Higher education and science will play a crucial role for Western Balkan countries in their accession to and association with the European Union (EU). The transition of these countries – many of them new states on their way towards market oriented democracies with strong civil societies – will require a highly qualified workforce and a changed mindset of the population, which needs to develop a new sense of belonging and a spirit of ownership and responsibility.
Education will be key in developing the resources available to contribute to the integration of local higher education systems into the European Higher Education Area. Increasing both the interest of students from the Western Balkans in studying abroad and the EU to support these students to do so is an integral part of the process.
A study initiated by the King Baudouin Foundation, 'Student mobility in Western Balkan countries' highlighted the key problems that exist with Western Balkan student mobility into EU member state and EFTA countries. Of the students interviewed that would not consider study abroad, 51% cited insufficient money as a very important reason. Similarly, even when students were considering studying abroad, 62.4% answered that not finding enough money was a big problem.
Students were asked to indicate what aspects could be improved. Of those considering study abroad. 81.4% suggested more scholarships. For students not considering study abroad 58.6% responded that 'good and sufficient scholarships' was one of the main conditions to consider studying abroad. In the study the majority of students interviewed would consider applying for a scholarship to study abroad. However, only one in three respondees knew that scholarship opportunities exist. If then asked in detail about European scholarships, less than 10% were aware of any specific European scholarship and mobility scheme.
Based on these findings, the King Baudouin Foundation commissioned SPARK to undertake research into scholarship opportunities that exist for Western Balkan students in EU Member States and EFTA countries. The results of this research are shaped into this scholarship database. The scholarship database contains information on a range of scholarships for Western Balkan students and researchers in European Union Member States and EFTA countries.
- Criteria for aplication
For students (BA - MA - Doctorate - Post doctorate):
- a passport type picture of yourself;
- a copy of your passport or other official national identification proof;
- at least one signed recommendation letter signed by a professor and/or supervisor (preferably in PDF), written in English or a non-English language original, accompanied by a translation into English; If you are going to apply as an exchange student, we specifically ask for a letter written by an academic who is directly involved with the course or research programme you are currently attending at your home institution. In this case, the letter should contain information on the programme (courses) you would normally attend at your home institution, if you would not be attending an academic mobility period abroad;
- a copy of any language certificate you may have obtained to support your language skills;
- a course record transcript translated into English (which should be obtained from the student administration of your university).
For more information about universities in Europe you can visit the website :
http://scholarshipsforwesternbalkans.eu/index.php?
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- What is an exchange student and what is a degree student?
An exchange student is a student (officially registered in a university or other institution for higher education) who temporarily lives in a foreign country and attends courses or is involved in other academic activities. The exchange period lasts for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 10 months. The exchange student does NOT get a diploma from the host university. However, all academic results will be sent to his/her home university. Tuition fee is paid to the home university.
A degree student registers at the university abroad and is no longer a student from the university at home. He or she will obtain a diploma from the university abroad. Students applying to a foreign university will need to comply with the local admission requirements. The Basileus project funds the tuition fees for these students up to a maximum of 3000 €.
- What courses can I take abroad?
The European Commission defined some priority fields: Agricultural Sciences - , Business Studies and Management Sciences Technology - Languages and Philological Sciences - Mathematics, Informatics - Medical Sciences - Natural Sciences - Social Sciences. However, other fields are possible if the universities mutually agree.
- Is there any kind of degree offered at the end of the mobility period?
Exchange students go abroad for a period covering only a part of the curriculum required for a degree. Therefore they do not receive a diploma or degree but a "transcript of records" specifying the marks obtained for each of the courses followed and a "certificate of attendance" from their host university. The transcript must be used by the home institution for recognizing the study period abroad as part of the general curriculum required for obtaining the final degree.
In addition, a Diploma Supplement should be issued at the end of his/her studies identifying the courses followed and the marks obtained during the student's period abroad. Degree students who successfully completed a whole study programme will receive a diploma.
- How will I receive my grant?
Western Balkan students: your travel ticket will be bought by your university (the International Relations Office). Insurance will be arranged by the Basileus Secretariat - students going to Lund will be insured by Lund University. Your subsistence allowance will be paid to you by your host university: either in cash or on an account. You will be informed about this by your host university. Tuition fee (if applicable) will be paid directly to the university.
- What facilities are offered once I am abroad?
Your host university has an International Relations Office that offers assistance for housing, coaching, language support, social life and administrative procedures. Your host university will inform you about all services offered.
When must I spend my period abroad?
Students who go abroad for 10 months or longer, should ideally start in September or October. Students who go abroad for 6 months can start in September/October or in January/February
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The mission of the King Baudouin Foundation is clear and at the same time wide-ranging: to help to improve living conditions for the population. In its 1976 Constitution the Foundation is described as "an independent structure that encourages original ideas and sets up new projects."
The King Baudouin Foundation supports projects and citizens who are committed to create a better society. In this way we can make a lasting contribution towards greater justice, democracy and respect for diversity.
The Foundation works on an independent and pluralistic basis. This is also guaranteed by the diverse backgrounds of our Board of Governors and our 60 staff. We respect diversity and strive towards quality, transparency and integrity.
The Foundation focuses on specific themes and is based in Brussels, but also supports projects far beyond the borders of Belgium and Europe. By working together with a range of different organisations we aim to harmonise our own mission as effectively as possible with the efforts made by others.
History
Foundation
The King Baudouin Foundation was founded in 1976, when Baudouin I (1930-1993) celebrated his 25th anniversary as King of Belgium.
Why a foundation?
King Baudouin did not wish to receive a personal gift to mark his jubilee. So it was that the idea of a 'lasting memorial' was born. King Baudouin was moved by social affairs, had a strong sense of justice and was concerned that society should be harmonious. A Foundation was therefore established to mark his jubilee that would make efforts to ensure better living conditions for the population.
The King Baudouin Foundation, an independent public benefit foundation, came into being on 31 March 1976.
Areas of work
The Foundation is active at the regional, federal and international level. We carry out missions at the request of government bodies and institutions and formulate our own recommendations. By harmonising our efforts we can be more effective in our areas of work both in Belgium and abroad.
Governance
The King Baudouin Foundation is, of course, governed in a transparent way. This openness guarantees that our resources are used independently and appropriately.
Budget
We operate in 2009 with a budget of 35 million euros. Of this total we spend: 92% on projects and 8% on the day-to-day management of the hundreds of projects and Funds.
Support committees
Support committees are composed of a group of eminent people within a given region. Their objective is to raise awareness of the King Baudouin Foundation's aims and activities within their province. They also encourage local philanthropy in order to provide further support for the projects
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