Applications Now Open: Study Visit at Universidade Aberta, Portugal
The International Association of Universities (IAU) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the second in a series of four OpenEU Study Visits. OpenEU is a European University Alliance dedicated to advancing open, inclusive, and innovative higher education. As an associate partner, the IAU supports this mission by facilitating study visit opportunities for Members to learn directly from institutions leading the way in digital transformation and online learning.
This Study Visit will take place at the Universidade Aberta, the single public distance education university in Portugal. Due to its purpose, UAb uses comprehensively, in its teaching activities, the most advanced technologies and methods of Distance Learning, without geographical borders or physical barriers, and giving special emphasis to the expansion of the Portuguese language and culture within the Lusophony world.
Participants will gain first-hand insight into UAb’s:
Institutional approaches to the delivery of successful online higher education.
Pedagogical innovations in virtual classrooms and blended learning.
Lifelong learning initiatives designed to meet the needs of adult learners and professionals.
Institutional policies supporting access, inclusion, and international collaboration.
Designed to foster meaningful knowledge exchange, the OpenEU Study Visits offer participants the chance to explore innovative practices, engage in peer learning, and bring valuable insights back to their own institutions. Each visit highlights the host university’s unique strengths and contributes to the shared goal of enhancing higher education.
Practical Information:
Dates: The site visit will take place 20-21 October 2026
Location: Universidade Aberta in Lisbon, Portugal
Intended Audience: Senior staff of higher education institutions in charge of innovations in teaching and learning leveraging digital technologies. Due to limited space, only one representative per institution will be accepted with priority to IAU Member institutions.
Cost: With the support of the OpenEU Alliance, we are pleased to offer this site visit at the reduced rate of 100€ per participant. This fee covers the 2-day meeting, including day catering and one dinner. Accommodation and travel are not included in the fee.
Application: To apply, fill out the below form by 15 July 2026. Please note that since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, spots may fill up earlier than the indicated deadline.
