Education on centre stage
The development of higher education in the EU’s neighbouring partner countries and improved student and academic mobility is among the key areas of our EU support. In order to achieve the aims of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) - building a common space of stability and prosperity between the EU and its neighbours, fostering social and economic development and accomplishing democratic transition processes in partner countries - a strong and educated human capital is a crucial factor.
Forging new partnerships between universities from Member States and the different partner countries could help to modernise curricula and teaching methods, build research capacities and improve graduate employability and institutional governance.
Erasmus+ programme is one of the key initiatives for EU cooperation with the European Neighbourhood countries in education, training, youth and sport. Three ENEST countries are already fully associated to the programme – Türkiye, North-Macedonia and Serbia – meaning they can fully take part in all actions of the Erasmus+ Programme. The budget dedicated to the four non-associated Western Balkan countries for 2021-2027 is €362 million and for the Eastern Neighbourhood for more than €302 million and it includes four main actions:
- Key Action 1 – Mobility of individuals: Opportunities for pupils, students, adult learners, trainees and young people, as well as for professors, teachers, trainers, educators, youth workers, sport staff, staff of education institutions and civil society organisations to undertake a learning and/or professional experience in another country.
- Key Action 2 - Cooperation among organisations and institutions: capacity building, institutional reform and related student and staff mobility.
- Key Action 3 - Support to policy development and cooperation: policy support and policy dialogue, including project/information offices and promotional activities in ENP partner countries
- Jean Monnet actions
Overview of support to higher education in 2021-2027
International Credit Mobility
Short-term mobility for students and staff allows students to study at a foreign university for 2-12 months and obtain credits which are then recognised at the sending institution as part of their degree. In addition, there is a possibility to apply for a grant for staff mobility for 6-50 days.
Since 2022, over 30 230 people have participated in the mobility schemes that Erasmus+ programme provides, allowing for exchanges and mobility between the non-associated Western Balkans and EU countries, and 29 681 between the Eastern Neighbourhood and EU countries.
Capacity Building in Higher Education
Capacity Building projects in Higher Education are 2 to 3 year-long projects implemented by multilateral partnerships of Higher Education institutions from both programme countries and non-associated countries with the aim of modernising higher education institutions and systems. These projects contribute to curriculum development activities, modernisation of governance and management of higher education institutions and systems and strengthening relations between higher education and the wider economic and social environment.
Since 2022, 455 instances of participation by institutions from the non-associated Western Balkans countries in 66 different projects selected to benefit higher education, and 573 instances of participation by institutions from Neighbourhood East in 81 projects selected to benefit higher education in this region.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s degrees are full-degree scholarships to Master students from around the world covering tuition, travel, and a living allowance. The programmes last from one to two years during which, students study in at least two different European countries. Upon graduation, they are awarded a joint or a double degree, or multiple degrees.
The EU funds additional scholarships for students from the non-associated Western Balkans countries. Institutions from the Western Balkan and Eastern Neighbourhood countries can also deliver these programmes.
Since 2021, 3 organisations from the non-associated Western Balkans countries have been involved as full partners of the Erasmus Mundus programmes and 200 scholarships have been granted for the nationals of the non-associated Western Balkans countries.
There have been 24 instances of Neighbourhood East organisations involved (partner or associate) in Erasmus Mundus programmes, 3 of them as full partners, and 427 scholarships have been granted for nationals of Neighbourhood East countries.
Jean Monnet Activities
Jean Monnet activities aim to develop EU studies worldwide. Modules, Chairs and Centres of Excellence promote excellence in teaching and research on the European integration process at higher education level. The programme also supports policy debate with the academic world through networks.
Since 2021, 55 projects have been managed by higher education institutions from the 4 Western Balkans countries. There are currently one Jean Monnet Network where an HEI from the Western Balkans, i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina) is participating.
303 projects have been managed by HEIs from Neighbourhood East, with Ukraine leading the chart at 254 projects. As for now there are two Jean Monnet Networks where the HEIs from the Neighbourhood East (namely Ukraine) are participating.
European Universities Initiative (EUI)
The European Universities Initiative is a key flagship initiative in the field of higher education. 65 European Universities alliances are part of this initiative funded by Erasmus+, gathering over 570 higher education institutions from 35 countries. European Universities alliances are transnational alliances of higher education institutions developing long-term structural, strategic and sustainable cooperation, aiming to improve their international competitiveness, while promoting European values and identity.
Since 2023, as part of the Enhanced partnership within the region, higher education institutions from the four non-associated Western Balkan countries can participate in the EUI as full partners. This allows them to reinforce cooperation with the EU’s higher education systems, while strengthening their attractiveness and learning from peers. Their students and staff members can benefit from increased learning and work opportunities. As a result of this opening up of the EUI, 8 higher education institutions from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are currently involved as full partners in seven European Universities alliances.
For more details, check out the regional and country factsheets: Erasmus+ factsheets - Erasmus+