BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME BIP

Blended intensive programmes (BIPs)

BIPs are short, intensive programmes that use innovative ways of learning and teaching, including the use of online cooperation. The programmes may include challenge based learning where transnational and transdisciplinary teams work together to tackle challenges. The intensive programme should have added value compared to existing courses or trainings offered by the participating HEIs and can be multiannual. By enabling new and more flexible mobility formats that combine physical mobility with a virtual part, blended intensive programmes aim at reaching all types of students from all backgrounds, study fields and cycles.

Groups of higher education institutions will have the opportunity to organise short blended intensive programmes of learning, teaching and training for students and staff. During these blended intensive programmes, groups of students or staff as learners will undertake a short-term physical mobility abroad combined with a compulsory virtual component facilitating collaborative online learning exchange and teamwork. The virtual component must bring the learners together online to work collectively and simultaneously on specific assignments that are integrated in the blended intensive programme and count towards the overall learning outcomes.

BIPs are developed and implemented by at least three higher education institutions (HEIs) coming from at least three EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme (called a blended intensive programme partnership). The duration of the physical component is between 5 and 30 days, but there is no limitation on the duration of the virtual component. For full eligibility criteria please refer to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. 

Within each blended intensive programme partnership there must be one coordinating HEI and receiving HEI (typically the same HEI combining the coordinating and receiving role) and minimum two partner HEIs. A coordinating HEI can be a sending or receiving organisation in a mobility activity. Blended intensive programmes can be open to students and staff from sending higher education institutions outside the partnership, but the receiving HEI must be one of the partnership organisations. The participating HEIs must hold a valid ECHE.

The following mobility activity types can be organised to take part in a blended intensive programme:

• Student mobility for studies
• Staff mobility for teaching
• Staff mobility for training