Who we are
UP University alliance is a European University, a network of 11 universities, offering education, research and knowledge sharing. We are all strongly rooted in our regional ecosystems and united in our ambition to contribute to a strong Europe.
We are driven by the mindset of Responsible living for the next generations. Our goal is to help people, organisations and society make informed decisions to protect the planet, support wellbeing and social fairness, while fostering economic prosperity.
Members
UP University stands as a collaborative alliance comprising 11 strategically positioned universities and universities of applied sciences in mid-sized, non-capital cities across Europe. The UP consortium partners support over 125,000 learners per year, with numbers ranging from 3,000 to 30,000 across individual institutions. Together, we offer a full range of programmes from associate degree up to bachelor, master and PhD, in 13 different languages in addition to English.
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences – Belgium
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences is a forward-looking centre of expertise in education, research and development. As one of Belgium’s leading universities of applied sciences, we welcome more than 16,000 students in practice-oriented Associate Degree and Bachelor programmes across our five expertise domains: Business & Management, Communication, Media & Design, Education, and People & Society.
FH Münster – University of Applied Sciences
FH Münster is one of Germany’s largest universities of applied sciences, we educate around 15,000 students in over 100 Bachelor’s and Master’s programs across twelve departments. As the first system-accredited UAS, we combine practice-oriented teaching with strong, interdisciplinary research that drives innovation regionally, nationally and internationally.
HAN University of Applied Sciences
HAN has 12 schools. The degree programs, research teams and professional field join forces to tackle a range of social issues. By working together in schools, we offer our students the best of the best. The world faces great challenges. At HAN, we enjoy taking on these challenges. We are changemakers; every day we develop solutions that contribute to a smart, green and social future. How are you making a difference?
IMC Krems
IMC Krems is an Austrian University of Applied Sciences with a strong national and international reputation. The university offers innovative degree programmes focusing on business, health sciences and science & technology. IMC Krems provides practice-oriented education, preparing graduates for key roles, and conducts applied, future-focused research that delivers innovative solutions for the economy and society worldwide.
Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk)
Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) is a multidisciplinary and international higher education community of 10,000 students and approximately 500 employees. Our close cooperation with companies and communities creates the basis for our students’ high-level and up-to-date competence. The cornerstones of our operations are transparency, sustainability, and effectiveness. The focus areas of our research, development and innovation activities are low-carbon initiatives, digital solutions, and business development.
University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC)
UVic-UCC is a public service–oriented university with a strong international outlook, based in Catalonia (Spain). With more than 14,000 students enrolled in official degree programmes, the university carries out teaching, research and knowledge transfer activities across four campuses. UVic-UCC offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes. Its educational model is based on teaching innovation, personalised learning, multilingual and inclusive education, and close collaboration with companies and institutions. Research at UVic-UCC is grounded in an interdisciplinary approach focused on social, regional and international impact, and closely linked to knowledge transfer and collaboration with society.
University of Bacău (UBc)
“Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău (UBc) is a medium-sized public higher education institution in Romania, founded in 1961. It enrols around 5,000 students and comprises five faculties (Engineering; Letters; Sciences; Economic Sciences; and Movement, Sport and Health Sciences), a Doctoral School, specialised departments, and a research institute with 14 research centres. UBc offers study programmes at all three levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s Doctoral degrees and has been quality-certified since 2007, maintaining partnerships with about 150 institutions in 35 countries.
University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO)
Founded in 1998, the University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO) builds on a legacy dating back to the 1228 Studium in Vercelli. As a unique “tri-polar” institution, it is strategically rooted in Alessandria, Novara, and Vercelli. UPO is characterized by its student-centered approach, academic excellence, and strong integration with the local socio-economic fabric. Today, it stands as a modern hub for research and innovation, successfully bridging its historical heritage with a forward-looking international vision.
KROK University
Founded in 1992, KROK University is one of the first private HEIs in Ukraine, with about 4,000 students from 20+ countries and 250 academic staff, 70% holding PhDs. KROK offers 16 Bachelor’s, 15 Master’s and 4 PhD programs, including English-taught ones. Internationalization is a strategic priority of HEI. The University cooperates with 50+ global partners and actively implements Erasmus+ mobility, CBHE projects, Virtual Exchange initiatives and the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program.
