FAQ
Programme
1When does the BASUS programme launch?
The programme is currently being accredited by the Polish Accreditation Agency through the European Approach procedure. The novelty and innovativeness of the programme means that usual procedural timeframes may not apply. Therefore, to stay up to date on the launch date of the programme, it is best to subscribe to the BASUS newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter.
2How and when do I choose my track?
The students choose their track at the end of the second semester of the first year, after taking six Introduction to Track courses that should provide them with a more rounded idea pertaining the curriculum and character of each track.
Each track has a maximum of 30 places. Students indicate their three preferred tracks, ranking them in accordance with their preference. The admission to track courses is based on the grades the students got from the respective Introduction to Track course. If a student does not qualify for their top choice track, they will be assigned to either their second or third track of choice.
Each track has a maximum of 30 places. Students indicate their three preferred tracks, ranking them in accordance with their preference. The admission to track courses is based on the grades the students got from the respective Introduction to Track course. If a student does not qualify for their top choice track, they will be assigned to either their second or third track of choice.
3What happens if I do not qualify for my preferred track?
If a student does not qualify for their top choice track, they will be assigned to either their second or third track of choice.
4What happens if I fail a course?
The retake policy depends on the regulations and procedures of the university responsible for the coordination of a given course. More detailed guidelines will follow.
5Can I spend the mobility semester at my Track University?
Yes. However, we encourage students to make as much use of the mobility opportunities as possible to best benefit from the unique structure of the programme.
Admission, tuition fees & scholarships
1Where can I find information about the admission requirements, tuition fees and possible scholarships?
For detailed information pertaining the application and admission procedures, i.e. important dates, required documents, entrance exam, please refer to the Recruitment Procedure section of this website.
For detailed information pertaining tuition fees, please refer to the subsection Costs of the Recruitment Procedure section of this website.
For detailed information pertaining scholarships, tuition fee waivers and other possible sources of external funding, please refer to the Student Finance section of this website.
For detailed information pertaining tuition fees, please refer to the subsection Costs of the Recruitment Procedure section of this website.
For detailed information pertaining scholarships, tuition fee waivers and other possible sources of external funding, please refer to the Student Finance section of this website.
2What scholarships and external fundings are BASUS students eligible for?
In general, BASUS students should be eligible to apply for various scholarship schemes available at the university of their stay. Additional schemes just for the BASUS programme to help cover mobility costs might be set up as well – more information will follow.
3Are the tuition fees I pay for BASUS additional to the fees of the partner universities or is this the total sum?
No, there are no additional tuition fees to be paid to partner universities. The tuition fees paid to the coordinating university of the BASUS programme cover all educational costs of the programme.
4Can I retake the entrance exam?
There is a possibility to resit the exam if documented technical difficulties occur during the first exam and are immediately reported to the organisers. This additional date is available only to those candidates who paid the application fee but were unable to take the exam due to technical issues. There are no other grounds for retaking the exam.
Mobility
1Is mobility mandatory in the programme or can classes be followed remotely?
Mobility may be mandatory as the programme is designed to be predominantly taught on-campus. However, the extent of the students’ mobility depends on their chosen track, as one of the tracks is coordinated by the Start University and students that choose to take it will stay at the Start University. Moreover, although mobility during the final semester of the programme is highly encouraged for the students to best benefit from the unique structure of the programme, it is not obligatory.
2Is mobility in the programme offered under Erasmus agreements?
Parts of the mobility of the students may be eligible for Erasmus funding; however, we cannot guarantee the availability of such funding to all students. More information and recommendations will follow.
Housing
1Do the annual tuition fees include housing?
No, the tuition fees do not include housing costs. The procurement of accommodation is the responsibility of the student. However, each of the partner universities offers affordable accommodation that the students can apply for. For more information, please refer to the individual websites of the partner universities listed below.
- Ku Leuven – Housing
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Accommodation
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński – Dormitories
- Helsingin Yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet – Housing
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne – Housing
- Universität Zürich – Accommodation
- Freie Universität Berlin – Accommodation
- University of Edinburgh – Student Accommodation
2How can I apply for housing at the Start, Track and Mobility universities?
Please refer to the information provided by each partner university at their individual websites pertaining the housing options and the relevant application process.
- Ku Leuven – Housing
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Accommodation
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński – Dormitories
- Helsingin Yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet – Housing
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne – Housing
- Universität Zürich – Accommodation
- Freie Universität Berlin – Accommodation
- University of Edinburgh – Student Accommodation
Want to know more about the programme structure?
Bachelor's thesis
1Can I write my bachelor’s thesis with other people?
