This week, several rectors of Ukrainian universities visited the Estonian Academy of Arts, including the head of Mariupol State University. As part of the visit, the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) and Mariupol State University signed a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at developing inter-university cooperation in the fields of education, research, culture, and teaching. The five-year agreement establishes a framework for student and academic staff exchanges, joint research and educational projects, and the organisation of workshops, seminars, and symposia.
Among other things, the agreement expands opportunities for students and academic staff of Mariupol State University to participate in EKA’s international educational and collaborative activities, including, subject to eligibility and available funding, short-term mobility formats under the Erasmus+ programme known as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs).
EKA’s engagement with Ukraine has been ongoing since February 2022. At that time, EKA opened opportunities for Ukrainian students to attend courses as guest students and created a fund to support Ukrainian students. EKA has also enabled Ukrainian students to continue their studies with the support of Erasmus+ and has continued cooperation with Ukrainian higher education institutions and other international partners.
Mariupol State University has operated as a relocated university in Kyiv since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war. The university has continued its educational and research activities as well as international cooperation, including through Erasmus+ and Transform4Europe projects.
