Erasmus Policy Statement (2021–2027)
Internationalisation and Institutional Development
Medical University–Pleven (MU–Pleven) has a long-standing commitment to international cooperation, academic exchange, and the continuous enhancement of the quality of higher medical education and research. Since joining the Erasmus Programme in 1999, the University has progressively expanded its international partnerships and mobility activities, creating valuable opportunities for students, academic and administrative staff to learn, teach, train, exchange expertise, and develop sustainable professional networks across Europe and beyond.
The University considers internationalisation to be an integral part of its institutional development and a key instrument for achieving academic excellence, enhancing the quality and relevance of education, promoting innovation, and strengthening the employability and professional competences of its graduates. In this context, MU–Pleven is committed to further developing its international dimension throughout the 2021–2027 period and to making full use of the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ Programme.
Our internationalisation strategy is based on two complementary directions: (1) the continuous expansion and diversification of bilateral and multilateral institutional partnerships and (2) the development of high-quality, sustainable educational, scientific, and professional cooperation with leading universities, healthcare and teaching institutions, and research organisations.
Through these partnerships, MU–Pleven seeks not only to increase the quantity of its international cooperation, but, above all, to enhance its quality, impact, sustainability, and strategic relevance.
Strategic Priorities
In line with the objectives of the European Higher Education Area and the priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme, Medical University–Pleven has identified six interconnected strategic priorities:
1. Ensuring excellence and European quality in higher medical education
The University will continue to strengthen the quality of its educational provision by promoting innovative teaching and learning methodologies, student-centred education, evidence-based medical practice, interdisciplinary approaches, and the exchange of European and international best practices. International cooperation and mobility will be used as important mechanisms for continuous quality enhancement.
2. Strengthening institutional alignment with the European Higher Education Area
MU–Pleven will continue to update and harmonise its institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory framework with the principles and standards of the European Higher Education Area and with the requirements of its international cooperation partners. Particular emphasis will be placed on transparency, recognition of learning outcomes, academic achievements, and qualifications, as well as on the effective implementation of European instruments for academic mobility and credit transfer.
3. Advancing digitalisation and institutional connectivity
The University recognises digital transformation as a fundamental component of modern higher education and international cooperation. MU–Pleven will therefore continue to improve its information and communication infrastructure and promote the effective use of digital technologies in education, administration, research, mobility management, and international collaboration. Digital and blended forms of cooperation will complement physical mobility and contribute to a more accessible and connected European academic environment.
4. Promoting sustainable and high-quality academic mobility
Student and staff mobility will remain a central priority of the University's Erasmus+ strategy. MU–Pleven is committed to providing meaningful mobility opportunities that contribute to the academic, professional, linguistic, intercultural, and personal development of participants. The University will work to ensure transparent selection procedures, appropriate academic recognition, effective credit accumulation and transfer, and adequate support before, during, and after mobility.
Particular attention will be given to widening participation and creating equal opportunities for participants who may face barriers to international mobility. The University will also encourage sustainable mobility practices and make increasing use of digital solutions where appropriate.
5. Expanding international research, innovation, and multidisciplinary cooperation
MU–Pleven aims to further strengthen its position as an active partner in international research and innovation networks. The University will promote multidisciplinary cooperation, joint research initiatives, international project development, knowledge transfer, and the exchange of scientific expertise. Erasmus+ cooperation will be used to create stronger links between education, research, healthcare practice, and innovation.
6. Strengthening the University's international profile, competitiveness, and societal engagement
The University will continue to enhance its international visibility and attractiveness by developing strategic partnerships, participating in European and international initiatives, and strengthening its engagement with the wider academic, healthcare, professional, and social environment. International cooperation will contribute to the University's competitiveness while supporting its mission to provide high-quality education and research that respond to evolving societal and healthcare needs.
