The EU4Dual Rector’s Council convened for a successful two-day meeting hosted by Savonia University of Applied Sciences. The  meeting took place in Tahko, Finland at a scenic winter resort hotel. In addition to productive discussions and key decision-making, the participants enjoyed winter activities like snowshoeing, fostering collaboration in a refreshing setting.

The Rector’s Council reviewed the alliance’s operation thus far, highlighting key achievements. These included active intra-institutional mobility programmes with a total of 380 students and 175 staff participating across the alliance—Savonia’s contribution being 60 students and 35 staff over two years. Additionally, the first edition of the European Journal of Dual Higher Education was published, featuring three articles authored by Savonia experts.

Ongoing Developments

• The initiation of planning for three joint master’s programmes, with the first set to launch in autumn 2025. The second, led by Savonia and focused on Green Economy and Sustainable Future, is scheduled to start at autumn 2026.
• Preparations for the annual conference on dual education, which will take place on 2–3 April in San Sebastián and Bidart. The event has already attracted 400 participants.

Expanding Global Reach

The Rectors agreed to extend the alliance’s reach by welcoming five new associate members, fostering collaboration with EU4Dual partners in research, capacity building in dual studies, and mobility programmes. The new associate members are:

• Northeastern University.
• Universidad Mondragon Mexico.
• Advancing Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education Association (WACE)
• Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre (IPP).
• The Academy of Applied Studies Polytechnic (AASP).

Future Plans

The alliance is in the process of establishing the first joint industrial PhD programme, offering opportunities for transnational dual studies at the highest academic and industrial levels. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the potential formation of a dedicated legal entity to further support the alliance’s mission and long-term objectives.