10th-12th June 2026 | Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
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Join the 9th Edition of the Open Space

A space for the EUF network members to be trained on internationalisation of higher education, enhance their knowledge, connect, and co-create.

Join the 9th edition of Open Space – a three-day annual event designed by and for EUF network members. This is your moment to enhance your knowledge, connect, and co-create the next chapter of our shared journey in international higher education.

Through interactive training sessions, workshops, strategic discussions and project exchanges, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Get training on EU funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities;
  • Learn from experts on education policy, project evaluation and internationalisation strategies;
  • Share results and lessons from ongoing and completed Erasmus+ KA2 projects;
  • Co-develop ideas for future initiatives within the Erasmus+ KA2 framework and beyond it;
  • Exchange practices and increase knowledge on topics such as sustainability, inclusion, emerging mobility formats, and managing internationalisation processes in a changing global context.

Organised within the EUF Project Manager and Advisor Community, Open Space 2026 provides a dynamic and open environment for members to learn from one another, strengthen collaborations, and contribute to shaping shared directions for the network’s future project engagement.

This isn’t just another event – it’s where ideas turn into action, partnerships take root, and the EUF network community builds the future together.

Open Space, Murcia, 2024

From ideas to action: Shaping the future together

Meet your European colleagues at the 9th Edition of the EUF Open Space!

 

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Programme

Online introduction sessions (exact dates to be announced)

Online part I: Introduction to the Open Space 2026 (OS26), getting to know the participants and facilitators, and sharing initial ideas within the OS26 group (1.5 h)

Online part II: Online session about Erasmus+ KA2 calls (centralised and decentralised) (2 h)

  • Cooperation Partnerships
  • Alliances for Innovation
  • Capacity Building in Higher Education
  • Forward Looking Projects

Day 0

Arrival day

Evening

  • EUF Reception and Networking

Day 1

Morning

  • Registration and welcome coffee
  • Introduction to OS26 and official welcome by HVL representatives
  • Keynote and panel on managing change and innovation in Higher Education
  • Policy context of the European Education Area and key ongoing developments

Afternoon 

  • Training session on project cycle management

  • Parallel workshops I: Change-maker sessions on driving change within institutions

  • OS26 dinner

Day 2

Morning

  • Parallel workshops II: Change-maker sessions on driving change within institutions

Afternoon

  • Parallel training sessions about project planning and implementation*

  • Workshop: key criteria for a successful EU project application

  • Voting on the change-maker proposals to be presented the next day

*Final selection of topics will be aligned with the interests of participants

Day 3

Morning

  • Presentation of the higher education change-maker proposals
  • Achieving excellence with AI in KA2 project applications: a new paradigm?
  • Open Space take-aways: what are the next steps?

Afternoon

  • Informal networking (optional) and farewell!

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) spans five campuses along 400 kilometers of Norway’s western coast, where dramatic fjords and mountain landscapes surround each location. As one of the country’s largest higher education institutions, HVL welcomes around 16,500 students into vibrant academic communities rooted in health and social sciences, engineering, teacher education, maritime studies, natural sciences, culture and sports, social sciences, economics, and management.

Our professional-oriented profile is reflected in how we combine education, research, and development to generate knowledge that is globally anchored and locally impactful. Looking ahead, HVL’s international strategy for 2025–2030 sets a clear course for deepening our global engagement. We aim to further build on our academic strengths, foster long-term partnerships across borders, and connect international cooperation with regional development. 

We’re excited to welcome you to our biggest campus in Bergen! The campus is located in Kronstad, just minutes from Bergen’s city center, offering easy access to urban amenities and breathtaking nature.

Bergen, Norway

Nestled between seven mountains and facing the North Sea, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and a gateway to the country’s iconic fjords.

With a population of approximately 300,000, Bergen blends urban energy with natural beauty. Known  for its frequent rainfall, locals embrace the weather with humor and resilience. However, the lucky ones visiting  in May and June might catch a sunny day. The surrounding mountains offer stunning hiking trails and panoramic views, while the nearby fjords attract visitors from around the world.

Bergen is also a cultural powerhouse. It’s the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, known for its black metal scene, and has produced famous artists like Kygo, Kings of Convenience, and Aurora. It also hosts numerous festivals including Bergen International Festival , Nattjazz  and Bergenfest. The city’s universities and research institutions contribute to a vibrant academic scene, while its seafood markets and cozy cafés reflect a strong culinary tradition.

No matter your interests, Bergen’s unique blend of nature, history, and culture captures the essence of Norway!

For further information about Bergen: Visit Bergen

Registration

Registration deadlines

Early Bird – 15.3.2026
Full Pass – 30.4.2026

The CO-Organiser

The European University Foundation (EUF) is a network of universities established in 35 countries. It stands for diversity and social fairness in Higher Education and aims to accelerate the modernisation of the European Higher Education Area. The network deploys intensive cooperation and policy experimentation under five key pillars:

  • Digital Higher Education both for governance and provision of education
  • Entrepreneurship and employability skills of graduates
  • Policy innovation at national and European level
  • Active citizenship of students and
  • Quality mobility for all

Erasmus+ Staff Mobility

Mobility agreements
Higher Education staff can use Erasmus+ staff mobility funding to participate in the EUF Open Space 2026. Please contact the responsible person in your institution to find out more about your eligibility.

In order to get the Staff Training Grant Agreement duly signed please send us completed and signed agreements, and ensure the section for the receiving institution is properly filled out. Please, send the agreements to openspace@uni-foundation.eu.

