical skills, without the need for dislocation.

For more information about VECP and how to apply, consult Unite!’s courses catalogue available online.

Source: Unite!