In general, a bachelor’s thesis can be written individually or in groups. However, the decision about writing a given thesis individually or in groups is made by the supervisor based on the specific requirements and scope of the proposed thesis topic as well as the governing internal regulation of the relevant partner university.
All details pertaining to the writing of a bachelor’s thesis, i.e. how many people should be in one group if the thesis is written jointly, topic, scope, form, length, etc., are determined by or agreed upon with the supervisor.
The list of possible supervisors is made available to students in advance. The number of students a supervisor can take on is limited; moreover, the supervisors choose which students they wish to take on after conducting a preliminary interview.
The list of possible supervisors is made available to students in advance. The number of students a supervisor can take on is limited; moreover, the supervisors choose which students they wish to take on after conducting a preliminary interview.
2Can I have a co-supervisor for my thesis?
If the university of your primary supervisor allows for co-supervision of bachelor's thesis and if your project should benefit from a co-supervisor, you can apply for the assignment of one. The co-supervisor can be from any of the partner universities of the programme, provided that their field of expertise is relevant to the thesis project. Nevertheless, co-supervision is not obligatory.
Student life
1What student facilities and services are available at the partner universities?
BASUS students have access to all student facilities and services provided by the partner university hosting them. For more detailed information as well as links that will direct you to relevant sections of each partner's website, go to the Student Life section.
1Visa & residence permit
- KU Leuven: Immigration & Residence
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Visa & residence permit
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Visa & residence permit
- Freie Universität Berlin: Residence permit for study purposes
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Residence permit for exchange and visiting students
- University of Edinburgh: Standard visitor visa (< 6 months); Student route visa (> 6 months)
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Visas and residence permit
- University of Zurich: Visa, entry and residence permit
2Housing
- KU Leuven: Housing
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Housing
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Housing
- Freie Universität Berlin: Accommodation options for students
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Housing
- University of Edinburgh: Student accommodation
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Student accommodation
- University of Zurich: Accommodation
3Living costs
- KU Leuven: Money matters
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Living costs
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Living costs
- Freie Universität Berlin: Fees & funding
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Cost of living and financial matters
- University of Edinburgh: Student living costs
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Welcome guide
- University of Zurich: Cost of living
4Welcome activities
- KU Leuven: Welcome activities
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Welcome activities
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Introdays
- Freie Universität Berlin: Orientation Days
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Orientation and tutoring
- University of Edinburgh: Welcome activities
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Orientation week & Welcome guide
- University of Zurich: Welcome Days
5University restaurants/canteens
- KU Leuven: University restaurants & Veggiebag
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: University restaurant(s), places to eat
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Student guide: Lunchrooms and bistros at JU
- Freie Universität Berlin: Dining facilities
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: UniCafe
- University of Edinburgh: University catering
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: CROUS restaurants
- University of Zurich: University Restaurants & Cafeterias
6Transportation
- KU Leuven: Transportation
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Transportation
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Transportation
- Freie Universität Berlin: Semester ticket
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Finding your way & Student fares in public transport
- University of Edinburgh: How to get here
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Welcome guide
- University of Zurich: Public Transport
7Libraries
- KU Leuven: KU Leuven Libraries
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Libraries
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Libraries
- Freie Universität Berlin: Library system
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: UH Library
- University of Edinburgh: Libraries
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Libraries
- University of Zurich: University Library Zurich
8Learning centres
- KU Leuven: Agora Learning Centre
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Learning centre(s)
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Libraries
- Freie Universität Berlin:
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Learning centre Aleksandria
- University of Edinburgh: Libraries
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Libraries
- University of Zurich: Language Center & Study rooms
9Student clubs and associations
- KU Leuven: Student unions and associations
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Student clubs & associations
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Student clubs & associations
- Freie Universität Berlin: Students' Association & International club
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Student Union and student associations
- University of Edinburgh: Students’ Association
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Students’ Associations
- University of Zurich: Student Organizations
10Sports activities
- KU Leuven: University sports centre
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Sports activities
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Sports Centre
- Freie Universität Berlin: About unisport
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Unisport
- University of Edinburgh: Keeping active
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: UEFAPS
- University of Zurich: Sports at UZH
11Culture
- KU Leuven: Culture
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Culture
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Culture
- Freie Universität Berlin: Culture
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Studying in Finland & Student life in Helsinki
- University of Edinburgh: Keeping busy
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Culture
- University of Zurich: Leisure & Culture place by UZH Student Association
12Language learning
- KU Leuven: Language learning
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Language learning
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Center for Polish Language and Culture
- Freie Universität Berlin: Learning German as a foreign language
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Language Centre
- University of Edinburgh: English language support for international students (ELSIS)
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: French as a foreign language
- University of Zurich: Language Center
