Do you want to organize an activity around global engagement and global themes in Antwerp? The University of Antwerp supports your initiative with a budget of up to €3000. You can submit an application on behalf of a student association or in your own name.
This could be an awareness-raising event or a project such as an exhibition, a lecture, a workshop, or a creative action.
1. Why this call?
Our world is facing major challenges: climate change, shifts in international power positions, migration, inequality, and a past that still has an impact today. This calls for creative and diverse solutions with a focus on collaboration.
With this funding, the University of Antwerp aims to inspire and support students to set up their own awareness-raising activity or project. In this way, you can make an impact, engage critically and in solidarity through dialogue, and contribute to an inclusive, globally engaged university.
2. What are we looking for?
We support initiatives, organized in Antwerp, based on the Global Engagement strategic framework that:
- Stimulate global citizenship
- Open new perspectives and strengthen 21st-century thinking
- Promote inclusion and connection at the university and in society
- Express justice and solidarity with the Global South
- Are based on the belief that a positive, globally engaged future vision is both possible and necessary
3. Examples of projects
Let yourself be inspired, but feel free to surprise us with something new:
- A debate evening, workshop, or film screening with discussion
- An intercultural meeting or student parliament with young people from the Global South
- An artistic or cultural event around diversity or global themes
- Actions to promote more inclusion and representation on campus
- A fair-trade breakfast, a museum visit with reflection, or a student competition on “being a world citizen”
- A well-being initiative for international students
Diversity for Law studenten organised a workshop on confidence and imposter syndrome in 24-25:
“The DLS workshops were a valuable and enriching experience for me. They provided a safe space for open discussions and personal growth. Through the stories of various speakers and participants, I learned a lot about diversity in the legal world and how this often plays out in practice. In addition, I developed a range of skills, such as recognizing and overcoming invisible barriers. It was a highly educational experience that I will carry with me into the future. I definitely recommend these workshops to other students who want to broaden their horizons.”
During the European Poetry Slam Championship 2023, the organizers invited three world voices: Xabiso Vili (South Africa, World Champion 2022), Lady La Profeta (Colombia, World Champion 2023), and Zakli Kokouvi (Togo, organizer of the 2024 World Championship). They not only delivered impressive poetry slam performances but also engaged in a debate about the power of poetry slam: a democratic art form that gives marginalized groups a voice and sheds light on local as well as global issues, often voiced from the Global South.
Pictures of the debate with Philip Meersman, Lady La Profeta, Xabiso Vili, Zakli Kokouvi aka Menteur Ambulante and Dareka (Marc Vanicatte)
4. Who can apply?
- You are a student at the University of Antwerp.
- You can apply as an individual or on behalf of a student association/group.
- Collaborations between study programs, faculties, or disciplines are strongly encouraged.
5. What do we expect from a proposal?
A good project proposal includes:
- A clear description of your idea, objectives, and expected impact.
- An estimate of the costs and a plan to evaluate your project afterwards.
- A short communication output during or after the project (e.g., photos, a short report, social media post, video, …) so we can share your impact.
- All communication must include the VLIRUOS logo, along with: “This project was made possible through Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.”
6. Budget
- You can apply for up to €3,000.
- Examples of eligible costs: venue rental, catering (max 15 EUR/person), transport, printing, fees for guest speakers (max. €150), travel costs, …
- Not eligible: compensation for organizers, alcohol, ICT equipment, donations.
- After submission, we will provide feedback on which costs are eligible and guide you through the follow-up process. All expenses must be properly documented and comply with VLIRUOS guidelines.
7. Deadlines and procedure
- The jury meets on Fridays: Sept 5, Oct 10, Nov 14, and Dec 12, 2025, and Jan 9, Feb 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 12, 2026.
- After the meeting, we will let you know whether your proposal has been accepted.
- Submit your proposal at least 5 working days before a jury meeting.
- Need feedback or coaching in advance, including on the budget? Email in time to globalengagement@uantwerpen.be
This project was made possible by Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.
