{"id":37619,"date":"2026-06-02T17:49:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T17:49:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=37619"},"modified":"2026-06-02T17:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T17:49:44","slug":"vut-advances-internationalisation-through-erasmus-capacity-building-workshop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/vut-advances-internationalisation-through-erasmus-capacity-building-workshop\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT advances internationalisation through Erasmus+ Capacity Building Workshop"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT hosted an Erasmus+ Capacity Building Workshop to strengthen internationalisation, academic collaboration, mobility, and global partnership opportunities.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

02 June 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe| Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The International Office at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted a two-day Erasmus+ Institutional Capacity Building Workshop from 28 to 29 May 2026, reinforcing the University’s commitment to internationalisation, global academic collaboration, and institutional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop brought together representatives from various faculties and support departments to explore opportunities for international partnerships, academic mobility, research collaboration, and access to funding through the Erasmus+ programme. Facilitated by Ms Huba Boshoff, Erasmus+ Support Programme (E+SP) Facilitator, with support from the Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP), the workshop provided practical guidance on developing and managing internationally funded projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering the opening remarks, Director of Internationalisation, Mr Vido Kungune, highlighted the strategic importance of international partnerships in advancing higher education and supporting the objectives of VUT’s Strategy 2033+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Internationalisation is a critical enabler of academic excellence, research advancement and innovation. Through programmes such as Erasmus+, VUT is creating opportunities for staff and students to engage globally, build meaningful partnerships and contribute to solutions that address both local and international challenges,” said Mr Kungune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further noted that international collaboration plays an important role in preparing graduates for an increasingly interconnected world while strengthening the University’s contribution to sustainable development and knowledge creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A central focus of the workshop was South Africa’s strategic partnership with the European Union and the role of Erasmus+ in supporting international cooperation in education, training, youth development and research. Participants gained valuable insight into the broad range of opportunities available through Erasmus+, including International Credit Mobility, Erasmus Mundus Design Measures, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees, Capacity Building in Higher Education, Capacity Building for Youth, Capacity Building in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Jean Monnet Activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sessions explored how Erasmus+ projects contribute to the modernisation and internationalisation of higher education institutions through curriculum development, staff development, student mobility, governance reform, research collaboration and innovation-driven partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the key highlights of the workshop was the practical focus on project development and implementation. Participants were guided through the five stages of the project lifecycle, from project initiation and planning to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and project closure. Discussions covered concept note development, work package management, budgeting, risk management, communication planning and sustainability beyond project completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop also encouraged institutional reflection and strategic planning. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at identifying departmental strengths, institutional priorities and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

potential areas for international collaboration. Reflection sessions facilitated by Ms Boshoff and Professor Joe Modise from the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences provided a platform for participants to critically evaluate opportunities for future Erasmus+ participation and partnership development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day two focused on translating ideas into action through collaborative concept note development exercises. Participants worked together to explore potential project opportunities aligned with institutional priorities and international development objectives. Professor Susanna Burger from the Faculty of Human Sciences contributed to discussions on sustainability, institutional impact and long-term strategic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on the workshop, Mr Aridja Matambela, a Master’s student in Organic Chemistry jointly registered between VUT and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), described the experience as both informative and inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The workshop opened my eyes to the many opportunities available through international collaboration. It provided valuable insight into project development, research partnerships and academic mobility. It also highlighted how programmes such as Erasmus+ can contribute to student development, research growth and global exposure,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants agreed that the workshop not only enhanced their understanding of Erasmus+ funding opportunities but also strengthened their capacity to develop competitive international project proposals that can benefit students, academics and researchers across the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop concluded with group reflection sessions during which participants shared key lessons learned and discussed practical ways to apply the knowledge gained within their respective faculties and departments. The engagements highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and partnership in advancing the University’s internationalisation agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As VUT continues to implement Strategy 2033+, initiatives such as the Erasmus+ Institutional Capacity Building Workshop play a critical role in expanding global networks, strengthening institutional capacity and creating meaningful opportunities for staff and students. Through strategic international partnerships, the University continues to position itself as a globally engaged institution committed to academic excellence, research innovation and sustainable development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop further laid the foundation for future Erasmus+ project submissions and collaborative initiatives, reaffirming VUT’s commitment to building lasting international partnerships that create value for the University, its students and the broader communities it serves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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