13International student meetings and centres
- KU Leuven: Pangaea
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Erasmus Student Network UCM Madrid
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: International student meeting
- Freie Universität Berlin: International Club
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: International gatherings
- University of Edinburgh: Social connections
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: International students association at Paris 1 Facebook page
- University of Zurich:
1Insurance and social security
- KU Leuven: (Health) Insurance and social security
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Insurance & social security
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Insurance & social security
- Freie Universität Berlin: Insurance and social security
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Health insurance
- University of Edinburgh: Private health insurance
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Welcome guide
- University of Zurich: Insurances
2Healthcare, well-being & safety
- KU Leuven: Health care, well-being & safety
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Health care, well-being & safety
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Student Centre for Support and Adaptation
- Freie Universität Berlin: Services & support
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Health care and wellbeing
- University of Edinburgh: Safety and support
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Health
- University of Zurich: Health@UZH
3Working or volunteering
- KU Leuven: Working, volunteering & career
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Working or volunteering
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Working or volunteering
- Freie Universität Berlin: Volunteering initiatives
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Student involvement
- University of Edinburgh: Volunteering
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Citizen engagement
- University of Zurich: Career Services
4Diversity and inclusion
- KU Leuven:
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Diversity & inclusion
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Diversity & inclusion
- Freie Universität Berlin:
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Equality, diversity and accessibility
- University of Edinburgh: Equality, diversity & inclusion
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Students with disabilities
- University of Zurich: Gender equality and diversity & Disability office
5Homepage – international students
- KU Leuven: Life @ KU Leuven
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Homepage international students
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Homepage international students
- Freie Universität Berlin: International students
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: For international students
- University of Edinburgh: International students
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: International students
- University of Zurich: UZH for international students
6Free Wi-Fi
- KU Leuven: Campusroam/ Eduroam
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Free Wi-Fi
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Free Wi-Fi
- Freie Universität Berlin:
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Eduroam
- University of Edinburgh: Eduroam
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Eduroam available on campus
- University of Zurich: Network Access
7Student email
- KU Leuven: Email @ KU Leuven
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Email @ ucm. es
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Student email
- Freie Universität Berlin: E-mail
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Student email
- University of Edinburgh: Email
- University of Zurich: Email
8IT facilities
- KU Leuven: IT facilities for students
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: IT-facilities
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: IT-facilities
- Freie Universität Berlin: Campus Management
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: IT services for students
- University of Edinburgh: IT services for students
- University of Zurich: IT services for students
9Learning platform
- KU Leuven: Toledo
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Campus virtual
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Learning platform
- Freie Universität Berlin: Blackboard
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Moodle
- University of Edinburgh: Virtual learning environments
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: EPI
- University of Zurich: OLAT
10Administrative intranet for students and staff:
- KU Leuven: KU Loket
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Intranet
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Administrative intranet students/staff
- Freie Universität Berlin: Intranet
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Intranet Flamma
- University of Edinburgh: MyEd
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Intranet
- University of Zurich: UZH for students
11Online library collections
- KU Leuven: Access to eresources
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Cisne
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Online library collections
- Freie Universität Berlin: The Library Portal Primo
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Online library collections
- University of Edinburgh: Library services
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Mediatheque
- University of Zurich: E-Library
12Academic offer, including BASUS
- KU Leuven: Choose your programme
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Study with us
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Study programmes
- Freie Universität Berlin: Study programs
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes
- University of Edinburgh: Study with us
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Choose your programme
- University of Zurich: Academic programs
13Education and exam regulations
- KU Leuven:
- Universidad Complutense de Mardid: Education and exam regulations (e.a.)
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie: Education and exam regulations (e.a.)
- Freie Universität Berlin: Offices of Examination, General Regulations
- Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Students' legal protection and degree regulations
- University of Edinburgh: Policies and regulations
- University of Zurich:
Una Europa
1What is Una Europa and what does it have to do with BASUS?
Una Europa is an alliance of eleven European universities that leads initiatives to rethink higher education and research in Europe. BASUS is one of these initiatives and the first ever joint bachelor programme in Sustainability.
For more information about the alliance, visit the Una Europa website.
For more information about the alliance, visit the Una Europa website.
2Does Una Europa offer other (joint) degree programmes?
BASUS is the second joint bachelor programme offered by Una Europa, the first one being its sister project, Joint Bachelor in European Studies (BAES). For more information about BAES, you can visit the website dedicated to the programme. You can also check out Una Europa’s initiatives webpage to find more information on what Una Europa has to offer.
How to contact us
1Who should I contact regarding issues not included in this FAQ?
If you have more questions regarding BASUS that have not been included in this FAQ, you can contact us at basus-info@uj.edu.pl.
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