Name: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
Erasmus code (if applicable): N BERGEN14
Address:  Postbox 7030, 5020 Bergen
Country code: NORWAY
Contact person: Marit Schulstad Wasa, Erasmus coordinator
Contact person e-mail / phone: international@hvl.no
Size of enterprise: >250 employees

Invitation letter
We can provide an invitation letter if required. Please, contact openspace@uni-foundation.eu. 

Travel

Travel and Accommodation Suggestions

Airport: Bergen Flesland Airport Getting from Bergen Airport to the City Centre The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) runs directly from the airport to the city centre. The ride takes about 40 minutes. Just hop on and ride to one of the final stations closest to your hotel. The fare is 49 NOK, and tickets can be purchased at the station or via the ‘Skyss Billett’ app. Taxis are also available, though they tend to be quite expensive in Norway. A typical ride to the city centre costs around 650 NOK. Our campus is located just a few stops from the city centre with the Bergen Light Rail, and is very easy to access. You can purchase your tickets at any stop, or through the ‘Skyss Billett‘ app (App Store, Google Play Store). Campus address: Inndalsveien 28, 5063 Bergen (Google Map URL) Light Rail Stop: Kronstad (Google Map URL)

Where to stay

We recommend booking a hotel in the city centre.

Breeze Hotel

We’ve secured a special rate at Breeze Hotel, centrally located and budget-friendly. They’re holding 50 rooms for us until May 9th, priced between 1500–1700 NOK per night, depending on room type. This is likely the best deal available in Bergen during this period. Keep in mind that breakfast is not included, but they do have a breakfast deal with a café nearby.

To book: email contact@breezehotels.no and include “HVL – BREEZE Bergen City” in the subject line.

Scandic Hotels and Strawberry Hotels

Scandic Hotels and Strawberry hotels have multiple locations throughout the city center. They could not hold any rooms for us, but early booking may give you access to discounted rates (follow the links). Bergen hotels fill up quickly during peak season, so we recommend booking early to secure an okay price.

Montana Hostel

We’ve reserved 10 single rooms at Montana Hostel outside the city centre. To book: email bergen.montana@hihostels.no and include reservation number 65498. Standard single room: 1440 NOK/night, Economy single room: 1327 NOK/night. Breakfast is included. Keep in mind that this location is outside of the city centre.

If none of these options suit your needs, feel free to explore other accommodations. We can’t wait to welcome you to Bergen!

Accommodation suggestions

We recommend booking a hotel in the city centre.

Breeze Hotels

Montana Hotel

Scandic Hotels

Strawberry hotels

Testimonials

Based on anonymous survey

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Participants recommend this event

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Participants built useful contacts

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Participants would like to attend similar events organised by the EUF

What a great and enriching experience the EUF Open Space 2025 has been💡 – thank you everyone for sharing your expertise, for developing new – and possibly change making – ideas, for collaborating internationally to Build up a joint European Education Area – and last but not least, for the wonderful Irish dance and tin whistle lessons 🍀❤️!

Hanna Leonhard

Institutional Coordinator, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

The EUF Open Space was a very special experience, friendly, well-organised, and full of inspiring ideas. I really enjoyed meeting people from so many different institutions and learning about their work. It was a great chance to connect, share, and feel part of a wider community.

Open Space participant 2025

This was the first time I have attended an Open Space event, but after the 1st day I was sure that it has to be a “must” in the office activities’ annual calendar, side by side to EAIE Conference or other similar events. It has been a truly enriching experience!
Open Space participant 2023

Highly recommended – very well organised in a very beautiful place and very enjoyable, productive and inspiring. Many thanks 😉
Open Space participant 2023

The atmosphere was professional but relaxed at the same time. Friendliness and smiles all around. That’s a great way to work.
Open Space participant 2023

Great opportunity to hear and learn from the experiences of higher education peers across Europe on EU funding opportunities, and exchange ideas around sustainability, inclusion, and innovative mobility formats.

Sarah Flaherty

Munster Technological University

Lots of positives to take out from this event on my side after three intense days!

🤝 Whether it was through workshops, activities or informal exchanges, I had the chance to exchange and work with much more experienced peers from all over Europe, mostly regarding Erasmus+ KA2 Projects, but not only!

Evan Alary

ERASMUS+ Projects Officer, Université d'Orléans

Such a fantastic time at the EUF Open Space last week! Brilliantly organised by the EUF – European University Foundation and hosted by the Universidad de Murcia. We gained valuable insights and perspectives from senior professionals, sure to be useful for new opportunities. Already looking forward to next year’s event!

Maximilià Eritja Prim

University of Barcelona

The organisation was excellent. There was a great mastery of all the topics covered and the practical exercises were well thought out. The atmosphere was great too.
Open Space participant 2023

You leave an Open Space event a slightly different person: motivated to tackle projects more strategically, encouraged to pursue internationalisation more comprehensively, and inspired to be an active part of a truly caring and competent international higher education community.

Open Space participant 2025

It was beyond inspiring to meet many fellow Higher Education colleagues and be a part of this lovely group for the week.

I enjoyed most that we did not only discuss “the usual suspects” of Erasmus+ topics, but went into highly relevant issues like AI, the quality of mobility and the latest EU research and education policy developments.

Jasmin Egger

University of Leoben

Lovely atmosphere and meeting a lot of new colleagues – superb networking and reaching my goal of learning more about internationalisation at home.
Open Space participant 2023

Excellent attention to the organisation, to the well-being of the participants and to the overall content relevance of the workshops. It was very worthwhile!
Open Space participant 2023

Organising partners

European University Foundation
HVL logo