151 new projects proposed for funding to support international cooperation in higher education

Helping higher education institutions fulfil their mission

Erasmus+ capacity building for higher education projects aim to address the diverse challenges facing us in the world today. 

They work as partnerships between organisations (usually higher education institutions) from the EU and other associated European countries, and from other countries or regions of the world. Together they develop innovative  teaching content and techniques, train staff and help higher education institutions carry out their missions in a rapidly changing world. 

Global challenges

Across the world, policy-makers and educators recognise the role of education to address the many challenges that face us, such as

• the climate emergency
• conflict
• recovery from the COVID pandemic
• the need for re-skilling as artificial intelligence starts to shape how we work and how we learn

Zero-carbon to health education

This year, the 151 projects proposed for funding include the participation as partners or coordinators of over 1,500 higher education stakeholders from almost 120 countries.

All will work together to modernise and internationalise higher education in partner countries, and to strengthen the EU’s relations with these countries – both in the education sector and more widely.

Examples from this year’s selection include

• developing technology transfer hubs (Western Balkans)
• building sustainable urban development goals into degree programmes on transport (Neighbourhood East)
• driving and measuring innovation (South Mediterranean)
• data-driven food systems (Asia)
• transversal skills for the renewable energy and electricity sectors (Central Asia)
• integrating skills for internationalisation and employability (Middle East)
• farm-to-fork strategy for Pacific islands
• women and STEM empowerment (Western Africa)
• nursing skills for post-natal infection control (Southern Africa)
• industry-academic links for sustainable textile industry and circular economy (Eastern Africa)
• circular economy value chains for plastics (Latin America)

Total budget

Over the 2021-27 period, €613 million is budgeted under Erasmus+ to support annual calls for capacity building for higher education projects.

2025 call

Interested in applying? The Funding & tender opportunities portal is the place to apply. The 2025 call will open in November 2024, with deadlines in February 2025.