Guiding arrows
Vision
Our dream is to build a strong Europe rooted in common EU values.
Mission
Our goal is to help people, organisations and society make informed decisions to protect the planet, support wellbeing and social fairness, while fostering economic prosperity.
Values
Sustainability and Responsibility
UP University is committed to assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our actions, ensuring that they contribute positively to the well-being of current and future generations.
People
UP University places collaboration, inspiring and challenging each other at the center of everything we do to achieve responsible living for the next generations.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
UP University is dedicated to promoting belonging and welcoms everyone to participate.
Governing Board
The Governing Board provides the strategic leadership of UP University. Composed of the coordinator and the rectors of the partner institutions, with one rector acting as a chair on a rotating basis, it is responsible for defining the alliance’s strategy, overseeing resources and membership, appointing the operational team, and representing UP University through ambassadorship and advocacy activities.
Artevelde University
of Applied Sciences
(Belgium)
and Social Studies
(Slovenia)
(Italy)
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides the operational leadership of UP University. Chaired by the coordinator and composed of Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) of each partner institution, it is responsible for operationalising the alliance’s strategy, coordinating its implementation, and ensuring alignment and effective execution across the partnership.
(Belgium)
Executive Committees
To achieve our strategic objectives, the alliance relies on Executive Committees that bring partners together to work on specific thematic areas and support the operational implementation of its strategy. These committees foster coordination, alignment and progress across the partnership. The three Executive Committees focus on:
EC Education: Shaping the future of education
The Executive Committee for Education defines and strengthens UP University’s shared educational vision. Composed of educational specialists from each member institution, it develops strategic frameworks such as the Competency Framework “Responsible Living for the Next Generations.” This framework underpins all educational programmes across the alliance, ensuring that students develop not only knowledge, but also the skills and values needed to contribute responsibly to society.
The committee also promotes a coherent educational offering and encourages active student involvement in shaping the future of education at UP University.
EC Research: Advancing research and impact
The Executive Committee for Research steers UP University’s shared research strategy. Bringing together specialists from each member institution, the committee works collaboratively to advance the alliance’s ambition in “Responsible Living for the Next Generations.”
It creates dynamic and transdisciplinary research ecosystems that connect knowledge, innovation, and societal impact. By promoting the quintuple helix model and supporting research careers, the committee strengthens collaboration between academia, industry, government, civil society, and the environment. It also reinforces UP University’s contribution to a more responsible and sustainable future.
EC Communication: Strengthening our voice!
The Executive Committee for Communication ensures strong internal engagement across UP University while building a powerful and recognisable brand. By aligning communication efforts across the alliance, it strengthens our shared identity and visibility.
Composed of representatives from each member’s communication office, the committee works through dedicated groups focused on key channels — such as the website and social media — to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach. Its goal is to amplify UP University’s voice, both within the alliance and beyond.
Building UP University: from the seed of collaboration to a strong alliance
Laying the foundations
Years of informal cooperation through student and staff exchanges, Erasmus+ projects and other joint initiatives built the foundations of what would become the UP Consortium.
A shared ambition takes shape
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (Belgium) and HAN University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) formalised their ambition to establish a network of like-minded European higher education institutions through a strategic partnership agreement, marking the first incarnation of the UP University consortium.
A shared ambition takes shape
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (Belgium) and HAN University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) formalised their ambition to establish a network of like-minded European higher education institutions through a strategic partnership agreement, marking the first incarnation of the UP University consortium.
A shared ambition takes shape
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (Belgium) and HAN University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) formalised their ambition to establish a network of like-minded European higher education institutions through a strategic partnership agreement, marking the first incarnation of the UP University consortium.
Expanding the partnership
IMC Krems (Austria), Oamk (Finland), FH Münster (Germany), UVic-UCC (Spain) and UBc (Romania) joined the consortium, sharing its mission and strengthening it with complementary expertise.
Recognition at European level
The consortium was awarded the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence twice, in 2023 and again in 2024.
A functioning European University Alliance
UP University operates as a fully functioning European University Alliance, recognised by the European Commission as a working Seal of Excellence Alliance and actively engaged in the FOREU4ALL Community of Practice, despite not receiving EC funding.
