The 3 phases of the project
Pilot project phase (ECIUn, 2019 - 2022)
In the first years of ECIU University, the alliance piloted the challenge-based learning approach, where multi-disciplinary teams worked on real-life challenges and co-developed ideas and solutions.The results of the first three ECIU University years can be found here: https://www.eciu.eu/deliverables
Second project phase (ECIUn+, 2022 –2026)The second phase of ECIU University focused on educational innovation based on personalised, flexible learning pathways, awarded with micro-credentials.
Activities in this phase have resulted in five main transformative achievements (numbers were collected in March 2026):
- Innovative education: ECIU University has revolutionised education with challenge-based learning and flexible learning pathways. Over 5300 students participated in 580+ published learning opportunities (Challenges or Micro-modules). This led to 9300+ participations, awarded with micro-credentials. Students collaborated with more than 180 external organisations, addressed real-life problems, acquired interpersonal skills, learned new languages and embraced a sense of European identity.
- Micro-credential leadership: ECIU University stands at the forefront of micro-credentialing in Europe. Work on policy development, as well as the technical implementation of micro-credentials, integrated with the EDCI system, resulted in 3500+ e-sealed micro-credentials issued within a year.
- Digital experience platform: The digital ecosystem platform integrates 12 project partners and is pivotal to many processes at ECIU University: from education delivery to administrative workflows to participants connecting through their dedicated hubs.
- Vibrant community: A thriving ECIU University community brings together thousands of students from diverse nationalities through events, mobilities, and collaborative learning experiences.
- Sustainable service structure: A robust service framework underpins ECIU University’s operations, ensuring high-quality support across education, IT, mobility, marketing and communication.
Third project phase (ECIUn+2, 2026-2028)
With EU co-funding secured, the Alliance is set to continue building the digital campus and pursuing innovation in higher education to build the European University of the future.