Excellence in Medical Education, Innovation, and Technology
A major strategic objective of MU–Pleven is to ensure that its students and staff have access to modern educational approaches, advanced clinical practices, innovative technologies, and internationally recognised expertise. The University therefore places particular emphasis on partnerships with leading medical universities, teaching hospitals, healthcare institutions, and research centres in Western Europe, neighbouring countries, and other strategic partner regions.
MU–Pleven has established a strong basis for further developing its international profile in several areas of advanced medicine and medical education, including telemedicine, robotic surgery, and endoscopic surgery in gynaecology and urology. These fields represent important opportunities for innovation, international knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary cooperation, and the development of highly specialised competences.
In this context, the University will continue to support and promote the activities of the Telecommunication Endoscopic Centre at MU–Pleven, with the objective of strengthening its role as a platform for international education, professional training, technological innovation, and knowledge transfer.
A particular priority will be the creation of an increasingly international and inclusive educational environment. MU–Pleven will continue to address language barriers, facilitate communication between international partners, and encourage the participation of distinguished foreign academics, clinicians, researchers, and teaching experts. Their contribution will enrich the University's academic environment and support the continuous alignment of teaching and training with European and international standards and best practices.
Mobility, Inclusion, and European Values
Medical University–Pleven considers mobility to be much more than an opportunity for academic exchange. It is a powerful instrument for developing professional competences, intercultural awareness, critical thinking, adaptability, and a sense of European identity and belonging.
The University is committed to ensuring that Erasmus+ opportunities are accessible on the basis of transparent and fair procedures and to supporting participants throughout the mobility cycle. MU–Pleven will promote equal opportunities, non-discrimination, inclusion, diversity, and respect for fundamental rights and democratic values.
The University will encourage participants to benefit fully from the cultural and educational dimension of mobility and to act as ambassadors of intercultural dialogue and European cooperation. At the same time, international students and staff will be welcomed into the University's academic community and supported in their integration into university life.
Quality and Sustainability of Erasmus+ Cooperation
MU–Pleven is committed to ensuring that Erasmus+ cooperation produces sustainable and measurable benefits for individuals, faculties, departments, partner institutions, and the University as a whole. The quality of mobility and cooperation activities will be continuously monitored and evaluated, with feedback from participants and partner institutions used to identify areas for improvement.
The University will seek to establish long-term partnerships based on mutual trust, shared academic interests, clearly defined objectives, and reciprocal benefits. Cooperation will be further strengthened through regular communication with partner institutions and through the development of new forms of academic, clinical, scientific, and professional collaboration.
The principles of environmental sustainability and responsible internationalisation will also be taken into account in the organisation of mobility and cooperation activities. Digital communication, blended cooperation, and sustainable travel options will be encouraged wherever feasible.
Commitment to Erasmus+
Medical University–Pleven has participated in the Erasmus Programme since 1999, accumulating extensive experience and achieving significant results in student and staff mobility, international cooperation, and institutional development. This long-standing engagement has demonstrated the considerable added value of European cooperation for the University's academic community and has contributed substantially to the internationalisation of the institution.
Building on this experience, Medical University–Pleven confirms the strong commitment of its entire academic community to active and meaningful participation in the Erasmus+ Programme for the period 2021–2027.
The University fully supports the principles and objectives of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education and is committed to implementing its principles across all relevant areas of institutional activity. MU–Pleven will continue to use Erasmus+ as a strategic instrument for promoting academic excellence, internationalisation, inclusion, digital transformation, innovation, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and European cooperation.
Through its Erasmus+ activities, Medical University–Pleven aims to contribute actively to a more open, inclusive, innovative, and internationally connected European Higher Education Area, while preparing future healthcare professionals and researchers to respond effectively to the increasingly complex challenges of modern medicine and society.
Our ambition is not simply to participate in European mobility and cooperation programmes, but to create lasting academic value through international partnerships, empower our students and staff through meaningful mobility experiences, and position Medical University–Pleven as a dynamic and internationally engaged institution of higher medical education, research, and innovation.