EU4Dual is entering a new phase as the alliance prepares to put its European Dual Higher Education models into wider use. In 2027–2028, the focus will shift from building shared structures to implementing joint education, research and cooperation models across Europe.

During its first four years of operation (2023–2026), the EU4Dual alliance has become a leading European alliance in Dual Higher Education. The alliance has developed joint programmes, research and innovation models, quality tools and international mobility opportunities that strengthen students’ employability and respond to Europe’s skills needs.

EU4Dual brings together nine higher education institutions from nine European countries. Its work is built around the Dual Higher Education (DHE) model, which combines academic learning with structured, ECTS-credited workplace learning and shared quality criteria.

A common European framework for Dual Higher Education

One of EU4Dual’s key achievements is the DHE Framework, which sets out shared quality criteria for dual programmes. The framework has been developed through comparative work across nine national systems and provides common guidance for programme design, work-integrated learning, assessment and recognition.

The framework is already being applied in EU4Dual’s joint programmes. It also forms the basis for the DHE Quality Label, a European wide quality label being developed for dual higher education provision.

Joint master’s programmes and continuous learning

The alliance has developed two joint master’s programmes that have already been accredited and are scheduled to start in 2027

• Joint Dual Master’s (JDM) in Digital and Sustainable Manufacturing Engineering
• JDM in Green Economy and Sustainable Future (coordinated by Savonia)

Two additional programmes are also in development: JDM in Healthy Living and Integrated Health in Modern Societies, with further information to be published next year, and JDM in Project Management for a Digital, Interconnected and Sustainable Industry. The programmes have been designed together with industrial partners, and at least 20% of the studies will be completed through work-integrated learning.

Alongside degree education, EU4Dual has built a broad offering for continuous learning. The alliance’s catalogue already includes 340 micro-credentials and five learning pathways.

New structures for research collaboration and doctoral pathways

In research and innovation, EU4Dual has built collaboration around the themes of future of work, green economy, and health and well-being. During the first four years, partner institutions submitted 44 joint research project applications, of which 12 have been funded so far.

In the next phase, this work will be strengthened through Knowledge Valorisation Hubs. The hubs will connect education, research and workplace partnerships more closely around regional and international development needs. The first six hubs will be launched in 2027–2028.

The same aim is supported by EU4Dual’s Joint Dual PhD model, which links doctoral research with international mobility, workplace collaboration and innovation-driven research. The first pilots will be launched in 2027/2028.

International experiences for students and staff

EU4Dual has developed the iDual mobility model, which offers students and staff international opportunities for studies, traineeships, entrepreneurship and research collaboration. In 2023–2026, 968 students and 373 staff members gained international mobility experience.

International opportunities are further strengthened by the recently signed Double Degree agreement in Tourism between Savonia and FH Joanneum, the alliance’s Young Researcher Schools, and entrepreneurship exchanges where students can develop their business ideas in an international innovation environment.

A strong foundation for the 2027–2028 extension period

To date, EU4Dual has built a shared framework for dual higher education, developed new degree programmes and learning opportunities, and created a strong foundation for European research and industry collaboration. With funding secured for 2027–2028, the focus will shift towards wider implementation of the solutions developed and increasing their impact across Europe.

This foundation has also been reinforced by the establishment of the EUDUAL University Association AISBL, a permanent European legal entity created to support the alliance’s long-term development and continuity beyond the initial project period.

For Savonia, EU4Dual strengthens its role as an impactful university of applied sciences, connecting regional development with European higher education collaboration. More information about Savonia’s EU4Dual work and the opportunities offered by the alliance is available on the new website: EU4Dual.savonia.fi.

Article has been previously published in finnish.

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Authors

Miia Kaartinen, EU4Dual Project Manager, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

This article was prepared with the help of AI.