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Study abroad from home with Unite’s Virtual Exchange Credit Programme (VECP) Courses

Studying abroad without leaving home is possible through Unite!’s Virtual Exchange Credit Programme (VECP). New courses in computer science, language and intercultural competence are now open for applications.
Aalto University Summer School 2020

The VECP allows you to take online courses offered by partner universities within the Unite! Alliance, allowing you to earn academic credits and gain international experience—wherever you are. The programme makes your studies more flexible and accessible, and it’s a great way to explore international learning if you’re considering an on-site exchange or a semester-long mobility in the future. Think of the VECP as a ‘taster’ if you’re considering an on‑site programme or a semester‑long mobility later on. 

Current Unite! VECP offers in computer engineering, language, and intercultural competence are:


All courses are conducted in English. 

As always, all offers from Unite! are published on the Unite! Catalogue for Students.

Goals and benefits of taking a VECP Course 

  • International classroom: Learn with peers from across Europe and collaborate across cultures.
  • Different teachers, fresh perspectives: Study with academics from other institutions and disciplines.
  • Access courses not offered at your home university: Explore niche modules and cutting‑edge subjects to deepen your expertise.
  • Flexible learning: Build a study plan that fits your academic goals and timetable.
  • Career‑boosting skills: Strengthen your profile in fields such as global competences, energy technologies, project management, and microelectronics.
  • A stepping stone to mobility: Take an international course, then decide if an on‑site exchange is the right next step.


Not just a substitute!

While the VECP is a valuable addition to physical student mobility, it is not intended to replace traditional exchanges. Instead, it offers an alternative that can complement physical mobility, providing more flexible and inclusive options for students to internationalise their education from home.

How it works

  • You remain enrolled and study as usual at your home university.
  • You select one or two virtual courses from a Unite! partner university and attend them online alongside your regular timetable.
  • You complete assessments set by the partner university.
  • With prior approval from your home university, these credits can be recognised towards your degree.

Recognition policies vary by institution and programme. Before you register:

  • Check with your home university (programme office, academic adviser, or international office) whether the course can be recognised towards your degree.
  • Clarify how credits, grades, and elective/compulsory status will be recorded.
     

Are you a Unite! faculty member with a VECP offer?
 

If you have a course that you would like to add to the Unite! VECP collection, please contact Lena Neureiter lena.neureiter@tugraz.at at TUGraz, Melina Nummi melina.mummi@aalto.fi at Aalto University or Marisa Könitz unite-vecp@zv.tu-darmstadt.de at TUDarmstadt. Your participation is most welcome! 

And of course, please share these courses with your current students so they’re aware of such opportunities. 

More about Unite!

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Unite! Catalogue for Students (external link)

Find current Unite! offers for students, such as courses, summer schools, and online lectures.

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Apply now: Unite! Seed Fund 2026 - Student Call

The Unite! Seed Fund call for 2026 is now open for students. Apply now for up to €20,000 per project, involving at least two Unite! Universities. Deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.

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